In what is a remarkable achievement Simon Stenhouse of the ACT took line honors in the world's longest flat-water canoe race for the fifth and final consecutive day.  Through chilly mornings, gusty winds, and today, scorching heat, Simon managed to hold the challengers at bay in the 36th annual Red Cross - Herald Sun Murray Marathon. 

After paddling a whopping 404 kilometres beginning on the 27th December in Yarrawonga, 748 competitors arrived in Swan Hill in time to welcome in the New Year.  Sore, tired and with a great sense of achievement most are looking forward to a good lie down.

Winning the overall handicapped champion title, the Margaret Baker Trophy, Simon said "I'm glad it's over and I don't think I'll be doing that again for another year.  This race is one of the hardest things you can do and I've been lucky to keep it together all week".   

Paddlers completed the final 76km leg from Murrumbit to Swan Hill in extra hot conditions with the mercury rising to the high 30's.  Competitors had to rethink their tactics as the weather altered drastically over the five day endurance event from chilly starts and gusty winds to blistering conditions.  "It was a relief there was no wind but in the still sections the heat really gets to you," said Simon.

After a closely contested battle which saw both teams cross the finish lines within seconds of each other on most days, Mercantile Kayak Club from Victoria were overall victors in the K1 event, despite being pipped at the post today by Wynham Redlands Canoe Club - B Team from NSW. 

Camberwell Grammar School and Beaconshill Team fought an equally close battle, maintaining the traditional inter-school rivalry. In a healthy encounter, Camberwell took first place in the school's competition.  

Stephen Balharrie from Ballarat, Victoria took out the Open Juniors category. 

In the newest and most colourful category on the water, the K4 Cup was consistently paddled with enthusiasm, energy and camaraderie throughout the five days. This was typified at the conclusion of the event, when the Green and Blue teams, who crossed the line in first and second place respectively, paddled back to join with the Red to cross the line together in a demonstration of the friendships that had been formed over the last few months. 

Fundraising from the Murray Marathon is on target with an excess of $220,000 expected as a result of competitor contribution, the Murray Marathon Raffle and corporate sponsorship.

"The funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the most vulnerable in our community. The Red Cross would not be able to provide essential services such as disaster support and emergency response without the funds raised through this event," said John Powell, Fundraising Manager of the Australian Red Cross.

The Marathon attracts more than 3500 people, including 748 paddlers and 3000 volunteers and support staff each year. It begins on December 27th at Yarrawonga, finishing in Swan Hill just in time for the New Year celebrations.

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