The Murray Quad started as a Quadrathlon event with disciplines in swimming, running, cycling and kayaking – basically a triathlon with a paddle leg and in 2018 the event has changed its format to a paddle and run only held over 2 days that can be done individually or both.
The Murray Quad is a unique event that is held on Australia’s longest river at 3 of towns Yarrawonga Cobram and Tocumwal. The race is conducted under a set distance and guidelines that have been established by several Australian governing associations also satisfying sanctioning by the WQF (World Quadrathlon Federation).
To keep the quad theme each discipline has 4 different sections
The paddle involves 4 separate classes
- Double Blade – Kayaks
- Single Blade – Canoe
- Stand – SUP
- Backwards – Row
The run has 4 different distances
- Half Marathon
- Quarter Marathon
- Trail Run
- Kids and parent fun run
There is also the option to compete in both events and the person that has fastest combined time will be crowned the King and Queen of the Murray
Murray Quad History
- 2009 after competing in the Tocumwal Challenge Tim Roadley had the idea of holding a multi-sport event on Lake Mulwala and the Murray River that involved four sports, swimming, running, cycling and paddling.
- 2010 the Yarrawonga Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club work with a local fun run to include a swim and paddle event.
- 2011 the Murray Quad format is established, a long-distance event held on one day run by the Yarrawonga Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club with support from Canoeing Victoria and sanctioning from the WQF.
- December 15, 2012 was the date set for first Murray Quad but due to a few planning issues the event was postponed, although a test event for the run was held on this date which was hampered by torrential rain.
- October 2013, Save the Children signed on to host the event with all proceeds going to support and protect children.
- Saturday 10 May 2014 the inaugural Murray Quad was held. Unfortunately, the weather was not helpful with a late autumn cold snap halved the swim distance, low water in the Murray River changing the paddle to a loop course around Cobram and heavy rain on the day forced the bike leg to be cancelled.
- December 2015 Logistics Events Australia took over from Save the Children as the event manager.
- March 2016, the scheduled Murray Quad was cancelled due to the red alert for Blue Green Algae on the Murray River and Lake Mulwala
- The rescheduled Murray Quad will finally toke place on Saturday 19 November 2016 and was a spectacular success with Michael Faustmann crowned Australia’s First Diamond Man and Kelly Honess Australia’s First Diamond Woman. Thus, establishing late November as the ideal time to hold the Murray Quad and we are sure it will be a highlight in the years to come on the Australian and International multi-sports calendar.
- 2017 the Murray Quad was granted Australian Quadrathlon championship status and the Peaches and Cream Paddle was opening to include all types of water craft and the event had the rowers from Corowa enter several crews including a quad skull and Paige Cooper in a single skull was the fastest female to complete the 25km distance. The testing natural of the event was prevalent with Stuart Finley the only competitor to complete the grueling distance and earn the title as the Australian Quadrathlon Champion.
- 2018 format change to paddle and run with 4 separate entry options for each plus the formation of the King and Queen of the Murray.
The Region
Murray River Region
The Murray Quad starts in Yarrawonga and finishes in Tocumwal on the mighty Murray River. It is located three hours from Melbourne, four hours from Canberra and six and a half hours from Sydney.
The Murray River is often described as an “inland aquatic paradise” and is a haven for water sports such as water skiing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing.
The Moira region (Yarrawonga to Barmah) of the Murray River is affectionately known as the Sun Country because it is blessed with copious amounts of sunshine all year round. The river is also dotted with beautiful sandy beaches and towering red gums, making it the perfect location for a family getaway.
Yarrawonga
Renowned for its wonderful Mediterranean climate, Yarrawonga Mulwala is described as an “Inland Aquatic Paradise” set amongst a picturesque piece of regional Victoria and New South Wales and located only 3 hours from Melbourne.
The area is surrounded by stunning scenery in the nearby forests and along the course of the mighty Murray River which runs through Lake Mulwala, a haven for water sports such as water skiing, kayaking and canoeing. The many walking and riding tracks around the lake, within the forests and surrounding areas set the scene for leisurely strolls, general training or can make that hard training session even pleasurable. If you enjoy life by the water, then you won’t be disappointed with Yarrawonga Mulwala and what it has to offer.
Yarrawonga Mulwala is the perfect setting for this year’s Murray QUAD however you can always visit any time of the year and enjoy our magnificent 45 holes of golf, explore the river beaches, take a trip to sample our local wines, follow the farmgate trail and sample an array of fresh local produce and there’s a children’s amusement park. Then there’s shopping in the boutique shops, or enjoying some great food at the cafes, restaurants, clubs and hotels.
With so much available it’s truly a unique “oasis”. With over 70 accommodation outlets, ranging from caravan parks, cabins, self-contained apartments, hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and even farm stays, there’s something to suit everyone’s comfort style and budget.
Cobram & Tocumwal
Every year thousands of Australians retreat to relax at some of Australia’s best beaches, with more than 70 inland beaches between Yarrawonga and Tocumwal alone there is more than enough for everyone to enjoy.
Cobram’s Thompson beach known as Australia’s largest inland beach is central to all these beaches, which naturally occur because of the Murray River twist and turns through the River Red Gum Forest.