News

Durham victorious in the Sir Steve Redgrave Tees Challenge

(26 May 2004)

The Sir Steve Redgrave Tees Challenge produced some fantastic racing and a nail biting finale at the River Tees Watersports Centre at the weekend.

The Challenge was to provide a team of twelve people, six men and six women, who would contest a number of different boat classes over the course of the day. The racing was held over a multi lane, 400 meter, course and points were awarded based on performance. The event raised £15,000 for Sir Steve's charity and this will all come back, via the charity, to the local community. As well as raising the charity money there was £12,000 in prize money to row for which would go directly back into the sport via the successful teams.

After a successful day for Durham, the title went right to the final race, the mixed eights. Newcastle University, Durham University B, Tyne and Tees A lined up in one of the most eagerly awaited clashes. The Durham University B VIII had to secure 1st place to take the crown, the top prize and the winners trophy. The race started, the large crowd were on their feet roaring on their team and it was neck and neck until Newcastle University and Durham University collided with each other half way down the course. The umpire stopped the race and ordered a re-start. The tension on the banks was electric. The re-run race was the most exiting yet and went right to the wire and was finally won by Durham University B ahead of Tees A.

This gave the title, and the £5000 first prize, to Durham University B who finished just 1 point ahead of home team Tees A who picked up a cheque for £3000. The remainder of the money prizes went to Durham University A on 25 points picking up £2500 and City of Sunderland with 24 points taking home £1500.

Sir Steve was present to witness the racing and present the prizes to the winning teams and went home very impressed with the facilities, the standard of competition and the format of the event. He also declared his intent to continue his involvement in the event in 2005.