Sisters rower beats best for a cause

Champion rower Bethanne Kronick achieved her goal of beating her last year's marathon record of 26.2 miles (42,195 meters) in 3 hours 25 minutes on an ergometer during a fundraising event at Sisters Athletic Club (SAC).

Before she started rowing Saturday at 4 p.m., Kronick announced she hoped to complete the distance in 3 hours 15 minutes.

She made her goal with six seconds to spare, coming in at 3 hours 14 minutes and 54 seconds.

Kronick is ranked fourth in the world for her age group.

While Kronick was on a mission to beat her own record, she was also "rowing across borders" to raise funds for high school student Lauren White. White is traveling to Europe this summer as a student ambassador in the People to People program. Students are required to raise their own funds for the trip.

Participants in the event were challenged to row alongside Kronick for 20 minutes for $20. Those with the best time won prizes.

"I just won the entire thing," said Ron Lambert with a smile. "I personally realized it's probably the best overall cardio workout and it gives you an overall body workout. On a treadmill, for example, you only work your legs. This works every muscle."

Janet Baker, SAC member,

rows three times a week and took a rowing class from Kronick the week before the event.

"I learned better technique," Baker said. "She was a great instructor, and in using a better technique, I got a better workout."

Winners of the "Rowing Across Borders" event also received a $30 gift certificate to use at the Camp Sherman Store, owned by White's parents.

White will be traveling to Belgium, Holland, France and England.