April 2026 Boston Rowathon

Civilians and sworn members are challenged to assemble a team and participate in this year's Rowathon. Following last year's format, the event will once again take place throughout April.

When: April 1st to April 26th
Where: Your Firehouse or HQ Gym

Entries: Submit a screenshot of your time to healthandladders@boston.gov by April 30th.

Assemble a team and row a distance equivalent to a marathon - 42,195 meters.  The Concept 2 erg’s monitor must be programmed for the distance (video below). This must be completed in one sitting, and participants may alternate rowing as needed. There is no cap on the size of the team. However, your team must be composed of members from the same firehouse. Firehouses may also organize multiple teams.

Important

- Please do not abruptly let go of the rower's handle, as this will cause it to recoil violently. Stay in control and return the handle to its cradle.

•  Only the firefighter actively rowing in the seat may row. Members off to the side may not pull on the handle during transitioning.

•  2025's time to beat is 2:25:33 by Eng 10 / TL3 / R01 / C6

•  RSVP'ing is not needed for firehouse participation.

•  Once completed, each team will take a picture of their group and their erg monitor (time), then forward it to healthandladders@boston.gov by Thursday, April 30th.

How-to videos

1) How to program the C2 monitor (HERE)

2) How to access the C2 monitor's memory and photo your Rowathon effort (HERE)

Rowathon Prep:

To help the department prepare for this year's Rowathon, Health and Ladders will be programming two workouts a week. Members should expect these endurance and core focused intervals by 0800 hours each Monday leading up to April 1st.