2026 Race Entrants

After a long battle with mental health in my early adulthood.  I’ve always been drawn to endurance sports.  As an avid ultra runner, I love the feeling of pushing my limits past where I could ever imagine.  When I stumbled upon this challenge I didn’t hesitate for a second.  I knew it was something that I needed to do.

I spent years being my own worst enemy and I’m happy to constantly prove to myself and those around me, that it couldn’t be further from the truth now.

Rowing the Atlantic has been on my bucket list for over 15 years. I’ve always been drawn to the challenge, having followed the race closely for years. More so over the past six years, as I’ve had the privilege of watching three close friends take it on themselves. In 2020, I flew out to Antigua to watch them cross the finish line, and as I stood on the dock, something clicked. I made a promise to myself: the next time I stand on this dock, it will be because I’ve rowed in myself.

Now, it’s my turn—and I’ve decided to go solo.

My Chosen Charity

I’m rowing to raise funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). This cause is deeply personal to me, having recently lost a close friend to MND. The MNDA does incredible work supporting those diagnosed with this devastating disease and their families. Through this challenge, I hope to honour my friend’s memory and help amplify the charity’s vital work in any way I can.

 ONE WOMAN, ONE OCEAN, ONE CAUSE

I’ve always been intrigued by what it is like to be out on the open ocean, having grown up with my dad’s stories from his row in 2003. I decided to bite the bullet and sign up to feed my interest in doing a challenge of this scale. I have always loved the idea of striking out alone and putting myself into a situation entirely out of my comfort zone, so felt I couldn’t go much further than signing up to row 3000 miles on my own. To be able to feed my ambitions, whilst raising money for a couple of causes that are important to me in different ways was a complete no-brainer and almost a calling that I could not ignore the opportunity to pursue. 

Why indeed! After successfully finishing the WTR Atlantic in January 2021 with the Atlantic Dutchesses, a deep ocean longing stayed in my system. A failed attempt to participate in the WTR-Pacific in 2024 made the longing even more as the energy was still there to go, GO! During the crossing in 2020-2021 I sometimes thought; would I dare to do this alone? The answer was yes, and yes again. So why not? I know I’m capable, having endured hardship in many ways. Enough stamina for all the oceans, but the adventure to go solo will last for a lifetime.

And here is the real answer to the why. Having suffered from cancer and especially the treatments, it made me realize how powerful the body and mind are. It made me stronger and actually, without this period I couldn’t and wouldn’t have crossed any ocean at all. I’ll never be thankful for having had cancer, but it brought me a deep gratitude for life and all its possibilities. I chose the World Cancer Research Fund as they support research that explores the relationship between healthy choices in diet and lifestyle and the reduction of risk to get any kind of cancer. We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we do have a choice in how we deal with it. So I’ll do what I love best to support this message and help the World Cancer Research Fund continue their good work.

Karyna supported Ben when he thrust the family into the insanity of the race in 2019 as team Row4Hope made their journey in 2021. Now, with adult children flying the coop, she’s keen to see what this race is about! She and Ben will row as a pairs team and look forward to seeing all that the race has to offer, not only the intense sleep deprivation, sea sickness, and endless rowing for weeks, around the clock, but the serenity and solitude of sunsets, sunrises and moonlit nights. Here’s to the insanity, chaos, danger, and beauty of it all!

We are a pair of lifelong friends who met at school in Cornwall over 20 years ago.

Based and now reunited in London we have been looking for our next challenge, so naturally decided it made sense to hop in a rowing boat and cross 3,000 miles of open Atlantic ocean.

But more importantly, it gave us an opportunity to raise money for Fredericks Foundation. An incredible charity which focuses on funding social enterprises to make a positive impact on society. The work they’ve done with organisations such as Clink and Carefreespace are a brilliant testament to this and our hope is by undertaking this monumental challenge we can help continue their great work.

We’re incredibly excited to be involved in The World’s Toughest Row – The chance to push our limits, make a positive impact in other peoples’ lives and embark on an amazing adventure we will undoubtedly dine out on for the rest of our lives.

Cheers to that.

Patrick and Charlie

If we apply the science of human performance, what are we capable of? Vicki is a leading well-being expert, TEDx speaker and coach with a journey spanning entrepreneurship, and record-breaking adventures. Sophie is a sleep specialist, speaker and consultant who works with clients to use sleep science to unlock a higher level of performance.

