Roger Stainforth was Durham ARC’s only competitor, and one of only three Masters entries, at the North East Indoor Rowing Championships hosted by Durham University Boat Club at Maiden Castle on November 15th. Using the competition as a predictor of what might happen at the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC) in Birmingham in 3 weeks time he was very happy with an improvement of over 6 seconds on the 2k time he set at the English Indoor Championships at Bolton in September, and in so doing achieving a Concept2 World best time for the 2025/26 season for the 80-84 age group of 7.45.8.
The NEIRC is open to participation by local rowing clubs and gym-based indoor rowing enthusiasts, and was well supported by DUBC and College Boat Clubs, as well as by Lambton Rowing Club who had a full squad of Juniors accompanied by enthusiastic parental supporters. With Hexham, Chester-le-Street and QEHS also present, Roger was proud to carry the flag for DARC.
Roger now heads the 2025/26 World rankings in the 80-84 category for both 500 metres (1.42.8) and 2km (7.45.8), and has his sights set on achieving further improvements at BRIC on December 6th.
Roger Stainforth and Tony Edwards at Durham LDS
Preparations have also included rare appearances on the water, with a Masters double entering Durham Long Distance Sculls.
We wish him every success!