Days of Thunder – Witten Dragon Boat Regatta
26th edition of the Ruhr's largest fun dragon boat regatta — July 4/5, 2026 on the Ruhr
About Days of Thunder Witten
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Dragon Boats on the Ruhr
Days of Thunder is the largest and oldest fun dragon boat event in the Ruhr area. In 2026, the Kanu-Club Witten e.V. will celebrate its 26th edition on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026. The venue is the Ruhr River in Witten, directly at the canoe club's grounds. On a 250-meter course, around 80–90 teams will compete — each boat with 16–20 paddlers (at least 6 women) plus a drummer.
Categories 2026 — Five Classes
- FUN FUN: max. 1 active paddler (hobby class)
- SPORT FUN: max. 4 active paddlers
- SPORT: no restrictions on active participants (competition class)
- LADIES FUN: all-female crews, max. 1 active paddler
- PINK LADIES (NEW 2026): for breast cancer survivors and their supporters, at least 14 affected participants per crew
The new Pink Ladies category is a moving statement and connects to the international dragon boat movement that has encouraged breast cancer survivors worldwide to dedicate themselves to sport together since the 90s.
Program Schedule
- Saturday, July 4, 2026: Race day from 8:00 AM to approx. 6:00 PM. Preliminary heats, intermediate races, evening get-together in the festival tent.
- Sunday, July 5, 2026: Finals until approx. 6:00 PM, award ceremony around 3:30 PM.
Camping and Atmosphere
An on-site tent village and camper van area will be set up — many teams arrive with gazebos, pennants, and costumes, some crews bring over 100 people. The weekend is equally high-performance competition (in the SPORT classes) and carnival atmosphere (in the FUN classes). Changing rooms and showers are available at the canoe club. Glass bottles are banned from 2026 onwards — organizers are switching to PET bottles and cans.
Registration and Status
The entry fee is €500 per team, registration deadline is April 10, 2026. The 2026 regatta is fully booked — however, spectating is free. Training sessions will take place on June 13–14 and June 20–21, 2026.
Witten on the Ruhr
Witten is a city with just under 100,000 inhabitants in the Ennepe-Ruhr district, on the southern edge of the Ruhr area. The city is picturesquely located on the Ruhr River, with a history of mining and steel production and an active water sports scene. The Kanu-Club Witten has been a dragon boat stronghold in North Rhine-Westphalia for decades and is the initiator of Days of Thunder.
Days of Thunder Witten — edition 2026
Organizer: Kanu-Club Witten e.V. Entry fee per team €500, registration deadline April 10, 2026. Preliminary heats Saturday, finals Sunday. On-site camping/tent village. Ban on glass bottles from 2026. Training sessions possible on June 13/14 and June 20/21, 2026.
Programme Days of Thunder Witten 2026
Days of Thunder 2026 Program
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 — 8:00 AM to approx. 6:00 PM
- Opening and skipper briefing
- Preliminary heats and intermediate races in 5 categories
- Evening get-together in the festival tent
- Sunday, July 5, 2026 — until approx. 6:00 PM
- Finals and placement races
- Award ceremony approx. 3:30 PM
- Closing brunch
5 Categories: FUN FUN (max. 1 active), SPORT FUN (max. 4 active), SPORT (open), LADIES FUN (max. 1 active paddler), PINK LADIES (new — breast cancer survivors).
Current participant list and start times: kcwitten.de.
Highlights Days of Thunder Witten 2026
- 26th edition of the largest dragon boat fun event in the Ruhr area
- New in 2026: Pink Ladies category for breast cancer survivors
- 250m race course directly on the Ruhr River
- On-site camping/tent village
- Festival atmosphere with costumes and bands
Prices Days of Thunder Witten 2026
Spectating is free. Participating teams: €500 entry fee. Camping: separate packages, see kcwitten.de.
Practical information — Days of Thunder Witten
Getting There
By car: Take the A 44 or A 43 to Witten, then follow signs for Kanu-Club / Ruhr. By train: Witten main station (Hbf), from there approx. 20 minutes on foot or by bus to the Ruhr.
Prices
Spectating is free. Team entry fee: €500. On-site camping available for a fee.
Tip
Best view of the races: Banks on the Witten side. Drummers set the rhythm — the atmosphere is electric during exciting finals. Bring sunscreen and a picnic.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Days of Thunder Witten al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Days of Thunder Witten
Ruhr, Kanu-Club Witten
Gelände Kanu-Club Witten, 58452 Witten