For us, this is not just a rowing race – it’s about what we can test, learn and share about resilience and thriving throughout the journey.

We aim to inspire a global audience to challenge their limiting beliefs, to explore new behaviours and to unlock their potential.  We will explore:

– How can we stretch beyond our current capabilities?
– How can we build an unbreakable mindset?
– How can we finish as a stronger team than when we began?
Every step of the way we will ask.. Could this help us gROW?

We will raise funds for Inspiring Girls, an international Charity that seeks to raise the aspirations of girls around the World by connecting them with female role models from all walks of life.

Lottie (Executive Assistant, 26) and Ethan’s (Paramedic, 25) relationship is built on ocean rowing, when they met, Ethan was training with his previous team (ParOARmedics; WTR 2024) and Lottie was with a team preparing to row across the Pacific. Unfortunately, Lottie never got the chance to row across the Pacific but fate threw them in another direction and they were suddenly preparing for an Atlantic row in 2026. The Exploring Duo are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team where Ethan volunteers and The Seaview Sailing Trust.

The World’s Toughest Row – an extreme endurance challenge that pushes both the physical and mental limits.

The intrinsic desire to be the best of ourselves, the appetite to challenge and push the boundaries have led us to attempt an adventure of a lifetime.

Our ambition is simple – to raise awareness on the declining state of our oceans.  And to highlight the importance of our oceans as one of our planet’s most vital resources that we must protect and restore for the generations to come.

Our mission is to raise awareness about marine pollution, inspire action towards cleaner oceans, and advocate for sustainable practices. Through this challenging endeavour, we aim to spotlight the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, and to protect our oceans for future generations…turning the tide on ocean pollution and preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our planet’s waters.

Our journey – rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera – Spain, to English Harbor – Antigua, is a truly monumental task, which will test our willpower, endurance, teamwork and humility.  Join us on a journey of a lifetime, dare to dream, be part of something that inspires others to be truly remarkable.

Rowing the Atlantic Ocean became a goal in recent years, we have both had a very adventurous childhoods which has followed us into adulthood. You only live once, so live it to the full and try everything! Hence why we chose our name “One Row, Live It”. A spark of adventure appeared when we made the decision to attempt such a challenge, and the best thing is we can help raise vital funds for charities whilst taking on this epic journey.

We have chosen four charities –

1. Royal National Lifeboat Institution
2. Alzheimer’s Research UK
3. Retraining of Racehorses
4. Monviso Nepal Foundation

Why we have chosen the RNLI…

… Living in the United Kingdom of Great Britain or in the Republic of Ireland, it’s impossible to not end up by the coast, the RNLI is a charity which everyone may need to use at some point in their life, hopefully never! The RNLI completely relies on donations from the public to help provide their amazing selfless crews with valuable equipment which helps them to save all walks of life. We choose the RNLI because no matter your age, sex, race, religion, nationality or even species (our beloved pets), this wonderful charity will always answer your call for help and it is important to support those who have saved over 140,000 lives since 1824!

Why we have chosen Alzheimer’s Research UK…

… We believe in living your life to the very best, to venture on those adventures, taking those chances and most importantly, making those treasured memories along the way. Alzheimer’s Disease affects around 6 in every 10 people with dementia in the UK, a huge percentage! And this disease can affect anyone of any age. What a terrible thing, to live the most amazing life, only to forget it. And those you love so dearly have to watch this horrid disease take over. This is why we have chosen Alzheimer’s Research UK, they are a charity with one goal, to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. They currently have discovered a new drug which can help dramatically slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and is currently in the trail stages.

Why we have chosen Retraining of Racehorses…

… Both of our background’s are very equestrian based and we felt the need to raise money for a wonderful equestrian charity. RoR is a charity which helps to retrain racehorses to adapt to new environments and new sports. Since its launch in 2000, ROR has established itself as one of the country’s pre-eminent equine charities, offering the highest standards of horse welfare and providing care and funding for former racehorses that would otherwise be vulnerable. With the aim to always be prepared, ROR has in place a nationwide infrastructure and safety net ready to take in and care of former racehorses.

Why we have chosen Monviso Nepal Foundation…

… In November 2024, Louis spent over a month in Nepal climbing in the Himalayas, here he met many of the local people and many became friends which he keeps in touch with regularly. MNF is a charity that was pointed out to Louis by the local people in Nepal, MNF focus’ on Education, Infrastructure and health care in the rural communities of the Solukumbu District, Nepal. MNF are very present and very active in the community here. YOUR donation can help provide those less fortunate with so many opportunities that we, living in the UK, are given for free. Education, Infrastructure, Health Care and a FUTURE for these wonderful people.

