Saturday, September 27
Since 1983, Des Moines Rowing has held a race on the Des Moines River, making it one of the oldest and biggest regattas in the Midwest. This three-mile upstream race attracts crews from all over the region. HOTDM is a premiere USRowing-sanctioned regatta that celebrates the best Des Moines has to offer: our vibrant downtown and riverfront, destination activities, our scenic race course, and a sporting community that combines fellowship and competition. Please help us continue the tradition of racing on the Des Moines River in 2025!
The HOTDM is a head race, which is a time-trial competition. In this form of racing, rowers race against the clock where the crew or rower completing the course in the shortest time in their age, ability and boat-class category is deemed the winner.
Registration for events will open on regattacentral.com for Masters, Collegiate, Juniors, Para, and Open class rowers in August 2025.
Results of past HotDM races can be found on regattacentral.com.
Race Course
The HOTDM course begins by the Botanical Center and continues upstream to the finish line by the western edge of Prospect Park. Clubs will launch and disembark at Prospect Park.
To get to Prospect Park from I-80 or I-35, take I-235 to:
- Euclid Ave Exit #12, go west on Euclid, go south/left on MLK Jr Pkwy, turn east/left on Prospect Road and continue to Prospect Park (on your left).
- Preferred route for those towing trailers: MLK Jr Pkwy/19th St Exit #7, go north on 19th St/ MLK Jr Pkwy, go east/right on Hickman Road, go west/left on Prospect Road (at the bottom of the hill) and continue to Prospect Park (on your right).
Volunteer
Volunteers are essential in making the 2025 HOTDM another successful regatta! This is the best opportunity of the year for DMR masters, youth, and novices to contribute volunteer hours. Friends and families of rowers from anywhere, come be part of the HOTDM action! Cheer on your favorite crews and sign up to be a volunteer. Most volunteer shifts are the day of the regatta, but volunteers are also needed before and after. Additionally, many volunteer jobs do not require rowing expertise or prior experience (e.g. T-shirt sales, flex team, race announcers). Every contribution of time adds up to help make this central Iowa’s premier rowing event
Sign up link coming in August 2025