Name: Days of Thunder – Witten Dragon Boat Regatta 2026
Start: 2026-07-04T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-05T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Ruhr, Kanu-Club Witten

Days of Thunder Witten

About Days of Thunder Witten

Days of Thunder is the most famous fun dragon boat regatta in the Ruhr area. On July 4 and 5, 2026, the Kanu-Club Witten will transform the Ruhr River near Witten into a 250-meter race course for around 80–90 teams in five categories — from FUN FUN to SPORT and the new Pink Ladies category for 2026 (for breast cancer survivors and supporters). On-site camping, tent village, award ceremony Sunday approx. 3:30 PM. Regatta is fully booked; spectating is free.

Dates 04 Jul — 05 Jul 2026

Venue Witten (05954)

Prices Since 0.00€

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Days of Thunder Witten — edition 2026

Tickets →

The 26th Days of Thunder will take place on July 4 and 5, 2026, on the Ruhr River in Witten. Around 80–90 teams in 5 categories: FUN FUN, SPORT FUN, SPORT, LADIES FUN, and new for 2026 PINK LADIES (breast cancer survivors). 250m course. Sat 8 AM–6 PM, Sun until 6 PM with award ceremony around 3:30 PM. Regatta fully booked, spectating free.

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.

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

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.

Prices Days of Thunder Witten 2026

Spectating is free. Participating teams: €500 entry fee. Camping: separate packages, see kcwitten.de.

Practical information

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.

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.