'When I started the Marathon with friends back in 1969, I would never have imagined the kind of growth and popularity it has since experienced,' says 55-year-old Mark. 

'We were just ten mates in seven canoes, determined to prove we could paddle from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill in five days and raise funds for the Red Cross along the way.'

Starting in Yarrawonga, Victoria on December 27 and finishing in Swan Hill on New Year's Eve, almost 1,000 paddlers and 3,000 officials, land crew, media and supporters from across Australia and the world are expected to share the 404km challenge in 2003.

This year it is hoped the Marathon will raise $200,000 for the Australian Red Cross, with funds raised supporting Red Cross activities including the emergency first aid, registration and catering services provided during Australia's bushfire season.

Bryan (42) and Rob (30) will be competing in a TK2, supported from land by their wives, family and friends.  Bryan, who has competed in the Marathon five times over the past 15 years, is looking forward to introducing his paddling partner to the event for the first time.

'We are currently training three nights a week on the Torrens and one day each weekend on the Onkaparinga, covering about 80-90 kilometres per week,' says Bryan.  'We've paddled the Murray a couple of times too, to get used to the conditions.'

'We are certainly not out to break any records.  Our objectives are simple.  We want to have fun with our fellow paddlers, finish and hopefully avoid taking an unplanned dip at any stage!' says Bryan.

Thornthwaite cites the camaraderie and support he shared with his fellow paddlers as his best memory of the first Marathon and as the most enduring feature of the event overall.

'At the start of the Marathon we were, for the most part, only acquaintances.  But by the end we were all firm friends.  Sharing this kind of personal challenge is an experience that creates strong bonds of fellowship and understanding.

I strongly encourage paddlers like Bryan and Rob to get out there, give it a go and help the Marathon celebrate 35 years on the Murray,' says Mark.

From serious athletes with dreams of joining the Australian Olympic team through to the social paddler just happy to have some fun with friends, the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is designed for people of all ages and levels of athletic ability. 

For entry details or further information call (03) 8327 7706 or visit www.redcross.org.au.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon
FAST FACTS

* The Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is the longest annual internationally accredited flat water canoeing Marathon in the world
* The Marathon annually attracts up to 1,000 paddlers and 3,000 support crew from Australia and across the globe
* The Marathon covers 404km of Murray River, starting in Yarrawonga on 27 December and finishing five days later on 31 December in Swan Hill:
- DAY ONE: Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, 92km
- DAY TWO: Tocumwal to Picnic Point, 96km
- DAY THREE: Picnic Point to Echuca, 78km
- DAY FOUR: Echuca to Torrumbarry, 62km
- DAY FIVE: Murrabit to Swan Hill, 76km
* Temperature range, anywhere between 20 - 42 degrees
* The event encourages participants of all ages and levels of athletic ability to sign-up and take the challenge

Most interesting facts in 2003...
* Melbourne man Steve Peuschel, recipient of a double lung-transplant just seven months ago will compete in the Marathon in 2003 as a launching pad for the newly formed Lilly Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to securing access to organ transplants for all Australian's in need of this life-saving gift.
* Tocumwal local and Marathon legend Bill Dunn (63) will return to take on his 31st Marathon this year, the second time he has returned since a very serious building accident in late 2000 left him with 12 plates in his head and a titanium hip and wrist.  Bill is the only paddler in history to have completed the full distance Marathon on one knee.  Not only has he done this once, he's done it 11 times!
* Marathon mainstay Bill Robinson (59), will compete in his 14th straight Murray Marathon this year, pairing up in double sea kayak with 82-year-old Queenslander Ted Jackson, the Marathon's oldest competitor

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BACKGROUNDER

It began back in the fabled 'Summer of '69'.  Ten friends came together in seven canoes to battle 250miles of the mighty Murray River to raise $250 for Australian Red Cross.

Founded by Mark Thornthwaite, the Marathon began as a Red Cross Trendsetters competition.  Taking to the waters with mates and supported from land by family and friends, Thornthwaite and his crew took five days to tame the Mighty Murray, reaching Swan Hill tired yet jubilant on New Years Eve.

From these humble beginnings, the Red Cross Murray Marathon has become one of Australia's oldest and most respected sporting traditions.  Over the years the event has captured the imagination and interest of thousands of people from Australia and across the globe.

From the elite to the first time and social paddler, the world's longest annual flat-water adventure leaves an ever-lasting imprint on the memory of all who participate. 

Each year, on 27 December, an eager group of paddlers and land crew set out from Yarrawonga to travel the 404km course through some of Victoria's harshest yet most beautiful countryside, before celebrating New Years Eve five days later in Swan Hill.

This year, the Marathon reaches a special milestone as it celebrates 35 years on the Murray.  This alone is expected to draw out hundreds of past and new competitors, eager to take on the challenge and re-live the memories. 

Fundraising for the Australian Red Cross has always been an integral part of the Marathon as participants raise vital funds to support local Australian Red Cross emergency services and community programs.

For entry details or further information call the Australian Red Cross, Victoria on (03) 8327 7706 or visit www.redcross.org.au.

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