30 December 2005

The fourth day of the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon is traditionally ‘Red Day’ - a day to celebrate and acknowledge the real reason the 800 paddlers and 3000 support crew are on the Mighty Murray – to support the Australian Red Cross.

Yet Red Day often takes a slightly humorous context, with paddlers celebrating in tune with the relaxed atmosphere that is this event.

2005 has already seen some entertaining characters, with the kids from McKillop College dressed as red Belly Dancers, numerous paddling Santas as well as a man who has dyed his cropped hair in the shape of a Red Cross.

The Australian Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The largest humanitarian network in the world, comprising 97 million volunteers worldwide with Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies in 183 countries.

The Australian Red Cross wholly organises the Murray Marathon, and it is one of the largest and most important fundraising events on its calendar. In 2005, the event raised in excess of $320,000 for local domestic activities such as the Good Start Breakfast Club which provides breakfast to children who may otherwise go without, and Patient Transport which transports people to essential medical appointments.

Day four is the shortest leg of the five-day event, at 62 kilometres from Echuca to Torrumbarry.

Leading the chase for the Margaret Baker Trophy is Tom Simmatt, from Sydney. With a time of 15:55:15, the 57 year old leads his nearest rival Willy Morris (Beveridge, VIC) by four minutes.

Judy Clark, 47, (16:22:14) of Echuca (VIC) is the leading woman, placing fourth in the overall handicap race.

Camberwell Grammar continues to dominate the junior categories, leading the Open Junior Category as well as the Under 16 Category.

Day three also saw the continued domination of Simon Stenhouse in taking line honours with the defending champion claiming his eighth consecutive yellow shirt (he claimed all five in 2004).