27 December 2004

The Red Cross-Herald Sun attracts competitors from all walks of life.  Steve Hill and Ross Fraser have competed in awesome, physically challenging events in 4 different countries and are now about to tackle the Mighty Murray Marathon.

Ross originally from New Zealand has participated in the Coast to Coast event in New Zealand which is a multisport event including kayaking, cycling and running.  He also competed in the Comrad's Marathon in South Africa, which is a 90 kilometre run.  

Paddling partner Steve has also done his fair share of extreme sports.  Steve has participated in a lot of multi sport events at home in Sydney but recently took part in the Sabah Challenge in Malaysia, which was an intense three day physical endurance test including jungle running, mountain biking and kayaking.  All of this is good preparation for the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon.

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.

Steve and Ross spent a lot of time on the Pitt Water and Hawkesbury training for this event.  The two share the same motivations and passion for a challenge. Their daughters attend school together and the two thought they should pool their enthusiasm and give the Murray Marathon a go.

"We're expecting a very friendly atmosphere out on the water," said Ross.   Having heard the marathon includes people of all ability the duo were expecting everyone to be motivated to achieve their own personal goals and not take it too seriously. 

"It's about trying hard but having good fun," said Steve Hill.

As well as being good fun challenge the Murray Marathon is a fundraiser for Australian 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.

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