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The 2024 Echuca Mini Marathon, set for Saturday, October 12, 2024, offers paddlers a unique opportunity to navigate a scenic stretch of the Murray River from Barmah to Moama Beach. This event, part of the PaddleVIC 2024 Marathon Series, provides multiple distance options to cater to various skill levels and endurance capabilities.
Event Overview
- Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Location: Murray River, from Jack Edwards Park in Barmah to Moama Beach in Moama
- Organizers: PaddleVIC and Echuca Moama Canoe Club
Course Options
- Long Course: 48km from Barmah to Moama
- Relay: 48km divided into three legs (12km, 18km, 18km)
- Short Course: 18km from Checkpoint C to Moama
Registration and Fees
Registration is available through Webscorer. Early bird entries, offering a $5 discount, close at 8 PM on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Standard entries close at 8 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Late entries, with an additional $20 fee, are accepted until 12 noon on Friday, October 11, 2024. No entries will be accepted on the day of the event.
Fees vary based on membership status and age:
- PA Members:
- Junior/U23: $25
- Adult (24-64 years): $35
- Adult (65+): $30
- Non-PA Members: Additional $12 for Juniors and $24 for Adults
Schedule
Long Course and Relay:
- Check-in: 6:00-6:30 AM
- Volunteer briefing: 6:30 AM
- Competitor briefing: 6:45 AM
- First start: 7:15 AM
Short Course:
- Check-in: 9:30-10:00 AM
- Competitor briefing: 10:15 AM
- First start: 10:45 AM
Race Finish: 12:30 PM
Presentations: 1:00 PM
Race Format and Classes
The Echuca Mini Marathon is a point-to-point race with on-water starts. There is no portage required. The event welcomes a variety of watercraft, including:
- Singles and doubles
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Outriggers
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
For the relay option, teams can use up to three boats to complete the course.
Safety Requirements
Participant safety is paramount. All paddlers must adhere to the following safety requirements:
- Wearing an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is mandatory
- Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
- Attach a pea-less whistle to the PFD
- Bring an emergency blanket
- Pack a dry bag with a change of warm clothes
Course Details
The race begins at Jack Edwards Park in Barmah, accessed via Evans Street. Checkpoints B and C are located roadside on Stewarts Bridge Road, with participants advised to drive slowly due to high dust areas. The finish line is at Moama Beach in Moama, accessible via Blair Street.
Cultural Acknowledgement
The event takes place on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people. Organizers and participants pay their respects to Elders past and present.
Additional Information
- COVID-19 Precaution: Attendees are advised not to participate if they have symptoms or are unwell.
- The event is designed to have all paddlers finish close together and exit the water by 12:30 PM to simplify on-water safety near Echuca, considering the presence of power boats and jet skis.
- This event covers part of Day 3 of the Murray Marathon Paddle (MMP) course.
Contact Information
For further details or inquiries, contact:
- PV Marathon: John Young, 0417 444 350, marathon@paddlevic.org.au
- Echuca Moama Canoe Club: Ashley Bell, 0447 149 021, ajbell94@hotmail.com
The Echuca Mini Marathon offers paddlers of all levels a chance to challenge themselves on one of Australia’s iconic rivers. With its variety of distance options and craft classes, the event caters to both competitive racers and those seeking a scenic paddle through the beautiful Murray River landscape.