On 21 January, Runcorn Rowing Club joined forces with Tesco, Helsby and completed a 9 Hour indoor Rowing Marathon, much to the delight of Saturday shoppers.

The event was held in aid of Tesco's charity, Alzheimer's Society and to raise funds for developing much needed facilities the rowing club. Supported by British Rowing, Runcorn demonstrated that rowing can be part of a healthier life style, be accessed by all ages and abilities, allows you to make new friends in the community and most of all be fun.

Four teams of Tesco staff and Runcorn rowers, battled it out on Concept 2 indoor rowing machines. Rowing in relays, the equivalent distance from Tesco, Helsby to Alzheimer's Society Regional office, Warrington and back. Thanks to the fantastic generosity of the public, a total of £1000.00 was raised. This will be donated equally between both parties.

Runcorn RC wish to thank Tesco for this opportunity and commends all the staff involved for their determination and fun loving spirit. A Runcorn spoke person said "The Tesco staff were great, all fully committed to completing their 30min pieces, despite some of them never having been on a rowing machine before! This event has hopefully encouraged some staff and members of the public to come to the club and give rowing a try."

The following day, a small contingent of rowers travelled east and attended the annual Boston Head on the River Witham, Boston. However only one Runcorn rower was able to compete in the 3km time trial, as Division 2 was cancelled and Division 3 restricted due to extremely windy weather conditions. Poppy Burgess racing in the Junior 16 Single category came first in a time of 12min 39 beating rivals from Newark and Bedford Girls School.

The club are now busy training hard for Warrington Head on 5 February and held a club time trial early Sunday morning in preparation.

Despite the cold weather, a mixed flotilla of singles, doubles, fours, quads and eights battled in out, over 2 divisions, on a 4km stretch of the River Weaver upstream of the Sutton Weaver road bridge. Rower Simon Leach said "This type of training is great fun, you have mixed ages and mixed abilities racing in various combinations, along a beautiful stretch of the river. It gives racing experience to all, without it being a chore."

Finally Runcorn RC wish to congratulate their junior Coach Val Edwards for being selected as the North West Region Rowing Council junior representative. She joins her husband Chris Edwards, who was recently elected as the NWRRC Chairman, after being Vice-Chairman for three years.