Let the Pain Begin! ALBATROSS kayakers take on the Murray Marathon
14 January 2008
While most of us are tackling nothing more taxing than Christmas leftovers LCDR Daryl Robinson and LS Daniel Haythorpe will be joining some of Australia's finest paddlers for one of the longest kayak races in the world - the legendary Murray Marathon.
The Marathon takes place on the Murray River from December 27-31 and is a major fundraiser for the Victorian Red Cross.
Daryl Robinson won his class in 2004 and this year will be competing for full distance solo. "I love paddling and it's such a great opportunity to do something I enjoy and raise funds for Red Cross at the same time" he said.
The Murray Marathon is a total test of endurance with paddlers confronting temperatures in excess of 40 degrees C, high winds, hidden obstacles in the water and the occasional snake. Blisters, a sore posterior and wrist related complaints become common discussion points as competitors glide along the mighty Murray River.
A typical day consists of rising at 4.30 am for breakfast and a 6.30 am start. Checkpoints are spaced some 20km along the route where the paddler is able to restock fluids and food for the next leg. Day 2 is the longest leg consisting of 96 km and more than 8 hours paddling.
Support crews have the unenviable task of pre-locating check points armed with victuals, smiles and words of encouragement for the weary paddlers. Daryl's brother Kyle (a former RAN member) puts his seamanship skills to good use, often rigging a rope off a tree, to rappel down the river bank and safely pass chocolate bars to the competitor.
Daniel Haythorpe's father has completed the marathon twice before and while Daniel admits it's a longer distance than he's used to he's looking forward to the challenge saying "I hope I've got what it takes".
Last year, more than 750 paddlers, 250 Red Cross volunteers and 3000 support crew from throughout Australia and the world converged on the banks of the Murray at Yarrawonga, finishing 404 km later at Swan Hill to see in New Year's Eve. The Marathon attracts a wide variety of participants - from seasoned paddlers who compete year after year, to novices in it for the camaraderie, a laugh and a sense of accomplishment.
Australian Red Cross Executive Director Andrew Hilton said last year's event generated income of almost $270,000. "Funds raised help Red Cross deliver services to vulnerable people in Victoria, from reuniting families who have been separated by war or disaster to helping communities cope after major emergencies such as the Gippsland flooding", he said.
