Marathon paddlers from around the nation converged on the Murray River last weekend for South Australia’s premier long-distance event, the Riverland Paddling Marathon (RPM).
Run by the Marathon Canoe over the June long weekend each year, the RPM has become a staple of the marathon calendar since its inception in 1988.
The event attracts paddling enthusiasts in all types of craft including kayaks, canoes, surf skis, surf boats, dragon boats and stand-up paddle boards.
Martin Finn has been volunteering as the race director of the RPM for the last 25 years and is a major advocate for the event.
“The Riverland Paddling Marathon is the event of the year for us. It brings the marathon community together and is a fantastic celebration of paddling,” Mr Finn said.
“We’ve had nearly 1500 paddlers nominate for the race over the past 36 years, and while most of our paddlers are from South Australia, we do get a large contingent from Melbourne and from Lane Cover River Kayakers in Sydney, as well as the occasional paddler from Queensland or Western Australia.
“The Murray 200 race is a continuous paddle over three days and is the backbone of the original event, but we also have several other races people can take part in if they are not interested in the longer distance.”
Held across three days, The RPM incorporates the Murray 200, the Murray 200 relay, the Murray 100, and the Riverland mini-marathon which runs from Berri to Morgan.
Mr Finn said the community inspires his selfless service to the RPM.
“I have been running the event for 25 years and it’s been fantastic to watch the event grow, and it’s part of what keeps me coming back each year,” he said.
“Numbers dropped away during COVID, but we’re seeing it grow back, and it’s joyous to see the older paddlers come back every year and younger paddlers develop the love for paddling on the Murray.
“We’re supported by the Amateur Radio Experimenters Group, which do communications, and also the Victor Harbor Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron, which provide safety and rescue boats, so it’s a real community effort.”
With a long history in marathon and ultra-marathon paddling, Adelaide-based Bill Robinson took to the water over the weekend for a record-breaking 25th Murray 200.
Bill completed the event alongside grandson Archie, and said it was a special occasion.
“In my opinion the Riverland Paddling Marathon is one of the best marathons in the whole country,” he said.
“I have paddled for a bulk of my adult life and still absolutely love it, and no matter where I go, something about the Murray River keeps me coming back.
“Martin has been volunteering for 25 years and is a wonderful person, and the Riverland Paddling Marathon and its paddles owe a lot to him.
“We have some serious paddlers turn up looking to break records, but we also have people who come along looking to paddle more socially.
“This year I’ll be doing it with my 18-year-old grandson Archie which is very special, and it’s going to be fun to be part of his first Murray 200.
“The Murray 200 takes you through some beautiful country, including spectacular cliffs near Waikerie, and each morning we go through a lock which are incredible things.
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 12 June 2024.
