Rowing national championships return to Lake Natoma in May

The best of the best, fastest of the fastest Division I men's heavyweight, men's lightweight, women's lightweight and Division III men's heavyweight will race on Lake Natoma in Gold River the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. The intercollegiate Rowing Association's National Championships return to Lake Natoma for the 2026 regatta to be held May 29-31. The event, which returns to Lake Natoma for the first time since 2019, will be held in partnership with presenting sponsors Visit Folsom and Visit Rancho Cordova, as the two cities will reap major financial benefits by having thousands of rowers and rowing enthusiast in town for the weekend. "Lake Natoma is one of the premier rowing venues in the country," said Laura Kunkemueller, IRA Commissioner. "The Sacramento State Aquatic Center staff consistently delivers both the infrastructure and the operations to create a top-notch regatta for athletes and coaches. Visit Rancho Cordova and Visit Folsom provide support for all of our competitors and for spectators coming in from outside the area. We are looking forward to working with these teams again to present an excellent championship experience for athletes, coaches and spectators alike." The people who run the Sacramento State Aquatic Center love the fact that the event has returned to Lake Natoma. Brian Dulgar, the Aquatic Center Director, commented, "We are honored and excited to be the host of this year's IRA National Championship and to showcase the oldest collegiate sport in the country." "We're honored to welcome the IRA National Championship back to Lake Natoma—one of the nation's most prestigious rowing events at one of America's top rowing venues," said Joe Gagliardi, CEO of Choose Folsom organizations, which includes Visit Folsom, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and Folsom Economic Development. "This event showcases world-class collegiate athletes and brings tremendous energy and economic impact to our region. Folsom is proud to help create an unforgettable experience for teams, families, and fans." For Marc Sapoznik, CEO and President of Visit Rancho Cordova, the excitement is palpable. "This regatta is bigger than ever before," said Sapoznik. "Bringing back these top-tier collegiate rowers is a huge win for our region, and our collaboration with Visit Folsom makes everything possible. We'll see significant economic impact to both communities with full hotels, busy restaurants and bustling activity centers as a result of this event." For more information about the Intercollegiate Rowing Association or the 2026 National Championship, please visit the IRA website or contact Kayleigh Durm at kayleigh@irarowing.com.