8 October 2005

134 paddlers in a variety of craft will raceed down the Murray River from Barmah Bridge to Victoria Park, Echuca to raise money for Australian Red Cross in the Echuca Mini Marathon on Saturday, 8 October 2005.

The Echuca Mini Marathon is one of the most important lead-up events for the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon which passes through Echuca in late December every year.  The 50km course of the Echuca Mini is just a fraction of the 404kms raced during the Murray Marathon but it is a great preparation event.

The paddlers  not only tested their abilities they also raise more than $4000 to go towards local community and emergency services provided by Australian Red Cross.  Services include Emergency Catering, First Aid and Registration during disasters such as floods or bushfires and providing specially matched mentors for teens experiencing difficulties.