2001 Red Cross-Herald Sun 
Murray Marathon 

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• Be a part of the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon
• Five days and 404 km.
• An international sporting event, the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is the world’s longest annual canoe race on Australia’s longest river. Every year since 1969, the morning of 27 December sees a growing body of canoeists from Australia and overseas gather on the banks of the Murray River in Yarrawonga
• Paddling for five days over a total of 404km, competitors face a challenge of skill and endurance as they race to the finish line in Swan Hill
• Over 5,000 people converging on the mighty Murray River to raise funds and support Australian Red Cross, Victoria with their vital work in the community

• Five days of fun, competition, and team spirit for all ages ensure the experience of a lifetime!
• This is not just a race, but also an adventure!
• By entering a team of friends or colleagues into the relay event, you not only save yourself much of the hard work, but test the true meaning of the word "team"
• It’s the perfect event to include your family and friends to support you as your land crew, and what better way to spend the holiday!
• Join the Murray Marathon communities’ infectious spirit, because whenever 5,000 people get together, they’re bound to have fun

The Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon combines a number of separate events. There are many different classes, allowing flexibility in craft, number of paddlers, age, and fitness levels. Everybody can participate at their own pace.

1. The Original Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon
   Paddling the whole 404km from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill, this event is the ultimate challenge. It is a race for teams and individuals; the full course must be completed with competitors using only one craft. The Original Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is open to all paddlers over the age of 17.
2. The Great Murray Relay
   Ideal opportunity to form a team with friends, family or work colleagues and paddle the Murray, without having to paddle the full distance by yourself. Four or more people compete in a team using the same craft for the full distance.
3. The School Relay is open to secondary school students. It is a great way to represent your school in an internationally recognised event.
4. The K1 Cup attracts elite athletes from around the world. Teams of four or five compete relay style in individual kayaks along the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon course.
5. Juniors – Paddlers as young as 13 participate in the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon over a reduced distance.
   

* All entry fees and registration forms MUST be submitted by Sunday 9 December otherwise an additional $15 will apply. 
All entry fees include GST

Remember this is a fundraising event, and the above amounts are a minimum amount only! There are some great prizes for the highest fundraisers, so please get in the spirit of the Marathon and raise as much as you can for Australian Red Cross, Victoria.

Your entry fee provides the following:

• A Comprehensive Safety Network has been refined over 30 years of experience utilising over 300 trained volunteers who form a variety of groups to ensure your safety on water and land is of the utmost importance
• First Aid is available 24 hours a day during the event. First Aid teams are located at every checkpoint, and at the campsites throughout the day and night. Doctors are also available onsite for consultation
• Massage is available each night at the campsite. For a small donation to the Red Cross, our masseurs can help ease those tired and aching muscles
• Campsites are made available to all competitors and land crew free of charge. You can, of course, organise your own accommodation, but why miss out on the fun?
• Toilet and shower facilities are provided at campsites for free
• Every competitor also receives a competitor t-shirt, bib, canoe number board, and participation / placegetter medal
• The official magazine (upon registration) that includes timings, maps and other vital information about the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon

Each day is divided into four or five checkpoints. Officials record each paddler’s progress at every checkpoint, primarily as a safety precaution. Results are posted each night at the campsite.

Request, complete and return an official Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon registration form. These are available:

• By post from Australian Red Cross, 171 City Road, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
• Contact us by phone on +61 (0) 3 9685 9839
• Contact us by fax on +61 (0) 3 9685 9900
• Via the internet at www.murraymarathon.com
• Or, via e-mail by contacting events@vic.redcross.org.au

• Forms, Entry Fees and Fundraising monies can be submitted by either by mail to the Australian Red Cross, Victoria or at one of the two registration days:
• 9 December, Footscray Canoe Club, Farnsworth Ave, Footscray, Victoria
• 26 December, J.C. Lowe Oval, Burley Rd, Yarrawonga (Late registration)

Please note: All vessels must be scrutineered on one of the two formal registration days

Want More Information?

Contact: Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon
Australian Red Cross, Victoria
171 City Road
Southbank VIC 3006
Australia

Ph: +61 (0) 3 9685 9839
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9685 9900

E-mail: events@vic.redcross.org.au
Website: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~redcross/mrm/index.htm