5 Intense Indoor Rowing Challenges

Indoor rowing has a tradition of big challenges that go far beyond a 2k or 5k. Some are formal events with official ranking categories, others are charity pushes or team efforts. Record figures change often, so check the Concept2 rankings for current numbers rather than relying on a website.

Check with a GP before attempting anything very long, especially if you have a health condition, and do not try these without building up first.

1. The marathon row (42,195m)

The marathon distance is 42,195 m. On the erg, a rower at 2:15 per 500 m would take about 3 hours 10 minutes. It is a popular first long challenge because it is huge but achievable with preparation. The main difficulties are not heart rate, but staying comfortable on the seat, protecting your hands, maintaining technique and taking in enough food and fluid.

Most people split it into manageable sections, such as 8 x 5,000 m with short stops for drinks. A pace you can hold with a conversational effort is far wiser than an ambitious one. See how to row a marathon for a fuller guide.

2. 100,000m

Rowing 100,000 m is more than twice the marathon distance. At 2:20 per 500 m, 100,000 m takes roughly 7 hours 47 minutes. It is as much a test of logistics and mental stamina as fitness: sore seat, numb feet, sore hands and boredom all come into play.

Concept2 keeps official individual and team ultra-distance records for this event, so check its current list for the times. It recommends regular rests, but your final time includes every period when the flywheel is not spinning.

3. The 24-hour row

A 24-hour row tests how far you can go in one day, and is usually done in teams or solo. In relays, a team of rowers swap on a single erg while helpers hold the seat, change straps and keep the next rower ready. Team events rely on slick changeovers and clear roles, such as one person timing and recording, one supporting the next rower and one managing food and fluid.

Solo, you need a plan to eat, drink and manage sleep, or the lack of it. Concept2 keeps records for this too, and a solo attempt only qualifies if you row within each of the 24 hours.

4. One million metres

A million metres is a multi-day challenge. In practice, it is split over days or weeks, with fixed daily distances. If you aim to complete it over 30 days, that is about 33,333 m a day, which is roughly a long row each day. Spread over 100 days, it is 10,000 m a day. Concept2’s record attempts are rowed for time, so the clock keeps running through any rest, and you need a signed log of each session.

The big risk is overuse: hands, lower back and seat. Plan rest days and monitor how your body responds.

5. The longest continuous row

Attempts at the longest continuous row push for days, and Concept2 says several current records are over 10 days long. Its rules require at least 50 minutes of rowing in every hour, so rest is capped at 10 minutes an hour. These are extreme events that need medical awareness and support teams. We do not recommend attempting anything like this without expert guidance.

How to prepare for any of these

1. Build the base. Row three to five times a week and include one long row that grows steadily. Work up to about half the challenge distance in training sessions before the day.
2. Practise your pace. Choose a pace you can hold at about RPE 4 to 5 and test it on a long session. Most long challenges are failed by starting too fast.
3. Practise fuelling. Try drinks and snacks on your long training rows. See fueling your body for long-distance rowing and the importance of hydration when rowing.
4. Look after your hands and seat. Use a seat cushion if helpful (how to choose the best rowing seat cushion), file calluses, keep a loose grip and wear suitable shorts.
5. Plan the mental side. Break the distance into chunks and give each chunk a purpose. See how to maintain motivation during a long row.
6. Have a stop rule. Agree beforehand when you will stop, such as sharp pain, dizziness or chest symptoms.

Browse more in the training hub.