GB Row Challenge is an annual 2,000 mile rowing race around the Great British coastline, starting and ending at London’s Tower Bridge. Arguably the toughest rowing race in the world (because of the fast-changing British weather, tidal navigation around the coast, busy shipping lanes and storms), it is also a race that will redefine purpose-driven sport because the athletes collaborate with scientists in a multi-year partnership with the University of Portsmouth. While the crews row continuously and unsupported, they will collect ground-breaking scientific data, including microplastics, marine DNA, temperature and will also record a marine soundscape. Combined, these will create the most comprehensive data map of British waters to date. Samples and recordings collected while rowing will be given to the University of Portsmouth, where world-leading experts in marine research will analyse the data to help us better understand the state of our British waters.