I joined the Committee in the early 1980's as a Paddler's Representative, after commencing paddling the Marathon in 1977. I have missed the Marathon only once since 1977 as either a paddler or committee person (or both), competing in 17 so far. I enjoyed my experience in the Relay over the past two years, with not so much pain and strain. I have had two stretches as committee chairman spanning five Marathons and learned something new every year. Canoeing and the Marathon have become a major part of my life over the past 25 years and it is just what you do at Christmas each year.

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Denis J King
2IC Land Patrol
Deputy Chairman

In 1981 I was invited by a friend in the Land Rover Owners Club to assist with the Club's work in manning checkpoints on the Murray Marathon. My children, then aged 9 and 12, enjoyed the experience and we ran our own checkpoint from 1982 to 1985. After a few years without a 4WD I bought another Red Range Rover in November 1991 and was immediately conscripted by the same friend, who was then Officer In Charge Land Patrol. I have been a Checkpoint Leader ever since. About 10 years ago I was appointed 2IC Land Patrol and, as such, have been a member of the Marathon Committee. For several years I have been elected to the Executive, currently serving as Deputy Chairman. 2002 will be my 17th marathon and I expect there will be more. The Land Rover Owners Club has put together an efficient and helpful team for over 30 years and I am proud to be part of it.

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Bob Badham
Chairman

My interest in the Murray Marathon began when the Marathon Co-ordinator of the day was guest speaker at my Lions Club in 1983. Following this we revived the Barwon Canoe Mini with the help of some of the people involved in conducting the Murray Marathon. I found myself assisting Denis King to operate a checkpoint, and thought I’d give the "big one" a try. My first year was as a somewhat bewildered member of the Land Patrol, but I enjoyed the company and the experience and came back for more. Since then I have missed only one Marathon and two Echuca Minis, and this will be my 19th Marathon. My roles have included Checkpoint Leader, Tail End Charlie, Chief Safety Officer, and now Chairman. It's hard to imagine Boxing Day without going to Yarrawonga but my wife, who works as Tail End Charlie, says she'd like me to try it just once. Yes, I have thought of paddling the Marathon, but I just lie down till the feeling passes and then I'm OK again.

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Erin Lynch
Paddler Representative

I first got into canoeing when I joined the school Murray Marathon team in Year 11, and I've been paddling ever since. I paddled in the highly competitive schools relay for two years, which was one of the best experiences of my life, and then moved into the slightly less stressful open relay. I've now paddled TK2 relay since 1996, and have no plans of quitting soon! When a friend said he was retiring his position on the Committee and asked if I wanted to take it over, I jumped at the chance. Being behind the scenes puts a whole new perspective on the Marathon, but working with such an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers is an exceptionally rewarding experience. I think our event is an awesome one and I'm really looking forward to seeing it grow in the future.

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Graeme and Carol Tremellen
OIC & 2IC Communications

We became involved with the Red Cross Murray Marathon because we are members of WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network). WICEN has been providing the Communications for the Marathon since 1971. One of our members has accrued 23 years service as a Marathon volunteer, with many others also spending many years as Marathon volunteers. Graeme became involved in 1991, and Carol followed in 1993, Graeme was OIC from 1995, and this year Graeme and Carol have reversed their roles. We agree with Mike, the Marathon is what we and countless other dedicated volunteers do at Christmas. Ordinary Volunteers, Extraordinary Commitment.

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Caroline Hutton
Co-ordinator Emergency First Aid

I commenced only recently with the Australian Red Cross, Victoria, in the role of Coordinator Emergency First Aid. My background is in the fields of ski instructing and Coordinator Aquatic Programs with the YMCA. I am very excited to be involved with the Murray Marathon, 2002. I will be the OIC of the Health Support Team, which comprises First Aid and Massage. This year I will have a strong support team including two 2IC's and a number of Coordinators. My husband and I have an interest in kayaking, both sea kayaking and river kayaking and generally enjoy outdoor sports.

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Graeme Mant-Old
Service Co-ordinator (Northern)

I joined the Australian Red Cross, Victoria in January 2002, in the role of Service Coordinator (Northern). My background had been with St John's, a MICA Officer and Mental Health spanning nearly 40 years. I am very excited to be involved with the Murray Marathon, 2002. My wife and I enjoy prospecting, riding on our motorbike and spending time with the grandkids.

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Alan Duncan
OIC Computer Group

The race results are provided by members of the Microcomputer Club of Melbourne.
I have been personally involved since 1987, often supplying the computers and printers. These are used to capture all the boat and competitor details and create the lists that you see posted at the campsites and finish lines, and processing the finish times to create the results that you all eagerly seek. Look for us in the large beige caravan sporting the Red Cross and Marathon logos.

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Wren Brown
OIC Land Patrol

In 1994 I volunteered to assist Australian Red Cross, and was introduced to the Marathon. My role was to tow a two tonne, two-hole dunny half way across Victoria, then up and down the Murray River to provide a sincerely appreciated facility at checkpoints. From this fairly different beginning and as a member of the Land Rover Owner's Club of Victoria, I joined the Land Patrol manning checkpoints, then was 'volunteered' to become a Checkpoint Leader. Following this appointment in 2001, I am now OIC Land Patrol and a member of the Marathon committee. I admit to a certain humility coupled with an intense pride to be among the thousands who come together annually to raise funds for humanity through the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon.

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Graeme Smith
Race Director (OIC)

I paddled the Murray Marathon in 1976, finishing second in the 2nd TC2/MO class, and the following year I landcrewed for a local team. Family problems prevented any further involvement for the next few years, until I volunteered with the Australian Red Cross in 1984 and landed a job on the Race Committee. I have been involved ever since, and acted as OIC from 1989 - 99. In 2000 and 2001 I was 2IC, and in 2002 I am back in charge as OIC or Race Director.

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