Row Your Way to Greatness with Cancer Research UK’s ‘The Great Row’

This January, Cancer Research UK is encouraging the nation to dust off their trainers and take part in The Great Row to help beat cancer sooner.

The new fitness challenge, which is completed on indoor rowing machines, is part of the charity’s new partnership with The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races which take place on the 27th March this year.

To take part in The Great Row, individuals and teams can choose from different challenge levels; with rowing distances starting from 2,000 metres, going up to a full marathon.

Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, who is supporting the challenge, said: “This might be easy for me to say, but you don’t have to be an experienced rower to take part in The Great Row. There’s a challenge to suit every level, whether you’ve never used a rowing machine before or you think you might win an Olympic medal one day.”

“Setting yourself a challenge is a great way to get fit and you’ll see the rewards of training as your times get better and better. On top of that, it’s a great way to support Cancer Research UK’s work to beat cancer sooner and I really hope thousands of people join us and do their own Great Row.”

Participants can train for free at Fitness First gyms every Friday throughout January, February and March, with The Great Row’s official fitness partner welcoming participants in to train, at no cost, every day from 19th – 26th March to complete their challenge ahead of the official races.

Frances Milner, executive director of philanthropy & partnerships at Cancer Research UK, said: “The Great Row is a challenge like no other. Rowing is a great way to mix up your usual exercise routine or try something new to get fitter and healthier in 2016. We’re thrilled to be partners of The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races in 2016 and we’re excited to launch The Great Row. Raising funds for your challenge will not only make you feel great physically, but will help save lives by funding vital cancer research.”

To download a training plan and fundraising pack, or for some special tips from Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, visit: Cancerresearchuk.org/TheGreatRow and to join the conversation, follow #TheGreatRow