VicSuper Murray Marathon changes course - Moira Shire Council

Wednesday 8 December, 2010Tuesday 21 December, 2010VicSuper Murray Marathon changes courseOrganisers of the VicSuper Murray Marathon have completed their final survey of the scheduledcourse and today confirmed there will be changes to this year’s event.The five day paddling event will still begin on Tuesday 27 December in Yarrawonga and end inSwan Hill on New Year’s Eve, however there will be changes to the traditional course paddlersare familiar with.Due to the flooding of the Murray River, the most significant change to the event is thecancellation of the scheduled paddling between Tocumwal and Picnic Point, traditionallypaddled on Day 2 of the event.After Day 1, the participants will move further downstream and be a day ahead of the plannedcourse, with the leg between Murrabit and Swan Hill paddled twice, on both December 30 and31.“Our Management Committee has been assessing the course all weekend and were still in theregion on Monday triple checking all the checkpoints,” said Scott Chapman, Chair, VicSuperMurray Marathon Management Committee.“Our staff and Committee have been busy surveying and communicating with the local councilsand authorities and assessing the options to operate a safe and enjoyable event for all,” said MrChapman.He said participants were being asked to be both flexible and understanding of the changes,knowing that they are necessary to maintain participant safety.“It isn’t just the paddlers we need to keep safe, but the land crews, volunteers and staff - thereare a lot of factors to consider when making these decisions.”The Marathon’s organisers are strongly encouraging participants to check the VicSuper MurrayMarathon’s website for more specific details of the course changes.Changes have been made to the start and finish locations for some event categories on certaindays as well as the physical location of some checkpoints.“The checkpoints will be a particular challenge for participants this year. The sandy beaches atcheckpoints are now under water, and the water level is a lot deeper closer to the bank thanparticipants would remember,” said Mr Chapman.“In spite of the changes, we’re still very excited for this year’s VicSuper Murray Marathon. Themanagement and operations teams overseeing the event are both enthusiastic and passionateabout this event- just like the people that participate,” he said.

For information about changes to the VicSuper Murray Marathon’s course, go towww.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au or call 03 9403 5000.-ENDS-VicSuper Murray Marathon Media Coordinator:Jaimee DamonCommuncations Officer, YMCA VictoriaT: 9403 5116 M: 0421 847 303 E: jaimee.damon@ymca.org.au