Massive Murray Paddle

The Massive Murray Paddle, formerly the Red Cross Murray Marathon or Murray Marathon, and later the YMCA Massive Murray Paddle, is an Australian 404 km, 5-day canoe/kayak flatwater race on the Murray River. One of the longest annual flatwater canoe races in the world, it starts in Yarrawonga and ends in Swan Hill. The race raises funds to assist local community-driven programs.

There are also a number of lead up races to the event. These include the Clarence 100, Hawksbury Canoe Classic, Echuca Mini, Barwon Mini and the Riverland Paddling Marathon.

History

The event began in 1969 with a few friends organising a fundraiser for the Australian Red Cross, who then managed the event as a major fundraiser, running the event for nearly 40 years.

The Australian Red Cross ended its association with the event after the 2008 race.[1][2] The YMCA Victoria took over the event from 2009 to 2015.[3]

In 2014, the event was renamed from "Murray Marathon" to "YMCA Massive Murray Paddle", and the date was moved from 27 to 31 December, to late November.[4][5]

Since 2016, the event has been co-owned by Sydney Harbour Kayaks[6] and Mirage Sea Kayaks.[7]

All funds raised went to the Red Cross from 1969 to 2008, and to the YMCA from 2009 to 2015. From 2016's event, paddlers were able to choose their own charities or social causes to raise funds for.

The 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]

Craft and entry classes

A range of classes cater for a wide range of craft, from racing canoes and kayaks as defined in the ICF regulations, through to touring craft as defined in Australian Canoeing regulations to surf skis, outrigger canoes and recreational paddle-craft such as sea kayaks. There are several special categories for paddlers using Mirage Sea Kayaks

The 2017 event saw a surf boat and several stand-up paddle boards (sups) including a two-person SUP.

Adult or Junior entrants can choose to paddle full distance, (or as long as they can manage), single day challenge or as part of a relay team.

Route
Sprint to the finish at Echuca

The five days of the event for 2016 were:

  • Day 1, Yarrawonga to Tocumwal. 94 km with 3 checkpoints
  • Day 2, Tocumwal to Picnic Point. 96 km with 3 checkpoints
  • Day 3, Picnic Point to Echuca. 76 km with 3 checkpoints
  • Day 4, Echuca to Torrumbarry. 63 km with 3 checkpoints
  • Day 5, Murrabit to Swan Hill. 75 km with 3 checkpoints

Until 2013, the five days were from 27 December to 31 December. This switched to late November from 2014 onwards.[5]

Officials record each paddler's progress at every checkpoint for safety and time-keeping purposes. Checkpoints allow competitors and teams to change paddlers, pick up refreshments and rest during the event.

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 (or due to extreme weather conditions) for Day 2 has seen the Day 1 course paddled twice.

References
  1. MP upset over Murray marathon sponsor withdrawal, ABC News, 10 July 2008
  2. Murray Marathon raises $430k, ABC News, 31 December 2008
  3. YMCA to run Murray canoe marathon, ABC News, 2 December 2008
  4. The YMCA Massive Murray Paddle 2014 is coming, YMCA Victoria, 27 June 2014
  5. Date change ahead for Murray Marathon, ABC News, 12 December 2013
  6. Massive Murray Paddle, Sydney Harbour Kayaks
  7. Massive Murray Paddle, Mirage Sea Kayaks
  8. Mighty Murray Paddle cancelled, Shepparton News, September 22, 2020
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