Yarrawonga’s Kayla Whinray pictured doing the portage part of the race.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Perfect weather conditions greeted 50 of Australia’s best paddlers including some locals in the 2022 Murray River Classic held by the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club below the Yarrawonga Weir earlier this month.
Locals Daniel Smith and Janet Schweda competing in the doubles race.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
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Proving that the Murray River provides the best location for paddlers Mitta Mitta Canoe Club member and former Australian Champion Kate Leverett took out her eigth Female Murray River Classic title in front of Yarrawonga’s Kayla Whinray.
In the Open Male event Melbourne paddler David Ceddia was too strong for multiple classic winner and multiple Australian Champion Albury’s Mick Leverett.
Local juniors continued to lead the way with the YMACC girls taking out the trifecta in the Australia Day Cup led by Zoe Schewda winning the 10km race in a time of 1-hour and 2 minutes, closely followed by Kristi Hardman only 25 seconds behind with Ruby Stevens finishing in third place.
Natalie Drew Cole won the 10km Para Class and Clive Cormack was awarded the Male Australia Day award for his performance in the 20km race and Emma Corrin from Cobram-Barooga took out her 15km race which was an ideal lead up to their preparation for the Australian Championships.
Local Zoe Schewda won the 10km race.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
To honor club legend Wendy Phillips who passed away during the same week the club ran the inaugural “Wendy” a sub junior race with Jack Corrin from Cobram winning the boys event and Yarrawonga local Kirsty Plevnik winning the girls event after a close battle with Azaria McBurnie.
A big turnout out by the single blades (Canoeist) contested the “Kevin Phillips Classic” with Echuca-Moama paddlers filling the podium with Josh Walsh in first place, Ron Clarke second and Tony Bond third. In the lady’s event Karen Merlo finished first, Karen Strachan second and Jo Davies third all from the Footscray Canoe Club.
The doubles event had a local feel about it with YMACC members Brea Roadley and Jordon Clauson winning in front of Daniel Smith and Janet Schweda. The club also had Jenny Hardman take out the 5km adventure race.
This event was only possible due to the support from the members of the canoe club, the Yarrawonga SES, the Yarrawonga Holiday Park for the use of their facilities and the Criterion Hotel for hosting the presentation of awards.
