PREPARATIONS will be in full swing this weekend for one of the Outback’s most iconic events when paddlers start their training journey towards the Gregory River Canoe Marathon.
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Social and elite paddlers will have their eyes on the ultimate goal of the Gregory River Canoe Marathon as the first of the four part Race to the River Series gets under way at Lake Moondarra on Sunday.
The Gregory River Canoe Marathon, held on May 2 and 3, consists of almost 40 kilometres of thrills and spills for competitors.
“Thirty eight kilometres of rapids, drops and fast-flowing bends doesn’t seem so bad when there’s a coldie [beer] waiting at the other end,” event director Alison Whitehead said.
The history of the event dates back to 1976, when four blokes had such a good time paddling down the Gregory River to the pub, they decided to turn their adventure into an annual race.
Forty years on, the North West Canoe Club still manages to coax people to travel hundreds of kilometres to participate.
The canoe race is also combined with a raceday at the Gregory Downs Jockey Club, making for a fun-filled weekend.
Whitehead said the first weekend of May was a great opportunity to get out of town and enjoy the bush camaraderie and the spectacle of the Gregory River.
“The race attracts both social and elite paddlers from all over Australia, as well as raucous support crews, that line the river to watch the thrills and spills and applaud everyone who stays in their boat,” she said.
“With only nine weeks to go to one of the most isolated kayak races in Australia, the local paddlers are gearing up to go hard, to ensure they can beat their interstate competitors.”
“Knowledge of the river is definitely an advantage, and with $2000 up for grabs to beat the race record of 2 hours 43 minutes and 23 seconds, is this the year it will happen?”
This Sunday sees the first of the four part Race to the River Series, a 10km event.
Registration will be at the Canoe Club at 7am with a handicapped race start of 7.30am.
“Each race will follow a 5km course with portage, which allows the paddlers to build their fitness, perfect jumping in and out of a boat, and also get their butt, back and shoulders used to going the distance,” Whitehead said.
“The Race to the River Series will also allow teams to sort out their paddler combinations and their transitions.”
The North West Canoe Club will follow the paddle with Clean Up Australia and a barbecue breakfast.
Registrations are now open for the Canoe Marathon and if 38km is a little daunting, there is also the short course race of 18km starting at checkpoint 3, or get a group of friends together and nominate as a team. Head to www.registernow.com.au for all the information.