David and Shelley are inspired by the challenge of the race – both mental and physical – and are determined to succeed in joining the small group of adventurers who have rowed the Atlantic Ocean.

 They currently spend most of their time aboard their yacht in Western Australia and are not only rowing the Atlantic in 2026, but also plan to sail a lap around Australia in 2025.

While David has been rowing since he was young and was a ‘Super Vets World Gig Rowing Champion’, Shelley is relatively new to the sport but has had dreams of rowing across oceans for years. 

Their shared love of the ocean and great sense of adventure, means that these challenges are sure to be only the start of their exciting journey!

 “If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it.”

When I messaged Jess to ask if she’d be interested in joining me for the World’s Toughest Row, her response: “Haven’t had time to read all the info you’ve sent. Knowing me, the answer is probably yes!”

That’s how our journey began: two sisters, one bold idea, and a shared spirit of adventure. Once separated by circumstance, now united by a purpose.
Our story is more than a physical and mental challenge – growing up in foster care we faced hardships that could have broken us. Instead, it helped us become resilient. We’re grateful for the people who supported us – those who believed in us, lifted us up, and helped shape us into the women we are today. Their kindness gave us the courage to believe in ourselves, and the strength to take on one of the most demanding challenges in the world. With a mission to inspire and extend that same compassion to others – we’d like to pay it forward by raising funds for charity.
The ocean has always been our place of peace and solace, as career seafarers, it’s our home. We are so excited to experience the breathtaking sunrises and starry nights whilst navigating the formidable ocean.

As a pair, and as individuals, we both love the sanctity of endurance challenges. The purity of experiencing you against you, and of man working intimately with mother nature is something we are both lucky enough to have experienced before, and always cherished. In today’s frantic, always-connected world, being in the moment of a singleminded focus, of getting from A to B, is a genuine privilege. And experiencing it with a life-long friend, to share the memories with, makes this challenge something to treasure.

Sadly we both have direct experience of the impact of men being unable to talk about their mental health. That suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK is both shocking and unacceptable. LooseHeadz is a charity focused on ending the stigma associated with mental health, and encouraging people to talk about how they are feeling. Their affiliation with the rugby community makes them a natural and obvious charity to get fully behind.

Two lifelong friends always looking for adventure decided to make a team to take on the world’s toughest row to raise money to make the world a better place through the prevention and fight against human trafficking and sex slavery. Grant Miller is the team’s true endurance athlete and first mate. Grant is a business owner, avid runner, and adventurer who jumped at the idea of pushing his limits and facing a new challenge while having fun and making memories. Our Captain Keith Shannon is an average guy who has big dreams. Keith’s desire to change the world for the better led the team to the idea and where they are today.

We are the Coastal Commanders—Scott, Martin, and Jon—three airline captains who are taking on a challenge that will push our physical and mental limits. Our mission goes beyond the race itself. We are driven by the desire to inspire others to live active, purposeful lives, overcome obstacles, and step outside of their comfort zones. We believe that anything is possible when you embrace challenges, and this mindset is at the heart of everything we do.

This journey is especially meaningful to us. In 2019, Jon battled cancer, and his story of resilience and recovery fuels our motivation every step of the way. We are rowing to raise awareness and funds for two incredible causes that hold a special place in our hearts:

• Young Lives vs Cancer: Supporting children and young people with cancer, empowering them to live life to the fullest.

• Move Against Cancer: Encouraging cancer patients to stay active during treatment, helping them improve both physical and mental well-being.

We’re not just rowing for personal achievement; we’re rowing to make a difference for those who need it most.

An all-female team from Scotland brought together by friendship, adventure, and a shared love of taking on life’s craziest challenges, we’ve become a force to be reckoned with! We’re passionate about championing everyone in sport, but especially women, as endurance sport continues to grow and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Professionally, we serve our communities working in healthcare – Lauren and Ellen as physiotherapists and Jenna as a surgeon. As part of this challenge we are raising essential funds and awareness for our chosen charity, The Archie Foundation, whose extraordinary work supports children and families across Scotland during some of their most challenging times. As for why we’re taking on the World’s Toughest Row in 2026 — our answer is, why not? From triathlons to ultramarathons to national sailing competitions, our team thrives on challenge, adventure, and making a positive impact. We want not only to push our own limits but to inspire others to dream big, step outside their comfort zone, and make the most of every opportunity. You only get one life — so why not live it as boldly as possible?

