Record breaker rows 36 marathons in 36 days

Amanda Yates took on the challenge after taking up rowing during the pandemic

A woman has beaten a world record after rowing 36 marathons in 36 consecutive days.

Amanda Yates, from Northleach in Gloucestershire, took on the challenge to raise money for MAD Challenges - an organisation that hosts activities for people living with a chronic illness, injury or disability.

The 55-year-old finished the challenge on Wednesday and said she felt "really good, but a little bit emotional".

"There were tough days," she said. "I was ok to start with, but this last week has been particularly tough."

Ms Yates said she "got the bug" after taking up rowing on a machine in lockdown.

She was inspired to take on the previous record of 32 marathons in as many days after reading about it online.

So far, the maths teacher has raised nearly £5,000 for MAD Adventures - a cause she wanted to support because the company focuses on "what people with physical challenges can do, rather than what can't do".

She still needs to get the record officially verified by experts at the Guinness World Records.

This involves uploading 138 hours of video and witness statements - a feat she said "will probably take as long as the rowing".

Ms Yates is waiting to have her world record verified

Despite the mammoth task, Amanda showed few signs of slowing down - her final row was among her fastest, taking three and a half hours.

But she said the record-breaking attempt did take a physical toll.

"The things that hurt the most are my fingers and my hands from gripping and pulling so many times," she said.

The rowing did not all take place in the gym, and on some days Amanda took the machine on tour to different locations - including the pub.

She rowed outside the Sherborne Arms in Northleach on one occasion.

Ms Yates plans to be back on the machine within days, she added.