Early Sunday morning Team Marshall gathered at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes, where the Marshall Vikings of Rock dragon boat crew, consisting of 18 rowers and one very important drummer, took to the water to raise money for a local charity, World Vision. The Dragon Boat Race is an annual event in the area and we thought it was about time we represented Marshall there!
The Vikings of Rock had four practise sessions before the big day where they perfected their timing, technique and speed. At 9.45am they boarded their vessel for the first race, adorned in war paint and Viking helmets and won with a time of 66.12 seconds, which remained the fastest time of the event for the first few heats! Round 2 saw them pick up the pace (quite literally) with a personal best time of 64.39 seconds and taking first place again. By Round 3 the Vikings were feeling the burn but they still managed to pull it out the bag and gained second place with a slightly slower time of 67.25 seconds. All the hard work had paid off though as a place was secured in the semi-final.
After an hour or so rest, the Vikings boarded the boat again and paddled to the start line for the nail biting semi-final. The race was so close and all teams were neck and neck but unfortunately the MC announced the Vikings of Rock had come in third place. Our dragon boat journey had come to an end, so we all retired back to base for a well earned beer! Team Marshall thoroughly enjoyed the day and would like to thank everyone who came to support us and sponsor us.
So far the Vikings of Rock have raised £335.00 for World Vision. World Vision help families and children all over the world overcome poverty and injustice in some of the poorest areas as well as responding to any major disaster by sending immediate and skilled help. To find out more about World Vision visit www.worldvision.org.uk