Whanganui Prison inmate Jim rowed through the night on Saturday - to raise funds for the Heart Foundation.
He was attempting to break the world record of 271,897 metres rowed in 24 hours, using a machine in the prison gym. At first he was only having a two minute break every 28 minutes, just time to scoff a banana or muesli bar before carrying on.
Ten hours into his task it was clear he wouldn't make the distance and break the record - but he kept going the full 24 hours, with slightly longer breaks.
Senior corrections officer Darren Whetton, who has done long-distance rowing himself, said it was a full body workout.
"I know how much pain he's in. To push through knowing the record is gone is quite an achievement."
Jim (not his real name) was on one of five rowing machines in Rowlay, the prison's fourth annual fundraising rowing event. The four teams and one individual started rowing at 10am on Saturday. They were due to finish at 10am yesterday, then have a celebratory breakfast and receive certificates.
Three previous rowlays have raised a total of $4800 for the Cancer Society and Heart Foundation.
This year the aim was another $1000. The money is mostly the prisoners' own, given in sponsorship and donations.
Prisoner Clive (not his real name) has rowed in the fundraiser for four years. He said keeping fit was always a priority for him.
"Healthy mind, healthy body. There would be more people in prison that exercise than that don't exercise."
The fundraising event was Mr Whetton's idea, in response to the annual Cancer Society Relay for Life. The men undergo a training programme in preparation. Some have lost weight and gained fitness and skills in teamwork.
"I like seeing these guys doing things that they don't think they can ever achieve. Some of them just lack self belief," Mr Whetton said.