February 16, 2001 9:47: A ROWING world record was smashed at Great Marlow School this week when some of the best sportsmen in the world took to the stage for Red Nose Day.
The Leander Club team, including Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell, went head to head with Wigan's Royce's Gym, the previous record holders of the 100,000 metre row on an ergo rowing machine.
Royce's record of four hours, 40 minutes and 48 seconds was shattered by the Leander Club who pushed and pulled their way to an impressive four hours, 23 minutes and 33 seconds.
The Wigan team were close behind, coming in just four-and-a-half minutes later.
The festivities kicked off the Red Nose Day fundraising events, which will be taking place across the country over the next month.
At the end of the challenge, a state-of-the-art ergo was donated to the Bobmore Lane school, where Sir Steve first learnt to row, to help encourage students into the sport.
Clive Ricks, headmaster at the school, said: "It was a great day. It couldn't have been better.
"Sir Steve and Cracknell received huge applause every time they got on to the machines."
The school has already raised £500 and hopes to reach £2,000 by Red Nose Day on March 16.
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