Massive Murray Paddle flowing through in November

Competitors may opt to race on only one or two days, but those who take on the entire course will travel 415 kilometres along the Murray.

Day one kicks off at Yarrawonga and finishes at Tocumwal, while on day two racers will continue on to Picnic Point near Mathoura.

Day three will see participants conclude at Moama beach, before racing on to Torrumbarry on day four.

The Gunbower to Koondrook leg on day five is by far the longest, at 94km, and crafts will be assigned starting positions based on their performance in the previous days, with only those under the qualifying time to complete the full course.

“We’re up to our 55th running of the race, so we’ve (been) going on a ridiculously long time,” event organiser Shannon O’Brien said.

“Hopefully, this is going to be our big year post-COVID, post a couple of floods.

“We haven’t really been in the true spirit of the entire race for quite a few years now, which has been very difficult, but so far it’s looking really good.”

Since adopting the new 415km course, various factors have meant the full route has yet to be run, with organisers hoping this will be the year.

The event has a variety of options for paddlers of all different crafts and ability levels.

“The only thing that we require is that you use a paddle, whether it's a kayak, canoe, rowing, even surf club boats, stand-up paddle boards, we invite pretty much everybody,” O’Brien said.

“Based on that, we have a very good matrix of all the different paddlers over 50 years and how people paddle.

“Our biggest award that we have is the handicap award, which means we’re able to determine craft and age and, putting it through our matrix, we’re able to spit out a winner, and that’s never really disputed because it’s such a thorough method of tracking how people paddle and what they paddle.”

There are also options to compete in teams or as part of a relay.

Along with the thrill of competition, the Massive Murray Paddle has also been a significant charity event over the years.

“We make it the prerogative of all the different paddlers to raise their own money for charity, and we just collate the amount and allow people to attach themselves to charities or local causes that are very close to their hearts,” O’Brien said

“What happens with that format is you get people who are absolute fanatics, and then they go really hard with how much they can raise, and over the (last) eight years, we’re already over $1 million raised from the paddlers within the race.

“We find that an extremely efficient mechanism of fundraising and there have been many local Murray River towns that have greatly benefited from all the paddlers.”

Last year, Echuca Moama Canoe Club’s James Graham claimed overall race honours in the event.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.mmp415.racing