A FORMER Glasgow university student has completed one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges by rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic in a record-breaking time … and it was all fuelled by Scotland’s very own Irn-Bru.
Miriam Payne, 23, had the classic AG Barr beverage on hand every time she notched 500 miles on the journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean to give her a taste of home.
Alongside some freeze-dried rations, the orange stuff helped Payne to complete the epic challenge in the early hours of Friday when she clocked a new race record for the fastest solo female.
After three years of training, she crossed the line in 59 days, 16 hours and 13 minutes, smashing the previous record by three hours and one minute.
That’s two months of straight rowing, taking her from the Canary Islands on the December 12 all the way to Antigua and Barbuda, paddling for almost 18 hours per day.
Despite being out in the ocean over Christmas, the New Year and into February, Payne would savour the taste of her Irn-Bru to bring back cherished memories of her time as a student in Glasgow.
Hailing from Market Weighton in Yorkshire, she acquired a taste for Scotland’s national soft drink due to her Scottish-born mum.
Adrian Troy, marketing director at AG Barr, said: “A huge congratulations to Miriam on completing this intense 3000-mile journey. It was phenomenal to see a can of Irn-Bru being enjoyed in such a remote location, miles from anywhere, and we're pleased it could help to power her through.
“We will ensure she has a stocked fridge of Irn-Bru for her arrival home.”
Known as the "world’s toughest row", the Atlantic Challenge is one of the most demanding endurance events on the planet.
Payne – who was reunited friends and family at the finish line – is only one of six to take have taken on the challenge solo, meaning she had to endure through the choppy winter weather and shark-infested waters all alone.
There are just 43 crews in total from across the globe in this year's race and many are still on their journey to the finish line.
Once the challenge began, Payne could not accept any repairs, food or extra water. Everything required for the trip needed to be packed onto her boat – including her cans of Irn-Bru.
She fundraised for two charities while completing the challenge – Wellbeing of Woman and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. Donations to these organisations can be made here.
