Red Cross Murray Marathon - Help is close at hand

Local Brisbane paddler Kate Kelly-Duke (Hamilton) completed her first Red Cross Murray Marathon last year and is eager to share her experience with other paddlers interested in participating in this unique challenge.

The Red Cross Murray Marathon is the longest flat-water canoe race in the world, covering 404km of the Murray River in Victoria. The event starts in Yarrawonga on December 27 and finishes in Swan Hill on December 31.

Kate and husband Phil, were both inspired to compete in the Red Cross Murray Marathon by a local paddler who, aged in his mid 60's, overcame significant shoulder problems to complete the five-day, 404km event.

Kate and Phil, parents of two, paddle several times a week on the Brisbane River near Breakfast Creek.  Kate first got into the sport three years ago after watching other paddlers and drawing inspiration from the other 'girls' training on the river.

Reflecting on her first Red Cross Murray Marathon, Kate shares the following:
"Not a day has gone by since last year's event that I have not relived some part of the journey and reflected on the invaluable lessons that I have learnt from my Murray Marathon experience. While paddling the Murray River, the sheer beauty of this unique part of Australia was undeniable, as was the privilege of participating with like minded people who had set themselves the challenge to complete the 404km's along the mighty Murray." 
 
 "The feeling of camaraderie between the marathon paddlers was unique and to me typifies our special national Aussie spirit of looking after your mate".  Experiences like these make the Red Cross Murray Marathon so much more than just a race. It's about ordinary people setting themselves an extraordinary goal to finish the 404km course. The completion of which, brings heartfelt satisfaction and a host of rich experiences that will stay with us forever" said Kate.

Queensland provided paddlers at both ends of the age spectrum for last years Marathon proving that with a bit of planning and the right preparation, The Red Cross Murray Marathon is an experience open to all ages and abilities.

At 13 years old, Christopher Sanderson participated in his first Murray Marathon and followed in his father Mark's footsteps, who, has competed eight times. At age 70, John Dean from Moreton Bay competed in his first Murray Marathon and was one of the oldest paddlers in the field.

The Red Cross Murray Marathon is one of the most important events on the Australian Red Cross calendar, raising funds to help local communities during times of emergency.
There are many different entry options to make it achievable for everyone, including teams, relays, individual, half distance and junior distance categories.

ENDS

Kate and Phil Duke are available for interview and photo opportunities.
Paddlers local to your area may also be available upon request.