Feeling fatigued and contending with scorching conditions is even more complex for the diabetic team members on the HypoActive boat. And a couple of days into the race it's even more crucial that they keep an eye on each other, as their bodies adjust to the pressure of extended exercise.

'With multi-day events like this you have to watch what happens to your body on the second and third days. You're fatigued, and you exercised yesterday, so it might lead to a hypoglycaemic attack today (a hypo),' says team member Dan Seller.

'You have to test your blood more, have less insulin if that's what you need to do, eat and look out for each other,' says Dan, who was 10 years old when diagnosed with type one diabetes.

Often, the side-effects of exercise for type one diabetics can scare them into avoiding exercise, which often leads to poor health.

'In a hypo attack, they can feel faint, light-headed and confused, and if it's bad enough they can have a seizure and pass out. Different people have different symptoms,' he says.

HypoActive encourages type one diabetics to do more physical activity with people who understand the condition. This is their first Murray Marathon, but they've been swimming, running and competing in long distance cycling events for about five years.

'We've got bags of lollies strapped to our legs and food if we need sugar,' says Dan. 'The good thing is that with a team like this, you don't have to explain your symptoms; people just know what to do if you need help.'

'I had to test my blood on the river yesterday... you just stop paddling for a couple of minutes, eat if you need to, then keep going. Easy.'

For more information contact www.hypoactive.org