Red Cross is urging people to paddle off their festive cheer in the Red Cross Murray Marathon, one of the longest canoe races in the world.
The annual river adventure, one of Australia’s most respected sporting traditions and now in its 39th year, will take place on the Murray River from December 27 – 31.
Last year, more than 750 paddlers, 250 Red Cross volunteers and 3000 support crew from throughout Australia and the world converged on the banks of the Murray at Yarrawonga, finishing 404 km later at Swan Hill to see in New Year’s Eve.
People can take on the Murray on their own or have some fun in a relay team. It’s open to anyone aged 13 and over, with fundraising a condition of entry. Red Cross is also looking for volunteers to help stage the event.
The Marathon attracts a wide variety of participants – from seasoned paddlers who compete year after year, to novices in it for the camaraderie, a laugh and a sense of accomplishment.
School teams provide a noisy and colourful spectacle, both on and off the water. St Joseph’s School at Echuca is competing for the third year in a row.
St Joseph's Marathon trainer Peter Phillips said young people who completed the event gained respect and recognition from their familes and the wider community.
“They feel proud of what they have achieved and the good they’ve done in helping Red Cross,” he said.
“But it also works the other way ‘round. Seeing their families travel with them and supporting them over those five days creates an awareness and appreciation amongst the students for their families, and the role the family plays.”
Triathlete and ironwoman Narelle Pollock, of Swan Hill, also is competing for the third time.
She believes it’s an excellent cross-training opportunity for triatletes – and a ‘holiday with a difference’ to boot.
“The magnificent, tranquil river scenery, which is your constant companion, never fails to inspire, and makes this an experience you never forget,” she said.
“From the many friendships made on the water, to the support of the crowds on the river bank, any pain from sore muscles is soon forgotten!”
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 the Gippsland flooding,” he said.
Over the full Marathon distance in 2006, competitors each guzzled at least 93 litres of fluid (roughly three litres an hour), performed 135,000 strokes of the paddle and lathered themselves with half a litre of sunscreen.
The 2006 event was won in record time by four Marathon veterans, competing in a K4 (four person kayak) dubbed the ‘superboat’ by media across the country.
The Red Cross Murray Marathon began in the summer of ’69 when ten friends raised $250 for the Australian Red Cross.
Red Cross also is seeking volunteers for the event. The closing date for entries is Friday 7 December. Phone (03) 8327 7742.
Entry forms for the 2007 Red Cross Murray Marathon now available here.
