FAST FACTS

28 December 2000 

• 256 canoes/kayaks started the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon.  By the end of today, 206 remain…

• The Alaskan double of Kenneth Brewer and Gene Whiting dropped out after only the third stage of the first day.  Hopes were high of a return for day 2, but perhaps the heat (!) proved too much…

• Ted Jackson, 79, of Queensland, the oldest competitor in the race, is currently leading his class with his partner John Hales in the TK2 competition

• The Red Cross First Aid people started the real work today.  The numerous First Aid posts along the route treated over 350 paddlers, with the top three ailments:

• Blisters

• Sprained wrists

• Mosquito and bee stings

• In addition, a number of paddlers were treated for mild hypothermia, and one even required a few stitches. 

• Distance paddled so far by the paddlers = 184km

• Distance to the finish for the paddlers = 216km

• Today’s temperature = 24 degrees

• Forecast for 29 December = 23/24 degrees

29 December 2000 

• 212 canoes/kayaks finished yesterday sections.  But the lower temperatures leading to a good nights sleep brought the paddlers back.  212 started Day 3…

• Tim Naughtin, K1 challenger, is leading for the third day in a row despite breaking his neck 18 months ago in a cycling accident!

• The wind is getting stronger, as is the temperature, creating even more of a challenge!

• The Red Cross First Aid people again maintained their vigil at waters’ edge handling the problems of paddlers.  One check-point reported over 60 people checking in for attention to blisters

• In addition, a number of paddlers were treated for mild hypothermia, and one even required a few stitches. 

• Distance paddled so far by the paddlers = 252km

• Distance to the finish for the paddlers = 148km

• Today’s temperature = 27 degrees

• Forecast for 30 December = 29 degrees

30 December 2000 

• The Metropolitan ambulance team broke their rudder on day two, replacing it with a stick and some gaffer tape to see them through to the end of the Marathon

• The previously fast flowing river was lifeless in places, creating additional work for all paddlers.  Coupled with the increasing heat, demands on the First Aid team rose significantly

• The Quad Kayak team (K4 Mens Open) took one minute off Day 4’s record time set in 1992

• Today’s leg was the shortest of the five day event, allowing paddlers a brief respite before the final leg to Swan Hill tomorrow

• The wind is gradually easing off as the temperature begins to soar…

• Distance paddled so far by the paddlers = 314km

• Distance to the finish for the paddlers = 86km

• Today’s temperature = 30 degrees

• Forecast for 30 December = 33 degrees

For further information please contact:
Lisa Addison
PRISM Group Ltd
Ph: 0401 140 683

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