mmg.com.au

Yesterday’s fourth day of the VicSuper Murray Marathon was described by many competitors as the toughest.

While at 63km it was the shortest leg of the 404km five-day marathon, fatigue and warm conditions made the journey from Echuca to Torrumbarry a tough one for the teams.

Two Short Men, with Greg Smith and Stephen Monger on board, again took line honours in Torrumbarry, making it four days in a row.

Paddlers hit the water at Echuca and crossed the finish line at Torrumbarry, with the winners finishing in just 4:46:55.

‘‘I’m fatigued after day four,’’ Smith said.

‘‘It was a lot better than yesterday (Saturday), but I think Steve would love to swap his bum over.’’

A rivalry for the ages was also born during yesterday’s leg.

The Nationals team, which includes two members of parliament, chased down the CWA’s team during the last leg.

Deputy National Leader and Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said: ‘‘We gave them a chance. It’s a bit of fun.’’

In triumph he held aloft the CWA’s team’s mascot — the giant cupcake.

Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy also paddles in The Nationals team.

YMCA Victoria general manager Stephen Bendle said day four was a special day because it was the one-day event, where many people supporting paddlers doing the longer events also took part.

‘‘Today was also ‘Red Day’, when paddlers, volunteers and everyone working on the Murray Marathon wears red to symbolise the YMCA’s involvement in this great charity event,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m especially proud that this year we have about 10 YMCA Victoria staff paddling on the river.’’

The spectators and paddlers really got into the red theme, with many donning exclusively red outfits.

Enthusiastic supporter Daniel Tencic opted for a superman theme, with bright red jocks over tight lycra.

‘‘It’s all a bit of fun, isn’t it?’’ Tencic, who is with the MLC support crew, said.

Today is the final leg of the race, a 75km journey from Murrabit to Swan Hill.

The first paddlers are expected to reach the final finish line in Swan Hill about 1.45pm.