Marathon Racing involves paddling over long distances, on either the flatwater of lakes, and dams, or the flowing water of a river. Australia has many long rivers well suited for Marathon canoeing. Â Traditional Marathon Racing competitions, like the World Cup and World Championships, involve a fixed flatwater course with regular portages, where the paddler must carry the canoe or kayak. National Championships are raced over approximately 38-42km.
The longest Marathon Race in Australia is the VicSuper Murray Marathon where competitors will paddle from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill a distance of 404km over five days to help raise funds for the YMCA.