On Saturday 1st February 2025, A New Zealand team of elite riders from RISE UP Foundation flew to Australia and joined forces with a charitable team from Sydney to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Static Cycling Class’. To that point, the World Record sat at 31hrs 34mins (non-stop riding). As funds were being raised to create greater awareness of Chronic Pain, the team became know as THE CHRONIC 33 (the 33 standing for the number of continuous hours the riders would spend in the saddle to beat the existing World Record).

Not only did THE CHRONIC 33 team beat the existing Guinness World Record, but they added another 1hr: 26mins: 16secs, setting the new World Record at a staggering 33hrs 00mins 16secs.

Funds raised went to two amazing charitable causes:
– RISE UP Foundation’s own charitable purpose of delivering vocational programmes to our disadvantaged / displaced young Kiwi adults across Aotearoa, and
– Chronic Pain, where approximately 1 in 6 New Zealanders and 1 in 7 Australians suffer from the long-term effects of illness and disabilities that cause chronic pain
6 members of Les Mills New Zealand came together to be part of the Australasian team to challenge for this coveted title. The pain that they endured for 33hrs (non-stop cycling) pails into insignificance, compared to what the 4.4 million Australasians who suffer chronic pain (lasts more than 3 months) endure daily.
Financial support received will enable RISE UP Foundation to disperse net proceeds according to its constitutional purpose and to that of Chronic Pain Australia. Chronic pain can be isolating. It’s invisible, but it impacts every part of a person’s life. This event isn’t just about breaking a record, it’s about connection. Connecting with the broader community, raising awareness, and showing people that they’re not alone in their struggles. We want to thank all of our corporate partners / sponsors and to everyone who donated to this event.