A GRUELLING race along the Murray River returns for its 54th edition this month, but competitors won’t be heading all the way to Swan Hill.
Initially named the Murray River Canoe Marathon, the first journey took creator Mark Thornthwaite and his supporters five days to canoe from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill
But due to flood damage to tracks in the Gunbower Forest, support crews will be unable to continue through the forest, meaning there’s been a change to the route for day five this year.
Instead of carrying through to Swan Hill, the race’s finish line will now be at the Gunbower boat ramp, with the day four route, Moama to Torrumbarry, to be run twice.
Race organiser Shannon O’Brien said it had been a rocky couple of years for the Massive Murray Paddle as they battled the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s flooding.
“Recent flooding along the event course had us worried for a while,” O’Brien said.
“But we are delighted we can go ahead this year as usual.”
O’Brien said the new day-five route was particularly exciting.
“Paddlers will pass through the Torrumbarry Loch – a first for the Massive Murray Paddle,” he said.
“The Loch Master will be present to open the loch, allowing paddlers to pass through the weir and on to Gunbower.”
The event has given paddlers an opportunity to fundraise for community-driven programs of their choice, raising a total just less than $990,000 for local charities and groups between 2016 and 2022.
The Mark Thornthwaite awards are given out at each event to the individuals who raise the most money, the previous award having been shared by Jackson Farley and Patrick Kovac who raised more than $25,000 for SAY Australia.
The other award paddlers are vying for is the River Trophy, which is presented to the overall Massive Murray Marathon champions.
Far from the five days the first journey took Mark Thornthwaite, the previous Massive Murray Paddle’s fastest competitor was Sean Murphy who finished with a time of 34 hours, 43 minutes and seven seconds.
The fastest female on the paddle was Mitzi Klein, who took just over two days to make the journey, finishing in 48 hours, three minutes and 49 seconds.
Competitors will also be given the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of water safety, as Transport for NSW returns as a major sponsor.
Day three, or ‘Be Bright Be Seen Day’, will invite competitors to dress themselves and their watercraft in bright colours to spread the important safety slogan.
The event has also found a new major sponsor, the Australian National Maritime Museum, which covers all of the nation’s waterways, especially the Murray River.
Deputy director of the museum Michael Baldwin said it was delighted to be involved with the event.
“Not only does it highlight one of Australia’s most significant inland waterways but it provides a powerful opportunity to raise funds for local community programs,” he said.
For further information visit www.mmp415.racing or email Shannon at shannon@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au.
