Prices are in USD.

Payment Methods
We accept Visa, Mastercard or Check.

Please note: Effective January 2026, a 3% surcharge applies to all credit card payments. No surcharge applies to non-credit card payment methods.

Introducing Event Guard
Offers your team peace of mind against the unknown. The rate for this event is $95 USD plus applicable taxes and must be purchased when registering your team for the event.
Cancellation or Postponement: If the event is cancelled or postponed more than 12 hours in advance of the scheduled first race, receive a full refund.
Cancel for Any Reason: Cancel anytime up to 30 days in advance of the event for any reason and receive a full refund.

For more information (i.e. refund policy, multi-event discount, etc), please visit our FAQ page.

Racing Divisions

• At least 3 teams must be registered in a division. Any division with less than 3 teams registered will be amalgamated into the next closest racing division offered. 
• *Sport 200M distance: Time-permitting, teams will receive up to two (2) 200m races.
• **Sport 2K distance: Time-permitting, only the top teams in each division will qualify for the 2K. The number of top teams in each division will be determined by the sizes of each division.
• To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats but will race independently of each other.

Address
The event will be held at Mercer County Park, event location is located east of the Marina at 334 S Post Rd, West Windsor Twp, NJ 08691.

Site Map
The 2025 site map will be posted 1 week before event day.

Driving Directions to Event Site
Click here for a map to the event site upon arrival at Mercer County Park.

Directions
From US Route 1: Cross toll bridge into New Jersey on US Route 1.  Take first right past Quakerbridge Road.  Travel almost 2 ½ miles and turn left onto Hughes Drive.  Proceed on Hughes Drive for ½ mile to the entrance of Mercer County Park on the left.

From NJ Turnpike: Take Turnpike South to Exit 8 at Highstown.  Follow Route 33 West and turn right on 571.  Travel on 571 for 2 ½ miles to Route 535 and proceed 4 miles to the entrance of Mercer County Park on the right.

Once you arrive in the park, make your way to the Boathouse/Marina and follow the signs to event parking.  The event site is east of the Marina.

Park Rules
We’re committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators. Before heading out to the races, there are some things you should know:

• Pets are welcome at Mercer County Park but should be leashed at all times
• No grills or other cooking equipment are allowed on park grounds.
  

Teams are responsible for picking up their waste within their team sites.  In addition to handing out waste bags during team check-in, there will be wastebaskets located throughout the Athletes’ Village to maintain the park’s cleanliness.  Let’s all work together to keep Mercer County Park clean and green.

Medical Services
Medical services and first aid will be available on site. If you’re in need of medical attention, please report to the medical tent for immediate assistance.

Race Schedule
The 2026 Race Schedule will be posted Monday, September 14th.

For the Points & Race Structure and ERDBA Regionals, click here.

For the 2K Rules of Racing, click here.

For the MLDB Rules of Racing, click here.

Racing Divisions

• At least 3 teams must be registered in a division. Any division with less than 3 teams registered will be amalgamated into the next closest racing division offered. 
• *Sport 200M distance: Time-permitting, teams will receive up to two (2) 200m races.
• **Sport 2K distance: Time-permitting, only the top teams in each division will qualify for the 2K. The number of top teams in each division will be determined by the sizes of each division.
• To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats but will race independently of each other.

Schedule Advancement
Sport Divisions
Teams will race up to five times over three distances: 2 x 500m, 2 x 200m, 1 x 2,000m. Teams will be ranked overall based on time, in the Qualifying Round. The 500m Qualifier will seed teams into the 500m Final. The 500m Final will seed teams into the 2,000m race. The 200m Qualifier will seed teams into the 200m Final.

Points for each distance will be awarded to each team based on overall placement in the Final round.

Teams not qualified for the 2,000m will receive points only for the 500m Final and 200m Final.

Community Divisions
Teams will race 3 x 500m.

Race Marshaling
Marshaling for races will begin promptly half an hour before the first race on Saturday. Teams must be in the Marshalling area 30 minutes before their scheduled race throughout the day.

Race Day Check-In
Every Team Captain must check-in their team at Race Headquarters on race day. Registration will be open from approximately 6:00AM to 9:30AM. All waivers must be completed prior to check-in. Please visit the FAQ section for more information on how to check in on race day.

For a speedy check-in, ensure that all waivers for your team are completed. The electronic waiver deadline is 11:59AM EST on Wednesday, September 16th. Online access to waivers will be restricted after the deadline, after which only paper copies will be accepted on Saturday morning.

Team Captain’s Meeting
There will be a Team Captain’s meeting on Saturday morning, 1 hour before the first race, at the Awards Stage to discuss race day rules and address any questions.

Industry Cup Races
First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.

Consolation Finals
First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.

Grand Finals
Third and second-place teams will receive bronze and silver medals, respectively. First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.

Awards Ceremonies
Ceremonies will take place after each Industry Cup, Consolation Race, and Grand Final Race. GWN Staff will gather the winning teams as they come off the water and will be directed to the Awards Area.

Awards Photo Wall
Winning teams are invited to capture the moment on race day at our featured MLDB photo wall, thanks to Showtime Photo Booth. Their memorable setups will add a fun, celebratory touch as you commemorate your race experience.

Stay tuned for entertainment and on-site activities for 2026.

Marketplace:

• TBA

Interested in being a vendor? Email us at info@gwnevents.com to find out more.

The event site is right by the Finish Tower along the watercourse (east of the Marina).  The parking area will be located south of the event site, please check the map for the exact location.  There will be signs to direct you to the parking area as well.  Participants/spectators are also welcome to park at the Marina’s parking lots.  Walk towards the water and head east through the forest to the event site. Vehicles are not allowed on the event site, please do not go beyond the fence line. Park only in designated areas. 

Looking to have some fun on the docks? GWN is always looking for fantastic volunteers.

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of the exciting and fast-paced action that is dragon boat racing. You’ll also get to experience the energy and excitement of the festival event atmosphere and be a part of a vibrant community of dragon boat enthusiasts. Volunteers will be needed to help with various tasks in ensuring the safety and smooth operations of the event through the various outlined tasks:

• Boat Marshalls: Will be on the dock assisting paddlers with getting in and out of the boats. This position should be filled by people who are comfortable around the water.
• Results Runners: Will be posting the results from the Timing Officials at the Registration Headquarters. This position requires neat handwriting.
• Team Marshalls: Will assist the Marshalling Manager in ensuring that all teams are ready to load into boats at the correct time to maintain smooth running of the races.
• Crowd Control: Will ensure one-way flow traffic from the Marshalling Area after boats are unloaded.

If you would like to volunteer, we can promise some food, drinks, a really cool shirt, and community service hours (if applicable) so please complete this Volunteer Form to join our team! To get more info or ask any questions, feel free to send us an email at volunteers@gwnevents.com.

Check out past event results.

2025

2024

2023