Rumson Boat Race Back on Saturday

Collegiate rowing returns once again to Rumson-Fair Haven area on the Navesink River this weekend.

The Rumson Boat Race, slated for Saturday morning, will host prestigious college men and women's crews which will challenge one another for  the Governor's  Cup and the Mayor's  Cup.

"Now in its fourth year the residents of both Rumson and Fair Haven eagerly anticipate the annual event,” said Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl.

Army, Rutgers, Villanova and Dad Vail Champions-Drexel University will launch adjacent to Victory Park in Rumson between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and race in men's and women's varsity eight-oared shells.

Spectators should bring binoculars and lawn chairs, organizers advise.

Conditions permitting, high school student athletes from the Central New Jersey Rowing Association will also compete. Those groups include: RFH Rowing, comprised of area high school students and run by Rumson Recreation; Joseph's High School, Metuchen; and Westfield High School, Westfield.

The courses will include portions of Rumson, Fair Haven and Middletown.

The Fourth Annual Rumson Boat Race Coaches Reception will be held Friday, Sept. 27 at 6:30pm at Rumson Country Club. and is open to the public. The cost is $100 per person. For more details, see the website at www.rumsonboatrace.org.

In the tradition of the Henley Royal Regatta, athletes and coaches will enjoy the hospitality of local families on Friday evening following the reception.