The event challenges runners to complete the 10km or 5km course around the Port of Echuca and scenic drive ahead of a paddlesteamer, which will be charting its own course on the river.
And with a record field set to take to the course, the PS Pevensey is gearing up for its biggest challenge yet.
The overzealous vessel smashed its expected time last year by almost six minutes, leaving a whole host of runners lagging behind.
Event director Brady Threlfall said he’s told the paddlesteamer crew to try to stick a bit closer to its target time, which is 48 minutes for the 10km event this year.
“I have tried to word them up to be a bit more predictable with the times,” he said.
“I said we can be within a minute or two, but we don't really need to blow it out of the water like we did last year.
“But that’s also the fun of the unpredictability of the river and you never know what the PS Pevensey is going to do on race day.”
At the time of writing, the final few 10km places are trickling away, and the 5km race isn’t far behind, with fewer than 50 spots left.
The 10km starts at 8am and the 5km at 9am.
Kids can also take part in the 1km or 500m junior dashes following the main races.
The race is targeted at serious competitors and fun-runners alike.
“Pending some good weather, we're going to have some great entertainment on course,” Threlfall said.
“A lot of our volunteers are the same people we had last year in the same positions and a few of them are saying they are bringing bigger speakers or a bubble machine and things like that, so they’re very supportive of that kind of initiative as well.”
At the top end, last year’s winner Nathan Stoate will be returning to defend his line honours title, while on the women’s side, Ballarat 10km podium finisher Michelle Edwards and recent winner of the Geelong marathon Brooke Williams will highlight the field.
The organisers are also encouraging spectators to get involved and in particular take advantage of the discounted tickets aboard the Pevensey itself as it takes on the competitors.
Limited remaining entries to compete in the event are available at raceroster.com/events/2026/138595/sweat-vs-steam-2026
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