Regatta Info

Regatta Information

Most WSHS Spartan Crew Regattas take place at Sandy Run Regional Park, on Saturdays, from March to May.  The governing organization is VASRA.  

Arrival Time

WSHS athletes are expected to arrive at the boathouse at least 2 hours before their race.  They will meet at the boathouse and receive instruction from their Coaches.  Located nearby is the Spartan Crew Team Tent with water, light snacks, and sun shade for the Athletes.

What to Bring

Parking and Parking Shuttles

There is NO spectator parking at Sandy Run.  There are off-site parking lots that operate by shuttle service.   

The onsite parking is designated as 

• Lot C
  1. disabled permit parking and shuttle bus services. 
  2. Please contact VASRA Assisted Parking if you need assistance.
• Lot D
  1. Coaches’ Parking and VASRA volunteer position parking.   
  2. This is also the drop-off and pickup lot.  

• Lot B
  1. Staff and Referee Parking.  
• Loisvale Lot 
  1. Athlete Parking.  
• Offsite Parking Lots
  • Since Regattas do not have spectator parking available, they utilize a shuttle service from two local locations.  VASRA does not make money from this service.   They often lose money on the shuttles.   The money charged goes to the shuttle bus company and to the volunteer organization that runs it. Most recently, this was WSHS Football Boosters.  
  • The cost is typically 10$ each way, per person, cash-only.  
  • It is highly recommended that you utilize the drop-off and pickup option at Lot D to save on shuttle overcrowding and overall cost.  
  • Do not wait for the shuttle bus on the road; the pickup and drop-off will be located along the wood line of Lot C.  
  • Most Regattas will utilize parking at South Run High School.  Located at 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
  • There may be a Regatta where the Occoquan, Old Bridge and Route 123, Commuter Lot will be used. Located at 1325 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Finish Line Shuttle

There is also a shuttle bus to the Finish Line near the Grandstand area for those who do not want to walk down the hill or are unable to do so.

• There is still a short walk to the Grandstands from the Finish Line drop-off.  
• This is 5$ per person, cash only, each way.  
• There will be at least one ADA-compliant bus per regatta.  
• The shuttle buses start 1 hour to 45 minutes before the 1st race.

Getting to the Grandstands

Lot C to the Grandstand

• This trail is about a ½ mile hike on foot.  
• The route is a dirt path that is winding and hilly.
• Please wear appropriate footwear and think about what items you want to carry in and out.  
• Look for the signs along the wood line of Parking Lot C for the entrance points to the footpath.  
• The paved path is NOT open to spectators to use for walking.  This is the road used for shuttles and officials.  

Boathouse to the Grandstands

• The path from the boathouse area to the grandstands begins below the gas shed that is located below the boathouses.  
• The distance is about ¾ of a mile and is also a dirt path that is winding and hilly.  
• This path will meet up with the footpath from Lot C about ¼ mile from the boathouse.  
•  It can take 15-25 minutes to hike from the boathouse to the finish line.  

The Grandstands

The Grandstands area is located just before the finish line.  There are large concrete viewing stands and open areas with some bench seating.  There is a concession stand and bathrooms available in the Grandstand area.  

Concession Stand

• The Concession stands sell small food items, and the Regatta T-shirt for that week. 
• There is a Concession Stand located at the Grandstands, and there is one located across the path from the boathouse.  
• The Concession stands are often cash only due to the low cell signal.  They will accept Venmo and sometimes Zelle, provided you can get a cell phone signal to process the payment.  
• The Concession Stands are where you will find the Regatta T-shirt.  The cost is typically 20$ for short sleeves, 25$ for long sleeves.  

2025 Grandstands Menu (Subject to Change)

Tips and Tricks

• Cell Phone service can be very low.  When many people arrive in one spot, it gets even lower. 
• The concrete seats of the grandstands require a stadium seat or seat pad for all-day comfort.  
• The footpath to the grandstands is hilly and can be treacherous in places.  Please wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.  
• The Grandstand sunshade is not typically up for the first few regattas.  Have a sun care plan.
• Spring weather can be very unpredictable.  The Regatta will keep going in the rain until lightning has been detected in the area.  Having weather-appropriate clothing and gear is crucial.
• Portajohns are located near the boathouse and Lot D.  Several composting toilets are located at the Grandstands.  Any large event has a possibility of running out of toilet paper.  Having a backup for toilet paper and some hand sanitizer often saves the day.
• Pets are not permitted on Regatta Days.  

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