'Events like the Red Cross Murray Marathon can be challenging on both a physical and mental level,' says 33-year-Guy, winner of four national Ironman titles and numerous adventure races, including the Cairns Eco Adventure and the Arrow 24 Hour in Sydney.

'In the end, being able to compete in and finish an event like the Murray Marathon boils down to careful planning, suitable preparation and a reasonable level of fitness.'

Starting in Yarrawonga, Victoria on December 27 and finishing five days later in Swan Hill on New Year's Eve, almost 1,000 paddlers and 3,000 officials land-crew, media and supporters 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.

Chris will be competing in the Murray Marathon for the first time in 2003.  Paddling in the Junior K1 U14 class, he will be supported from the banks of the Murray by family and friends including eight-time Marathon veteran, father Mark.

'I'm really looking forward to doing the Marathon,' says Chris, current U14 National K2 Champion, with partner Amy Peters of Victoria.  'I am going to the Nationals again at Easter, so this is a really good training run for me.'

Joining Chris at the Marathon this year is fellow Queenslander and Australian Canoe Marathon Team member Erin O'Keeffe, currently ranked Australia's number one female marathon paddler.

Erin, fresh from her Interstate Challenge win at the Avon Descent in Perth, a bronze medal at the World Cup in Czechoslovakia in August and 7th placing at the World Championships in Spain in September, is looking forward to her first Murray Marathon this year.

'You could almost say you haven't really made it as a marathon paddler in Australia until you've competed in the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon,' says 20-year-old Erin.

'It's an event you always hear about when you start paddling.  Every paddler I know has either competed in it, wants to compete in it or knows people who have competed in it.  I'm excited to be carrying on that tradition this year.'

While Guy Andrews' involvement in the 'Outdoor Quest' World Multisport Championships in Borneo (8-18 Dec) and the 'Coast to Coast' World Solo Multisport Championships in New Zealand (6/7 Jan) will prevent him from joining Chris and Erin on the 2003 Marathon he is looking forward to competing at the earliest opportunity.

'Who knows, this time next year Chris might be the one giving me the benefit of his expertise!' says Guy.

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

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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.
* Marathon mainstay Bill Robinson (59), will compete in his 14th straight Murray Marathon in a double sea kayak alongside 82-year-old Queenslander Ted Jackson, the Marathon's oldest competitor
* The Tanzania Amateur Athletic Association from Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania will be entering a team for the first time in 2003
* Camberwell Grammar will return this year to defend its 2002 Men's Open School Relay title, its first victory in 10 straight years of competition
* Tocumwal local and Marathon legend Bill Dunn (63) will return to take on his 31st Marathon, only three years after a serious accident nearly ended his life

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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 South Australian-born paddler 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.

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