Technically, Team Backpack won the Row-a-Thon at BURNfit Athletics on Northgate Commerce Parkway on Saturday.

They won by virtue of the fact that they essentially rowed a marathon — 26.2 miles, or 42,165 meters — in a speedy two hours and 38 minutes, beating Team Overworked by about three minutes and Team Savage AF by about five minutes.

But truthfully, every team that participated was a winner, as was the gym itself and the Alzheimer’s Association and the families it helps.

There were 61 rowers spread across seven different teams during the fundraiser hosted by BURNfit. The rowers took turns switching on and off the rowing machines quickly and rowing as hard as they could toward the goal.

Each rower wound up sore and sweaty, but in addition to getting a great workout and having a good time, they were helping a great cause.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Row-a-Thon event was a unique fundraiser that provides a great kick-start to this year’s walk.

The goal is $90,000 for this year, and participants are anxious to hold the event, since last year’s was rained out due to Hurricane Florence.

BURNfit General Manager Gus Altschuler said the gym is committed to doing more charity work this year, and the Alzheimer’s Association was an easy choice, since several people at the gym have had personal experiences of family with Alzheimer’s.

We think the Row-a-Thon was a great partnership and look forward to seeing more good things from this gym.