The VicSuper Murrray Marathon is a well-known five-day event taking place between December 26th and 31st Each Year, and covering over 400 km of the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill. As such it is a challenge to paddlers, land crew and volunteers. The Mini Marathon provides training for paddlers, land crew and volunteers, in preparation for the main event in December.
The role of WICEN is to supply safety and logistics communications for and on behalf of the Safety Group of the Murray Marathon Committee.
The Safety Group, under the control of the Chief Safety Officer (CSO), comprises of the following main organizations:
– Land Patrol, performed by members of the Land Rover Owners Club (LROC), and looking after road signage and traffic control to and from checkpoints, and traffic control at checkpoints;
– Water Patrol, under control of the Water Safety Officer (WSO), is responsible for organizing and maintaining control of the fleet of canoes and support vessels for the event, as well as the restricted use of the river during the event. For river closure and compliance the WSO is assisted by NSW Waterways.
– Health and Wellness (including First Aid);
– Traffic and Camp Management; support performed by YMCA volunteers.
– Communications support performed by WICEN volunteers.
As of 2011 the YMCA Management Committee and the Operations Group have expanded the Mini Marathon from a one-day, to a two-day event.
Day one of the Mini Marathon is identical to previous years with a start at Barmah, and Finish at Echuca boat ramp.
Day two will be integrated with the Sweat vs Steam festival in Echuca, with a canoe race versus a paddle steamer. The Sweat vs Steam is a 13 kilometers footrace against the world’s oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer – the PS Adelaide. The Greater Murray YMCA conducts the annual Sweat v’s Steam Fun Run each year, with all money raised being donated to the Echuca & District Youth Services Fund.