We are an Irish family team of a Mum & two sons taking part in the “Worlds Toughest Row” to test ourselves against Mother Nature.
Also to show that as ordinary people can do anything you set your mind to as long as you put the hard work in.
Your possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.
As islanders on the north west coast of Ireland we are surrounded by the sea and understand the respect it commands.
Mum Sharon has had the experience of crossing oceans as a sailor & now wants to do it the hard way.
Glenn is a keen sportsman, and doesn’t want to pass over the opportunity, he & Evan have decided that they wanted to support mum in this mammoth adventure.
Evan is also experience on the sea starting fishing at a young age.
Evan & mum are both volunteer seagoing crew on the local RNLI all weather boat & understand first hand the charity that saves lives at sea and the costs to keep this service available. As a family we have decided to support the RNLI and attempt to raise funds on our crossing. We would love for you to follow and support our journey.

We’re Blue Star Rowing – three mates from Newcastle, with little rowing experience, about to take on one of the world’s toughest endurance feats: 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. We’re proudly raising funds for Gym Possible – a North East based charity that provides specialist gym space, purpose built for wheelchair users for anyone that has suffered a life changing spinal injury. Our funds will contribute towards creating a new state-of-the-art accessible gym combining physiotherapy, counselling services, and a welcoming café, enabling disabled athletes to train for greater independence, fostering social connection and mental wellbeing.

We are 3 grannies from the Netherlands. We have rowed many kilometers together and the World’s Toughest Row has been beckoning for years. It’s a desire to do something far outside our comfort zone with teammates we trust implicitly. We look forward to going back to basics, getting to know ourselves and each other even better while we have one task: working together and rowing safely until the job is done. We realize that it takes courage and that we are taking a risk, but it’s a calculated risk. Together with the people around us, the organization, our preparations and the right tools, we do everything we can to reach the port of Antigua safely. With this challenge we also want to inspire others to take the plunge and show that anything is possible, at any age.

Our beautiful grandchildren are healthy and growing up in a safe and loving environment. We wish that for every child and we are looking for a goal that contributes to this, but we have not yet made a final choice.

Four Ordinary Men, One Extraordinary Challenge

In a bold display of resilience and unity, four ordinary men with everyday lives, families and jobs will be taking part in The World’s Toughest Row 2026. United by a shared belief in making a difference, they are committed to showing that with grit and teamwork, ordinary people can accomplish the seemingly impossible.

With every stroke, these men aim to remind us that even the biggest challenges can be met with courage, camaraderie, and determination. They hope their story will inspire others to chase their own dreams, face their fears, and make a positive impact — no matter how ordinary they may feel.

We are eagerly anticipating 2026 and the journey ahead – come along for the ride by following us @fourtituderowers

Our team consists of four friends sharing one mission to cross an ocean. We set out on a journey taking us from Germany’s lakes, via the Baltic Sea to the South Atlantic and beyond.

Our journey isn’t just about endurance; it’s a call to action to show that anything is possible if you commit your mind and body to it. Pushing through intense physical and mental challenges, we aim to build a coalition committed to restoring resilient ecosystems. These ecosystems will stand as living proof that active, purposeful engagement can reshape the future. Today’s challenges around climate change, habitat loss, ecological imbalances demand new, active solutions. In a time when environmental anxiety is high, we want to show that with commitment, courage, and a shared goal, we can defy the odds and create real change.

Together we row for the adventure that unites us – and for the social organization HOPE. Four people, different in age and experience, without rowing skills, but united by a common mission: to conquer the Atlantic in the “World’s Toughest Row”. What drives us is the thrill of the unknown, working together as a team and the joy of an extraordinary challenge. But while we pursue our goal, we support the social organization HOPE and give hope to those who battle even bigger waves every day.

As a team, we are excited about the unexpected challenges we will face every hour of the day on the Atlantic and what we will learn about ourselves in the process. The journey from La Gomera to Antigua is set to be an adventure of a lifetime.

Our team’s mission is centred around inspiring those around us to take action about the causes they care about within their local communities. This means each team member has chosen a local charity to support, each of whom will benefit from every penny of fundraising.

