Range of paddlers to compete in Tweed River marathon

PADDLERS will race down the Tweed River in the Tweed 30 Paddle Marathon as the event returns for its second year.

The 30km race will be held on July 27, starting at Murwillumbah and finishing at Tweed Heads.

Run by the Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club, the event showcases the Tweed River in a competitive setting, with most of the club’s members living in NSW.

Competitors will take on the course in dragon boats, kayaks, surf skis and outriggers, alongside stand-up boards, prone paddlers and rowers. Singles, doubles and multi-person crews can enter, either completing the full course or racing as a relay team across three 10km stages.

Spectators can watch the start at Murwillumbah Rowing Club and the finish at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, with changeover points at Tumbulgum in front of the tavern and Chinderah opposite Cubby Bakehouse.

Last year’s winner Mackenzie Hynard finished in just over two hours, with all competitors completing the course within three hours.

“We are keen to build on last year’s event and encourage paddlers and their families to appreciate the beauty of the Tweed Valley and its magnificent river,” event organiser Peter Hickey said.

“The club has promoted the event far and wide and we hope that spectators will also come out and watch the paddlers from the various vantage points along the Tweed River and give them encouragement on their journey downstream.

“This year we have increased our water safety with two Marine Rescue jet skis closer to the finish supporting our IRBs monitoring the fleet along the journey.”

Competitors must wear a personal flotation device. Registered paddlers need to check in at Murwillumbah Rowing Club between 8am and 9am, with a race briefing at 9.15am. Dragons and stand-ups will start at 9.30am, with all other competitors beginning at 10am.

For more information or to register, visit the Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club Facebook page or webscorer.com/register?raceid=395396. Entries close at midnight on July 25.