Indoor Rowing News

ANZAC Day Challenge 2025

Rowing Together. Remembering as One.

From sunrise in New Zealand to sunset in Western Australia, rowers across Australasia moved together in a powerful act of remembrance — completing 2504 metres on the indoor rower as part of the ANZAC Day Challenge.

Movement With Meaning

In just 24 hours, 913 kilometres were rowed across the region. It was a collective tribute shared by individuals, clubs, veterans, families, and first-timers.

  • Australia: 822 km rowed
  • New Zealand: 91 km rowed
  • Hundreds of participants logged across all states and territories
"This is more than a workout — it’s a way to show respect, be present, and honour their legacy."

Why Rowing? Why 2504 Metres?

Rowing is full-body, low-impact, and scalable. It suits all fitness levels, making it the perfect shared activity for ANZAC Day.

2504 metres represents the date — 25/04 — a symbolic, accessible challenge grounded in purpose and reflection.

"Rowing becomes a meditative, grounding way to reflect — stroke by stroke."

Stories of Purpose

Participants rowed for many reasons:

  • In memory of relatives who served at Gallipoli
  • To honour friends and colleagues from service
  • As a personal moment of reflection and gratitude

One of the most notable efforts came from the ACT Veterans Indoor Rowing Group, where 31 participants, including detainees from the Alexander Maconochie Centre, completed a combined 365,584 metres.

"In the AMC, it’s become a powerful ANZAC tradition. For the veterans inside, it’s a meaningful way to mark the day."

Across the country, similar stories unfolded — one rower, one erg, one purpose at a time.

A Healthy Way to Honour the Day

The ANZAC Day Rowing Challenge is a modern way to commemorate: a chance to move with purpose, to reflect through physical action, and to connect communities in a healthy, positive tradition.

This aligns with Row Nation’s mission — creating movement that builds resilience, connection, and lifelong health.

Keep the Momentum Going

If you were inspired by the ANZAC Day Challenge, keep building on that momentum.

Row Club sessions are now running weekly across Australia. Whether you're new to rowing or ready to take your training further, Row Club welcomes you.

Thank You

Thank you to every rower, coach, club, and supporter who took part.
Together, we proved that movement can honour, connect, and inspire.

View the full leaderboard and submissions at rownation.co/anzac-challenge.

Lest We Forget.

Learn More