Sport
7 May, 2025
Best event in Australia, declares Gregory short course champion
The Brisbane paddler was full of praise for the North West event.
Age proved no barrier for Mark Sanderson, who immediately after winning the 17km short race said that the Gregory River Canoe Marathon was the “best event in the country”.
The 64-year-old member of the Greater Logan Paddlers Club in Brisbane said he came to Gregory via Perth, having done a road trip around Australia en route to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“I paddled here a few years ago and wanted to come back,” he said.
“We came across it through friends who were racing in the canoes. I got here and had a great time.”
Sanderson said he opted for the short course due to a lack of gear and preparation.
“We’ve been away for two months so (the short course) was great. We borrowed one of the boats from the club.
“This is the best event in the country!
“The river was great. It’s quick and challenging.
“We all had our ‘aha’ moments and almost went in but it was just good to get to the finish and get there in one piece.
“I’ll definitely be back. Maybe not next year, but probably the year after.”
For many, it was an emotional weekend as the North West Canoe Club celebrated 50 years of the iconic Gregory River marathon.
President Steve Jenje, who came second in the 42km race, was disappointed not to win the milestone event, but was rapt with the turnout and the community spirit on display on the riverbanks.
“It feels unreal,” he said of being a part of the 50th celebrations.
“To have been here basically when it started ... this is my 37th year (paddling) and to see it grow and see people keep returning ... we’ve got people from all over Australia here and we love it.”
Jenje, the son of Gregory paddle legend Dick, dubbed “Old Man River”, said his late father would have been beaming with pride to see big crowds back at Gregory after a two-year hiatus.
“Oh he would have loved it, mate,” he said.
“This is the best level I’ve seen in a long time.
“Even though it’s harder and harder, I’ll still keep doing it.
“I just love it. I love seeing old friends and you always get new competitors which makes it interesting.”
The 53-year-old said getting people out on the river and having a good time was the mission of the North West Canoe Club, which also holds regular events at Lake Moondarra in Mount Isa.
“The atmosphere here is unreal, mate. The whole way, people have been cheering and cheering and showing their support.
“It was great seeing so many people on the water having a good time – we have so many families here.”
Jenje will now prepare for the Baron River Challenge near Cairns before hanging up the paddle for the year.
SIMPLY SUP-ERB
STEPHEN Derrick was cramping with a big smile on his face at the finish line, having just completed the 42km marathon course on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).
“It feels amazing; really good,” he said of being the first to cross the line on a SUP.
“I ended up having to kneel a lot because I cramped up at about Mellish Park.
“I ran out (of liquids) just before Checkpoint 4 so then it was just a slog to keep going to get here.”
The Mount Isa paddler, who has competed in many Gregory River Canoe Marathons, said it was the first time completing the full course on a SUP.
“I’ve only done it on the short course before,” he said.
“It’s just another thing to try. I’ll definitely be back next year to give it another crack.”
Derrick, one of four people to complete the full course on a SUP, said Gregory was a special place for many people in the region.
“It’s the people, it’s the place, it’s ... everybody helps everybody,”
he said.
“It’s like my competition in the race. They worked with me for a couple of days, leading into the race, helping me out.”
Derrick said he enjoyed the challenge of the SUP, which proved hard to stay afloat during some of the rapids.
“There were a lot of wipeouts.It didn’t take much to get unstable,” he said.
There was no shortage of thrills and spills on the river, including one unfortunate team that crashed out of the race in just a matter of seconds after their canoe cracked in half at the first rapid.
There were a number of soaking wet paddlers as they emerged around corners to the cheers of people stationed at checkpoints along the journey.
Apart from the appearances of some of the original paddlers, including the original “King of the River” Dave Ferguson, one of the highlights of the May Day weekend was the appearance of Rita Van Ryt.
The 91-year-old “Queen of the River” was part of a Van Ryt team and crossed the finish line to a big applause on Sunday.
“With 150 years of combined racing experience across the family, it’s safe to say the Gregory River flows through their veins,” the North West Canoe Club said.
“From generation to generation, this family has paddled, raced, and inspired. Let’s keep the family tradition alive for decades to come.”