Imagine trying year after year for the opportunity to dodge bloodthirsty mosquitoes, play chicken with heat stroke and drain your body's last ounce of energy in a five-day marathon.
For Stephen Robson of Mermaid Waters, this situation is what he has strived for; to finally become a participant in the longest international accredited canoeing event in the world, the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon in Victoria.
"This marathon is something I've been wanting to do for years, but I could never make it because of work commitments," he said.
But canoeing isn't new to the 35-year-old. After seven years of paddling outriggers, Robson placed second in the Hamilton Island open.
"I used to compete in triathlons. When I started to really enjoy competing, I thought 'that's me', and I took up paddling. I'm paddling in a K1 so I can run the race myself."
The 404km marathon attracts more than 3500 people, including about 750 paddlers and 3000 landcrew, volunteers and support staff each year.
Fundraising Manager of the Australian Red Cross, John Powell hopes the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon will raise $200,000 in 2004, through competitor contribution, the Murray Marathon Raffle where the prize is a car, and corporate sponsorship.
"The funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the most vulnerable in our community. 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," he said.
-ENDS-
