PAWA Katherine Red Cross
Canoe Marathon

> Canoeing in Western Australia

Katherine River, Northern Territory

(321 kilometres south of Darwin)

1 day event on Queen's Birthday weekend in June, each year
2005 date coming soon!

 Entry: minimum fundraising

The Course

By the middle of the dry season (June) the Katherine River has usually become quite sedate, flowing over rapids and deep pools, past sandy beaches and banks lost to pandanus palms and paper bark trees. Wildlife abounds.

Over the course there are long, deep water holes separated by sets of rapids. These are mainly quite small and can be easily negotiated or portaged. The river always has flow which can be quite fast, depending on the rainfall during the previous wet season.

The PowerWater Katherine Red Cross Canoe Marathon started in 1982 and entrants from all over the country have taken part in this unique event which is held on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June.
It is the major fund-raising event for the Australian Red Cross Katherine Branch with a condition of entry being that contestants raise sponsorship.

The race is a one day event on Sunday and covers approximately 47 kms with an average paddling time of 7 hours.
Beginning under the High Level Bridge (Eugene Betti Bridge), the course concludes at Carbeen Park.

Short Course : High Level Bridge to Galloping Jacks - 20 km

A Presentation Ceremony and Dinner is held on Sunday night at 7.30 pm at the Springvale Homestead.

Prizes in all categories.
Great canoeing river: beautiful (and usually inaccessible) scenery to enjoy along the course.
A race to suit all types: for the experienced and serious canoeists, the canoe marathon offers an exciting challenge and a chance to break the records. For the less experienced canoeist, the canoe marathon offers an opportunity to improve those skills and have some fun. For the non-experienced, the Canoe Marathon offers a new experience, but we urge ALL ENTRANTS TO DO SOME PRIOR PRACTICE.

 

  • Age groups, men: Open, Masters 1 (35-50 yrs), Masters 2 (50+ yrs),Juniors (15 & under 18), Pre-juniors (12 & under 15)
  • Age groups, women: Open, Masters 1 (30-45 yrs), Masters 2 (45+ yrs),Juniors (15 & under 18)
  • For single & double canoes & kayaks
  • Classes for men, women, mixed & teams
  • Short course for Masters 2 & Juniors
  • Transport assistance for canoes & camping equipment is available during the event by prior arrangement.
  • Katherine Canoe Club has a training run before the event.
  • Registration and Scrutineering on Friday beforehand between 4pm and 9pm at Administration Building, Red Cross, Katherine. All craft must be scrutineered beforehand.
  • Transport assistance for canoes is available.
  • Camping arrangements are the responsibility of the canoeist. However, Katherine Tourist Information Centre is happy to help with suggestions - it is contactable on (08) 8972 2650

Further enquiries and Canoe Marathon booklet from:
Australian Red Cross - Katherine Branch
Ph: (08) 8971 1246   fax (08) 8971 0363

or write to P.O. Box 13, Katherine NT 0851 or Email: sbrown@nt.redcross.org.au

> Canoeing in Western Australia

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