Thursday, 30 December 2004!

748 paddlers hit the water for the third day running in The Red Cross - Herald Sun Murray Marathon with the same overall goal: to raise much needed funds for the Red Cross's Community & Emergency Services work.  Most participants however have other motivating factors as well and often their involvement takes on the form of a huge personal challenge. 

Angela Baker is one such paddler.  25-year-old Angela suffered a heart condition until she received surgery four years ago.  For her this event is the first big physical challenge she's undertaken and so it's 'pretty exciting'.  It was her brother Nic, a professional swimmer, who suggested putting a team together.  But he's left his competitive streak behind in the pool.  While Angela's finding the event challenging, she's part of a very relaxed team who are enjoying themselves every step of the way.  Aptly named 'Keeping it Pumpin', they are determined to keep the mood light and enjoy chatting to other competitors along the route, even taking time to pull over and share a beverage on the way.   

Although Angela didn't know a lot about the event when she signed on and began training in Sydney, she's thrilled to be back by the Murray having spent her childhood in Albury, and believes that this won't be her last Marathon.  Next time however it won't be the physical challenge that will be her main motivating factor, but her passion for the environment. Through her work with The Nature Conservation Council, NSW, she hopes to raise awareness of environmental issues relating to the event and its course and is already considering organising recycling depositories along the route or something similar.   

The Red Cross - Herald Sun Murray Marathon is the world's longest flat-water canoe race.  Paddling 404 kilometres over 5 days starting in Yarrawonga on 27 December in finishing in Swan Hill on New Year's Eve.  There are 748 paddlers, 250 boats and over 3000 support land crew travelling as a big tent city along the Murray.

The Red Cross Murray Marathon is aiming to raising $200,000 to help local communities during times of emergency.  "The funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the most vulnerable in our community," said John Powell, Group Manager of Fundraising, Australian Red Cross, Victoria. "The Red Cross would not be able to provide essential services such as disaster support and emergency response without the funds raised through this event."

Additional photographs, interviews and stories on local paddlers available on request.

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For more details contact:
Lisa Seddon
Mobile: 0410410685