By Isle of Wight Observer
Islander Max Fallone has broken a world record, after rowing 288,055 metres (179 miles) on an indoor rowing machine in a 24-hour challenge, raising nearly £5,000 for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
The event, held at Marine Fit gym, in Newport, on August 22 and 23, saw Max row in four-hour stints with 15-minute breaks. He burned 17,000 calories during the feat, and has so far raised £4,891.13 for the hospice, far surpassing his original £300 target. Supported by family, friends and gym members throughout, Max credited their help with food, encouragement and pacing for keeping him going.
He rowed from midday to midday, saying the toughest stretch was from midnight to 4am when he fell behind his pace and had to increase his speed to catch up. The 24-hour push took its toll, leaving Max unable to close his right hand properly for days afterwards.
But, fuelled by a nutrition plan of rice cakes, pretzels and sandwiches, supplemented by sweets and brownies when energy dipped, he pushed through the pain barrier. He matched the world record with more than an hour to spare, then rowed on to finish 8,000 metres (almost 5 miles) clear.
“It was a real team effort, and I feel super-blessed for the support,” he said afterwards.
Visit iw.observer/24-hour-row for more information.