1946: THE FIRST BOSTON TO LINCOLN MARATHON
Article in the “Standard” of Saturday, October 19th 1946 and reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the Lincolnshire Standard Group.
Nearly two hundred people, assembled on the High Bridge at Lincoln on Saturday afternoon, gave a rousing cheer to five members of Boston Rowing Club as, tired but triumphant, they paddled smartly up to the bridge and shipped their blades at the end of their 30-mile row from Boston.
After “shooting” the bridge, the crew, rowing as cleanly as when they set out from Boston, made their way through to the Brayford Pool. There, encouraged by the cheers of Lincoln rowing men and other spectators, they “gave it ten”, to finish with a burst of speed, the first Boston to Lincoln row by a racing four.
Their actual rowing time for the distance, which is rather more than 32 miles, was 5 hours 20 minutes, an effort which was all the more praiseworthy because they were pulling against a head wind for the greater part of the way. Cold drizzle, which fell at times during the row, added to their discomfort.
The members of the crew were:
- E.A.MOFFAT (Stroke)
- N. ROOKE (Three)
- W. PEARSON (Two)
- H.CHAMBERLAIN (Bow)
- K. BROWN (Cox).
Both Chamberlain and J.Aaron were eager to join in the attempt, and the toss of a coin decided who the bowman should be.
MANY SPECTATORS
The crew’s attempt, first news of which was given in last week’s “Standard” had aroused considerable interest along the route, and every bridge bore its quota of spectators and at various points along the bank well-wishers shouted encouragement to the oarsmen. One old man, who cheered the crew on at Dogdyke, commented: “I’m over 80 years old, and I’ve never heard of it being done before, and I meant to see these boys. I have been waiting for two hours, but it was worth it.” The row was started at 10.05 on Saturday morning, and they finished at 5.30p.m. having had two breaks of 30 minutes and 20 minutes respectively at Dogdyke and Bardney, and a number of “easies” of a few moments each. Mr. Stan Dawson traveled to Lincoln by car, taking an extra pair of oars and various other spares, but luck attended the crew and none of these were needed. Also making the trip by car were Mr. Ton Pickering and Mr. Eric Trestrail two of the Club’s vice-presidents.
THE WORST SPELL
The worst spell was from Kirkstead to Bardney. Mr. Moffatt told a “Standard” reporter later.” I really began to feel we shouldn’t get there. “We bad been told that it was six miles, but the river wound a good bit, and I am sure it was nearer ten. We knew we ought to see the sugar factory about two or three miles before reaching Bardney, but we kept looking for it and couldn’t see it. It just seemed as if we were never going to get there.
SOME SEQUELS
E.A.Moffat’s wife was so angry with Ted at undertaking the row that they didn’t speak for a week! Harry Chamberlain said than he would only do it again with an out-board motor on the stern! He said that they felt “Proper Charlies” as they walked in their rowing gear through Lincoln to the Saracens Head Hotel with crowds gaping at them. The inspiration for the row was a late evening in the bar of the white hart hotel.
1949: LINCOLN TO BOSTON
During the first three years of the event it had been a private match for Boston Rowing Club crews, but in 1949 Crowland Rowing Club asked if they could compete.
Another big change also took place; it was decided to row from Lincoln to Boston. The reason for this was twofold; Boston Rowing Club boathouse was at the finish and more importantly so was the pub next door.1950: AN OPEN EVENT
In 1950 it was decided to throw the event open to all entries from any club.
1991: THREE-HOUR BARRIER BROKEN
University of London set a new course record of 2hrs 59mins 45secs.
2000: MARATHON CANCELLED
The event was cancelled for the first time in its 55 year history due to a fuel crisis.