'We are challenging all past, present and potential paddlers to come and see if they've got what it takes to complete the 404 kilometre journey," says Australian Red Cross, Victoria Fundraising Manager John Powell. 

'We are expecting to see a record numbers of paddlers, land crew and spectators throughout the event this year, as they help celebrate the event's 35th anniversary.'

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 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 local Red Cross activities including the emergency first aid, registration and catering services provided during Australia's bushfire season.

Since its inception by paddler Mark Thornthwaite in 1969, the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon has become a true Australian sporting tradition, recognised just as much for its social aspects as for the unique personal challenge it presents paddlers who participate.

Thornthwaite himself, who is hoping to visit the Marathon this year to help celebrate its 35th anniversary, cites the camaraderie and support he shared with fellow paddlers as his best memory of the first Marathon and the most enduring feature of the event overall.

'At the start of the first ever Marathon we were, for the most part, only acquaintances," says the 55-year-old event founder.  "By the end of the Marathon 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 all paddlers and spectators to get out there, give it a go and help the Marathon celebrate 35 years on the Murray,' says Mark.

The Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is designed for people of all ages and levels of athletic ability.  In teams, pairs or as individuals, paddlers young and old will take to the waters of the mighty Murray each day to help raise vital funds for the Australian Red Cross.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2003

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 participants 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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Red Cross Murray Marathon
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.

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