Physicist Miriam Payne, 23, is the first solo female rower to successfully complete the 2022 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. It took her 59 days, 16 hours and 36 minutes to row the 3000 miles, alone, from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Setting a new race record by 2 hours and 38 minutes, she arrived in English Harbour, on the 10th of February 2023.

Photo Miriam Payne, 23, is the first solo female rower to complete the 2022 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. It took her 59 days, 16 hours and 36 minutes.

Credit Atlantic Campaigns

As well as the usual freeze-dried rations, the former Glasgow university student fuelled her crossing with Irn-Bru, the famous Scottish soft drink produced by AG Barr. Payne, who comes from East Yorkshire and has a Scottish-born mother, celebrated significant distance markers by opening a can. On Day 41 she had less than 1000 nautical miles remaining, so for breakfast it was, “A celebratory Irn-Bru and chocolate orange”.

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“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,” said Adrian Troy, marketing director at AG Barr. “We will ensure she has a stocked fridge of Irn-Bru for her arrival home.”

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It was an adventure-filled crossing for Payne who overcame broken oars on Christmas Day and circling sharks on New Years Eve. She even had three beaked whales visit her which she said was one of the best experiences of her life.

Payne fundraised for two charities while completing the challenge – Wellbeing of Women and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.