Kayakers rise to the challenge

Rick

By Tania Martin
HILLS up and coming kayakers proved to be strong contenders in the 2006 Red Cross Murray Marathon.
Kayakers of all ages took up the challenge of one of the world’s longest annual canoe races over the Christmas break.
The Murray Marathon covers a distance of 404km in five days, taking paddlers from Yarrawonga through to Swan Hill in Victoria.
The marathon is organised by the Australian Red Cross and funds raised during the marathon are channelled into vital community programs and emergency services provided by the Australian Red Cross, including patient transport, emergency first aid, registration and catering.
This year a contingent of competitors from the hills proved to be some of the strongest kayakers on the Murray.
Rick Woodward, 40, of Ferntree Gully took up the marathon challenge for the second year in a row and helped his team to second place in the K4 challenge.
Woodward first tried the marathon in 2005 when a friend dragged him along and he decided the event was just the sort of challenge he needs once a year.
But it wasn’t until the last minute that Woodward decided to enter the 2006 marathon.
He wasn’t going to enter the 2006 event but his hand was forced when he gained sponsorship from Dulux Australia through his work.
Woodward said the Murray Marathon is not just a great challenge but is a great way to meet new people.
He is already planning for next year’s marathon but says this time he will start training much earlier.
Craig Appleby of Cockatoo also took up the Murray Marathon challenge as a part of a Chisholm TAFE team.
Appleby said the marathon was a great challenge and it was also great to see the sportsmanship and comradery shown to everyone who crossed the finish line whether in first or last place.
“I had a lot of fun, it was just a great experience,” he said.
Appleby plans to take up the challenge again this year or in 2008.
Emerald’s Martin Melbalds, Carolyn Le Lievre and Anne Deschepper of the Aura Vale Ducks also proved to be contenders by crossing the finish line in fourth place in their category.