The 24 hours of Le Mans and the 24 hours of Daytona might make the national press, but they are nowhere near as important as the “24-Hour Row” sponsored by the Orcas Island Rowing Association.

This brutal event was held last Saturday through Sunday. Founders Dave Roseberry and Mike Reid scratched their chins regarding the origins of the event, but settled on 2000, making this potentially the 12th annual event.

Dedicated but weary rowers kept the erg spinning 24 hours straight, piling up more than 332,000 meters or about 206 miles, a new 24-Hour Row record! Undertaking 30-minute shifts through sunset and sunrise, rowers tallied between 6,000 and 8,000 meters per shift, while the balance of the crew handled rower support, washing cars, playing frisbee or slept.

Oh yes, there were novice rowers duct taped to the flag pole, asking for donations and their freedom – a little twisted, but an OIRA tradition. Note: no novices were hurt during this event. Coaches Tina Brown and Martin Taylor were thrilled with the results with more than $1,100 raised toward the purchase of a new quad (four-seat race boat).

They also want to thank Island Market and Key Bank for their generosity and the army of parents who fed and supported the rowers.