The World – 5 Miles From Home

Stephen Probert

02/09/2026

249

2 minute read

Event Details:

5 Miles From Home 2026

2–6 September 2026

Welsh Sea Rowing, Scottish Coastal Rowing Association and Ocean to City are proud to present the international
5 Miles From Home Challenge 2026. This unique global event allows crews to compete from their own local waters
while being part of a worldwide coastal rowing community.

Instead of travelling to a single venue, participants can complete a 5-mile (8,047m) challenge from their home waters,
submit their results and compare performances with competitors across the world through our handicap-adjusted scoring system.

Event Information

Challenge Window: 2–6 September 2026
Entries Open: 15 July 2026
Entries Close: 26 August 2026
Entry Fee: £15 per boat
Kayak/SUP/Canoe/Land Challenge: £8 per entry

Who Can Take Part?

The challenge is open to participants anywhere in the world and welcomes a wide range of human-powered coastal craft.

Main Challenge

Fixed-seat coastal rowing boats

Alternative Challenge

Kayaks
Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs)
Canoes
Dragon Boats
Offshore Sliding Seat Boats
Outrigger Canoes

A dedicated Under-19 category is also available, encouraging young people to get involved and celebrate participation on the water.

How It Works

Register your crew.
Plot a safe local 5-mile course.
Complete the challenge between 2–6 September 2026.
Submit your results.
Share your experience with the global #5MilesFromHome community.

Results are adjusted using a handicap system to create fair competition across a variety of boat classes and craft types.

Safety

Participants are responsible for ensuring their craft, crew and route are suitable for local conditions. All local navigation rules and safety requirements must be followed throughout the challenge.

Get Involved

The organisers encourage all crews to take photographs and share their challenge experience on social media using:

#5MilesFromHome

Whether you’re rowing from Wales, Scotland, Ireland or anywhere else in the world, this is your opportunity to represent your club and be part of a truly international coastal rowing event.