A rowing marathon took place in the Heart Walton to build excitement for this weekend’s regatta.

The Walton and Weybridge regatta on May 26 will mark the events 150th anniversary and a high turnout was expected.

Rival crews put the competition to one side to complete the mammoth challenge of rowing 3,000km on Ergo machines donated by Pure Gym and local rowing clubs.

The virtual row covered the equivalent distance of Athens to Eton Dorney Lake, the London Olympic rowing venue.

Walton, Weybridge and St George’s rowing clubs were not the only people taking part in the challenge on Saturday, May 19, supported by Walton Business Group.

Youngsters raced their parents and former rowers gave it a go after years out of practice.

Saturday’s regatta will see races taking place every two or three minutes, from 8am until 6.30pm.

The regatta course is on the Thames at Walton, from Walton Marina downstream to Miskins Wharf at end of Felix Road for those that want to watch it from the towpath.