Austinn Lane, Murray Pioneer

A cold winter’s morning didn’t deter competitors from the 2026 Renmark Rowing Club’s Wharf to Woolshed Long Row marathon on Saturday, June 20.

The row started at 7am at the Renmark Wharf, and travelled some 36km upstream to the Woolshed Brewery, finishing around 5pm.

Renmark Rowing Club president, Tony Townsend, says it was another successful event in 2026, the ninth instalment of the Long Row

“It was a fantastic day, it was beyond our expectations and it ran so smoothly,” Townsend said.

“We had great numbers this year, increasing by 50 per cent on our 2025 total, and adding 20 per cent more boats.”

Just over 300 people made the journey to Renmark for the 2026 Wharf to Woolshed Long Row, up from over 200 in 2025, proving the popularity of the event, and the appeal of the region.

“It is a unique event and I think that is what people love about it, it isn’t a race but a row for 36 kilometres up the river.”

“The scenery of the Murray River is a bucket list item for many people who come and be part of it too, they just love the Murray and what it offers.”

This year, people travelled from far and wide to be involved in the event, with groups travelling from overseas to be present on the big day.

“We have crews travel from Queensland, New South Wales, Canberra and Victoria to be here, which is fantastic that they can make it each year,” said Townsend.

“This year we had two crews travel from the Tasman Coastal Rowing Club in Nelson, New Zealand.”

While the event cannot be held without crews travelling from far and wide to take part, the Renmark Rowing Club community play an equally important part on the day.

“This year we had 65 volunteers on Saturday that helped organise the event and make sure it all ran smoothly,” Townsend said.

“Our volunteers put in countless hours pre-event and this cannot go ahead without the help and support of the community. Our club is a community club and it is well supported by the community.”

The Long Row has become an iconic event on the Riverland calendar, with planning for the 2027 event already in the pipeline.

The Renmark Rowing Club will hold its tenth Wharf to Woolshed next year, with planning for the big celebration to begin in February.

“It will be a special event next year and while we are just catching our breath from this year’s edition, we cannot wait for next year.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 1 July 2026.