Team ROW4CANCER, winners of World’s Toughest Row 2024, cross the finish line into the harbor at Antigua as champions of the 3,000-mile rowing race. The team of Leon Koning, Tom Rijnders, Maarten Diepeveen, and Mark Slats finished in 37 days, 13 hours, and 20 minutes.
Photo credit: World’s Toughest Row
Since departing from La Gomera on December 11, the Dutch rowing team had been leading the race. They finished in La Antigua on January 17 at 22:18 (Dutch time). According to the team, this edition of World’s Toughest Row demanded everything from the rowers: “Constant crosswinds and headwinds, extreme heat, and days without wind made this journey tougher than ever before.”
The team’s goal was to break the world record for a four-person boat, set at 29 days, 14 hours, and 34 minutes. Despite their substantial lead, difficult conditions prevented them from breaking the record. Mark Slats does hold the record, having rowed solo in 2017 and as a pair with Kai Wiedmer in 2020. Asked whether he would try again, Mark replied a few minutes after arriving: “Never say never, but you need a few years in between.”
By taking part in World’s Toughest Row, Team Row4Cancer is raising money for the Princess Máxima Center. They hope the funds raised will improve survival prospects for children with cancer. The team has raised more than fifty thousand euros so far. You can still donate via this link.