We are setting out to prove that an all female team of amateurs can not only tackle the high seas, but contribute to the increasing visibility of Women in Adventure sports. We are all women who love to sink our teeth into new challenges, and love the process of learning new skills and sports. The incredible effort of knowledge and skill acquisition required for this is already underway on our end and we are enjoying every second!

We are women who serve our communities in various roles; Helicopter Rescue Crewperson, Critical Care Nurse and Midwife, Teacher and Occupational Therapist. Additionaly, we actively contribute to our communities through Surf Lifesaving clubs, Laura serving as the commodore of her local Yacht Club, and our participation in fundraising events and sports clubs.

We have chosen Ruah Community Services as they are Perth Based Charity who do work to aid women and families affected by domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues. They opened the first Women’s Refuge in Perth and continue to support thousands of women and children a year. We feel strongly about chosen charity, as family violence rates unfortunately rise in Australia.

We have chosen the Royal Flying Doctors Service as all of our members have worked for, or closely with the service and have seen firsthand the amazing work that is done to provide free 24/7 lifesaving aeromedical, primary and telehealth to Remote communities and cities around Australia. We are stoked to support narrowing the healthcare gap that 70,000 remote Western Australians experience.

When we committed to rowing a 9m boat 3000nm across the Atlantic Ocean, our initial thought was, “Are we slightly unhinged?”.

Well, yes! After many discussions, all being equally adventurous, we decided we’re ready to embrace the highs and lows that the World’s Toughest Row has to offer! We are ready to push our limits and enjoy the journey of a lifetime with our friendship at the heart of it all!

Taking on this challenge has deepened our admiration for the women and men who have done it before us, and we’re excited to make our mark for ourselves and Australia in 2026. Each of us brings a unique aspect to the team, and we’re ready to create unforgettable memories with each other and the other rowing teams.

We are proud to support Telethon7, a remarkable charity that provides crucial funding for medical research and child health services. Telethon’s commitment to improving the lives of children and supporting groundbreaking medical research is made possible by generous community donations, dedicated staff, and countless hours given by volunteers every year. We are humbled to contribute to Telethon7’s mission and look forward to working with them!

Why we want to row:

Team Spirit is committed to raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention, and supporting those in crisis. Silence costs lives – together, we can change that. For a £50 donation, you will add a loved one’s name and message to our boat, Legacy – and we’ll carry those names 3,000 miles across the ocean, as part of our Hull of Remembrance. It’s good to talk.

Why we chose our charities

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen. People calling for change with those who need to listen. People who’ve been there before with those struggling now.

Changing Lives help people who are experiencing homelessness through their hostels and day centres. They operate nationally, helping over 14,000 people each year to change their lives for the better.

The project presents a dual challenge for us, encompassing not only athletic performance but also resilience at sea. Our objective is to leverage this challenge as an optimal platform to raise awareness and secure financial support for cancer aid.

Hence, in instances where safety permits, we restrict our material procurement to cost-effective options, aiming to maximize the financial surplus for subsequent donations at the project’s conclusion. In line with this, we intentionally adhere to the motto “World rescue before world record.”

You Row Girl is an all-female team of adventurers bound by one united goal: to row across the Atlantic and make a difference. We first met competing against each other through competitive sailing in the Women’s World Match Racing Tour and what started as rivalry quickly turned into a powerful alliance fuelled by shared passion, grit, and a love of sport.

Together, we’re taking on the Atlantic Ocean in support of CoppaFeel! and Women in Sport. Sport has shaped our lives giving us confidence, resilience, community and now we’re using that power to inspire others. This row is more than a race; it’s a statement: with commitment, perseverance, and belief in your own strength, anything is possible.

Through the journey, we aim to raise awareness, break down barriers, and spark conversations about topics often left unspoken. From encouraging breast checks to promoting women’s health, we’re using our journey to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams with confidence.

This isn’t just an adventure; it’s a movement. By challenging ourselves we are proving that sport can transform lives and that every woman deserves the chance to experience its power.

We have all competed in various epic events and are keen to test our resilience, and endurance, on this famous race.

The Clocktower Foundation and Matt Hampson Foundation provide phenomanal support for the special forces and those with serious spinal injury, respectively. We believe it is important to assist others who are not as fortunate in life, and this adventure, will enable us to raise funds for our chosen charities.