Rowing 4800km across the Atlantic Ocean

Papua New Guinean Angela Lawrence (pictured) has rowed 4800 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean, starting in the Canary Islands, near Spain, and finishing in Antigua and Barbuda in the West Indies.

The idea for the incredible feat started while Australian-based Lawrence was having a coffee with friend Rosie Arnel.

Arnel suggested they pair up for the row, despite Lawrence being a novice rower and living hundreds of kilometres inland in Australia at the border town of Albury–Wodonga.

Lawrence’s adventurous spirit was enough for her to say ‘yes’, and they went ahead and entered the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

The event is considered to be the world’s toughest rowing challenge and rowers must complete the crossing without any support.

Lawrence and Arnel formed a team called But A Dream, and set about getting ready for the crossing.

The obstacle of living far from the ocean was not the only challenge they faced. Their boat was based in the UK, so they could not train in it until a few months before the row.

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Instead, they did strength and condition training, and mental preparation. Besides training they raised awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation, which supports people with breast cancer and their families. Arnel is a survivor of breast cancer.

Leading up to the challenge, Lawrence and Arnel made two trips to England. The first was to log hours in their boat, as well as have navigation training, medical check-ups and learn sea survival skills. The second was to convince the organisers that they could take on the crossing despite training on the other side of the world away from their boat. With the aim of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 50 days, Lawrence and Arnel cast off from the Canary Islands on December 12 last year. Seasickness was a problem at the start as they faced waves two storeys high. They took turns at rowing, two hours at a time. Being at sea on Christmas, and missing their families, added to the already difficult task. Lawrence says the mind challenge was their toughest burden.

With a total of 61 days out at sea, they arrived at the finishing line on February 11 to the embrace of their families and cheers from the crowd.

Lawrence now has her eye on more adventures, including the Kokoda Trail. n

– MARY ASEARI

Marathon for POM

Port Moresby runners are preparing for the country’s first fully fledged marathon since 1998.

The Amazing Port Moresby International Marathon is scheduled for July 30. The full marathon distance is 42.195 kilometres, but there will also be a half marathon and a 10-kilometre run.

The marathon is being organised by the Port Moresby Road Runners, a group that has been conducting running events in the capital for more than 40 years.

Organisers are hoping to attract runners from overseas to take part in the marathon and are also seeking sponsorship for local runners.

Australian running store Intraining Running Centre has already stepped up with a donation of 40 pairs of runners for locals. n See pommarathon.com.