More than 750 paddlers from throughout Australia and the world will travel 404km over five days in this iconic Aussie adventure.

Three thousand of their friends and family will be cheering them on from the banks of the Murray River.

The Red Cross Murray Marathon begins in Yarrawonga on Thursday, 27 December and finishes in Swan Hill just in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Now in its 39th year, the event attracts a wide variety of participants - from seasoned paddlers who compete year after year, to novices in it for the camaraderie, a laugh and sense of accomplishment.

Australian Red Cross Executive Director Andrew Hilton said last year's event generated income of almost $270,000.

"Funds raised help Red Cross deliver services to vulnerable people in Victoria, from reuniting families who have been separated by war or disaster to helping communities cope after major emergencies such as floods and bushfires," he said.

The 2006 event was won in record time in a four-person kayak by Marathon veterans, the 'superboat' team of Nev Hargreaves, Michael Leverett, Simon Stenhouse and Tim Naughtin. Their handicap time was 25 hours, nine minutes and 48 seconds.

This year sees two-time handicap winner Tom Simmat fresh from setting a record at the Hawkesbury Classic and competing in the world's longest canoe race in Canada, the Yukon River Quest; a team of people with intellectual and learning disabilities; a husband and wife who have both beaten serious illness; a group of National Party politicians; a team of young people with diabetes, and a man who has lost both feet.

Adding to the colourful spectacle are a group of CWA members of all ages; a man who has made his boat out of bubble wrap; the Blues and Brothers team of Koori youths and police officers, and an engaged couple who met on the Marathon and are literally 'testing the waters' - and the strength of their relationship - by competing together.

The Red Cross Murray Marathon began in the summer of '69 when ten friends raised $250 for Australian Red Cross.