JUNIORS at the Royal Chester Rowing Club are celebrating another wave of success after setting a new UK indoor record at the city's Mall shopping centre.

The young rowers, who are all aged 12-16, took part in the 24-hour fundraiser to help increase rowing opportunities for the region's children, as well as raising new equipment for the club. Organised by junior boys captain Calum McGuicken, the 26 young rowers battled against time to clock up a distance of 345.8 kilometres (214 miles), setting a new UK benchmark distance for their age range.Speaking about the new record, Calum, from Chester, said: "The challenge was for our junior rowers to try and set a new indoor rowing record for their age range on Concept 2 rowing machines.

"With carefully organised shifts of rowing, eating and sleeping, the junior members managed to set a new indoor rowing record, beating one set by 18 to19-year-old rowers at a rowing club in Bedford and setting a new record for their age range.

"We are delighted with the result and would like to thank the generosity of the Mall Chester in letting us use their facilities, along with the overwhelming support from the public and other stores in the Mall such as Millie's Cookies and Barefruit Juice, who kindly donated refreshments."
They raised from the challenge will be put back into the club to help raise awareness of the sport locally and we would like to thank Concept 2, who kindly loaned four Ergo rowing machines for us to use for the competition."

Julie Williams, marketing manager at the Mall Chester, added: "The Mall management team would like to congratulate the Royal Chester Rowing Club juniors on achieving their new record.

"The event not only provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of a respected local rowing club, but gave a chance for Chester shoppers and children to learn about the skills of rowing and the excellent sporting opportunities that exist in their city."

If you are a beginner and would like to find out more information about joining the Royal Chester Rowing Club e-mail: ian@rcrc.org.uk for a taster session or call Ian on 07803 000056.