Red Cross Murray Marathon

The Red Cross Murray Marathon is a 404 km, 5 day canoe/kayak flatwater race on the Murray River. The race starts in Yarrawonga and heads downstream to Swan Hill between 27 December and 31 December each year. The Murray Marathon completes the ultra-marathon circuit for the year, succeeding the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic which takes place in October.

The race began in 1969 with a few friends organising a fundraiser for the Australian Red Cross. Now, the race is wholly owned and run by the Australian Red Cross and attracts over 800 participants each year. The 2005 event raised AU$320,000.

Craft and entry classes

A wide range of classes cater for a wide range of craft, from racing canoes and kayaks as defined in the ICF regulations, through touring craft as defined in Australian Canoeing regulations to surf skis, outrigger canoes and recreational paddle-craft such as sea kayaks. Adult entrants can choose to paddle full distance, half distance, or as part of a relay team. Junior entrants paddle a reduced distance, or as part of a junior or school relay team (which does the full distance).

Route

The five days of the event are:
* Day 1, Yarrawonga to Tocumwal. 92km with 4 checkpoints/5 stages for relay paddlers
* Day 2, Tocumwal to Picnic Point. 96km with 4 checkpoints/5 stages
* Day 3, Picnic Point to Echuca. 78km with 4 checkpoints/5 stages
* Day 4, Echuca to Torrumbarry. 62km with 3 checkpoints/4 stages
* Day 5, Murrabit to Swan Hill. 76km with 3 checkpoints/4 stages

A section of the river between Torrumbarry and Murrabit is not paddled. The course is sometimes changed if river and access conditions dictate, but total distance is maintained as best as possible. In some years, difficulty accessing the checkpoints for Day 2 has seen the Day 1 course paddled twice.

The river is generally easy to paddle on, with plenty of deep water and currents of no more than about 3 knots. Some turbulence may be encountered on bends and a keen eye must be kept out for fallen trees which may extend well out into the river and be hidden below the surface of the water. Sections of the river are closed to recreational power boat traffic as the race passes through, but commercial (tourist) boat operations continue normal operations.

Logistics

With volunteers, competitors and support crew numbers in the thousands, campsites are set up on public ovals in towns along the river. Starting on 26 December, two nights are spent at Tocumwal, two at Echuca and one each at Cohuna and Swan Hill.

With the race being held in the middle of an Australian summer, the weather can be as much of a challenge as the event itself. Temperatures of 45 °C are not unusual and remaining adequately hydrated and avoiding heat stroke are vital considerations for all involved.

While the competition in some classes can be fierce, the school relay being one of the fiercest, the atmosphere of the race is relaxed and friendly.

External links

* [http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/murraymarathon.htm Red Cross Murray Marathon Website]