The Baker family of Albury have a longstanding relationship with the Red Cross - Herald Sun Murray Marathon spanning several generations.  It would appear that 16 year old cousins Jack and Jeremy who are this year competing in the TKS Junior Relay have canoeing, and the Murray, in their blood.  Their late grandmother Margaret was a long time supporter of the Marathon and a two-time winner, with a trophy in her name donated by the Baker family awarded to the winner of the 'Handicap Event'.  Jack's father Stuart is on the water again for the 10th time this year having completed 6 full Marathon's and 3 relays in the past.   

It's not surprising then that Jack and Jeremy's childhood is littered with marathon memories.  One of Jack earliest recollections is getting chewing gum all over his hands when he was about three and cheering his dad on when he competed in the event on his own.  Being tipped over one year when an errant paddle steamer passed a little too close stands out in Jeremy's mind.  Although competing in the TK2 Junior Relay this year, they have dreams of entering the K2 together one day.  Obviously this is a family tradition that is not going to be laid to rest. 

But its not just families that participate together in this annual event.  The Murray Marathon sees combinations of colleagues, sporting team members and friends band together not only to compete in the world's longest flat-water canoe race, but to fundraise over $200,000 to help local communities during times of emergency.

Increasingly schools are getting behind the event and entering teams in the junior categories.  Beginning in 1995 when a group of girls from Year 10 at Tintern Girls Grammar School entered a team, there are now almost 20 teams entered in this category and each year the number is growing.  Stuart Baker is thrilled to see that his hometown of Albury has three school's entering participants this year.  Albury High has entered a combined team with Scotts School, and James Fallon has entered a team for the first time.  'As a result of students developing a love of canoeing via participation in the Murray Marathon, Albury High is introducing paddling as a school sport for the first time next year' explains Stuart.  As well as being great exposure for the sport, it's also good news for the event as it raises awareness of the Red Cross.  

"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."

Of course, participating in the Murray Marathon is no walk in the park.  Participants paddle over 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.

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

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