Firefighter Marco Capella, based at Newport Pagnell is preparing to take on the ultimate test of endurance next June, joining five others known as ‘Team ROWMADS’ in an unsupported rowing challenge around Great Britain, starting at London Bridge.
The challenge, set to take place in June 2026, will see the group tackle a demanding journey designed to raise awareness and funds for a variety of charities. Marco has chosen to raise vital funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, who support fire service personnel and families across the country.
Since signing up, he has started an intensive training programme that goes far beyond the rowing machine. His regimen includes strength and conditioning, cardiovascular fitness, and mobility work to prepare for the physical demands of the journey.
Marco shared;
“Being part of the water rescue team for the Service, I knew I already enjoyed being on the water and using the boat stationed at Newport Pagnell which is a national asset. However, rowing itself is pretty new to me, I knew this would be tough, but I wanted to do something that would truly challenge me and make a difference.”
In the coming weeks, the team will begin a tailored nutrition plan to support their training and recovery, ensuring they are all in peak condition by the time the challenge begins.
Team ROWMADS are collaborating with a handful of researchers as part of this challenge. The primary areas of research they aim to explore include:
- Bone Density and Calcium Metabolism (Endorsed by Sandhurst Research Team) to investigate how extreme and prolonged exercise affects bone turnover and calcium balance in a high endurance, high load environment.
- Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Quality (Endorsed by Oxford University). Evaluating the physiological and psychological impacts of altered sleep cycles during the row (2 hours on, 2 hours off). Specifically, we aim to quantify the volume of sleep and quality of sleep and its effect on circadian regulation and cognitive performance.
- Pre-expedition Fitness Adaptation (Endorsed by Coventry University). Measuring the energy cost and substrate utilisation (eg. Carbohydrate vs fat use) over a continuous 24 hr rowing cycle to better understand nutritional demands and metabolic strain.
- Psychological testing and team dynamics – (Major Pat Harper conducting psychological assessments and observational analysis on small-team dynamics in an isolated, high stress environment. They aim to explore leadership roles, conflict resolution and resilience under pressure.
Marco hopes to raise £2,112 for the Fire Fighters Charity to reflect the number of miles the team aim to complete. If you would like to support this initiative by donating, click here – ROWMADS – GB Row Challenge – GiveWheel
As the countdown begins, we’ll be sharing updates on their progress on our social media channels, the team will also be sharing behind the scenes on their Instagram and Facebook accounts @Rowmads
Stay tuned for more details as the team edges closer to the start line.