The Mighty Murray Marathon!

Just after Christmas each year, hundreds of paddlers descend on Australia’s most famous river for the world’s longest canoe race. While most of the country might be focused on that other Boxing Day boat race, those who are part of the Murray Marathon wouldn’t be anywhere else. The marathon is five days of fun and adventure down 404 kilometres of river that winds its way through some of the most scenic parts of the country.

The race started back in 1969, when eight paddlers set out on the river to raise money for the Red Cross. They managed 250 pounds. These days, funds in the hundreds of thousands are raised to support the Red Cross and there are a few more competitors too. Anywhere up to 1000 people compete, with more as crew and spectators on the banks. The Red Cross uses the monies raised to provide community programs and emergency services in Australia and around the world.

The race is open to anyone and everyone who is prepared to endure the challenge, and raise some money for the Red Cross. Along the way, competitors not only brave the river but also insect bites, bumps and bruises, unpredictable weather and who knows what else! You probably wouldn’t want to enter if you’ve just been sitting on the couch all year doing nothing, but you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete either. The open nature of the competition means all sorts of people end up in the race, and part of the event is the friendships that endure long after the race is over.

Moving along the river, the marathon begins in Yarrawonga. The thousands of people involved will camp out at local football reserves, moving like nomads as the race progresses. Day two ends 92 kilometres later at Tocumwal, then it’s on to Picnic Point for day three. The race progresses through Echuca, Torrumbarry and finally ends at Swan Hill on New Year’s Day. When the paddlers get back to the banks, their land crew is there to greet them and make sure they’re well looked after. Land crews can attend a Massage Briefing at base camp, and trained masseurs are available as backup for a gold coin donation to the Red Cross. Just the thing after a hard day’s paddling!

It is a race of course, but the old saying ‘winning isn’t everything’ really does sum up the character of the Murray Marathon. Just finishing the thing is a feat in itself and no one would belittle anyone coming into Swan Hill, even in last place. Throughout the race, paddlers must negotiate all manner of obstacles. Waters are murky, and there are often snags or whirlpools to watch out for. Paddlers take advantage of fast currents around bends of the winding river to conserve much needed energy, and there are a few other tricks as well. There are no rules about how to complete the race, and some teams even do it relay style!

The mighty Murray is the lifeblood of rural Victoria and once a year, those willing to take up a challenge for a good cause get to see her in all her glory from a privileged perspective. There’s only one way to know what it feels like to conquer the Murray Marathon – grab an entry form and get paddling!