OARSOME FORM
Kayakers go with the flow on the mighty Murray

Wing Commander Terry Saunder finishes a leg of the gruelling race.

Leading Aircraftwoman Cecilia Hawkes leaves her opponents in her wake during the 404km Murray Marathon.

AIR Force paddlers have displayed their class to record two outstanding results in the gruelling Murray Marathon, held over the Christmas-New Year break.

While most of us were recovering from our festive season over-indulgence, 18 paddlers from the Air Force, Air Force Cadets, Army and Defence public service busted their guts to represent a combined services team in the five-day, 404km event.

The ADF contestants all performed admirably, with every paddler finishing the race, which took participants from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill.

But it was Leading Aircraftwoman Cecilia Hawkes and Wing Commander Terry Saunder who were the standout performers, winning gold and bronze medals respectively.

LACW Hawkes, of No. 3 Hospital, finished first in the women’s single touring kayak class, crossing the line in an aggregate time of 31 hours, 29 minutes and 19 seconds.

Meanwhile, WGCDR Saunder, from the Aircraft Research Development Unit, grabbed third place in the men’s veteran 40 single kayak class, arriving at Swan Hill in 36 hours, 59 minutes and 10 seconds.

Defence public servants Stew Nicol and Neil Mudford also flew the flag for their team, taking out the men’s veteran 40 double touring kayak class in a bit over 31 hours.

The Murray River Marathon has been held every year since 1969 and the ADF has been involved in every race since 1970.

This year the 18 paddlers were ably supported by 16 land crew members who were drawn from the various services.

As well as performing superbly on the water, the 2002 ADF team also raised $6200 for the Red Cross, bringing the total amount raised for charity by the ADF in this event to a whopping $80,000.

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