The Lismore Kayak Marathon was held on Sunday 21 August in bright, fine conditions. 47 boats and 53 paddlers entered in the race. There were 5 starts and 3 distances covered; 18 k, 12k and 6k. A change of direction of the tidal current half way through the race gave tired paddlers some assistance on the last leg.
Mick Herden had the fastest time in the 18 k, first start of 1 hour 38 minutes and 33 seconds. Mick received the Clif Weaver Memorial trophy. This trophy is named after a paddler, in his 80’s, who inspired many on our river by paddling from Lismore to Ballina (100 k) in a long summer’s day without a break.
In the 18 kilometre second start Grant Epple and Andrew Ra had the fastest time (1.45.02) in a TK2. In the 12 kilometre race, first start, Stuart Thomson and Andrew Gordon had the fastest time (57.43) in a K2. In the second start Robert Topp had the fastest time (1.20.52) in a TK1. Natalie Rixon had the fastest time in the 6 kilometre race (36.39).
The day went very smoothly with all volunteers from the Far North Coast Canoe Club combining together to make it a relaxed, easy time. Some paddlers who were turning for another lap remarked that the delicious aromas coming from the barbeque made them inclined to want to interrupt their race to have a quick bite. 
