A prisoner and two staff at Whanganui Prison are believed to have set new world records in a weekend rowing marathon.
Thirteen prisoners and two staff from Whanganui Prison took part in a Relay for Life cancer foundation appeal, with their very own "Row-lay".
Although yet to be officially validated, one prisoner rowed 248,011 metres and set a new time of 24 hours and seven minutes in the continuous row in the men's 30-39 years lightweight category.
Whanganui Prison officers Graeme Taylor and Darren Whetton also set a new record for the longest tandem continuous row in the men's 30-39 years, rowing 279,217m in 24 hours and four minutes.
There is no previous record for this age group.
Two prisoners attempted the tandem men's 20-29 years 24-hour row, covering 325,615m and falling just short of the 348,809m record.
Not attempting to beat any records was a 10-man 24-hour continuous relay team, which rowed in shifts of 30 minutes to achieve a total of 340,029m.
Whanganui Prison acting manager Ngaire Knowles said the Row-lay had been an opportunity for prisoners to give back to communities and to learn about healthy lifestyles.
The staff donated their own time to the event, demonstrating an integrity and empathy for others, that they wanted to encourage among prisoners.
A pair of small businesses - Eastbrook Food Market in Wanganui East and Hill Street Greens - also got behind the Row-lay by donating fruit and muesli bars to keep the rowers going.
The Row-lay raised over $500, with more still to come. The money will go towards a 10-strong Relay for Life team, made up of Department of Corrections Wanganui staff and associated family members.