Sweat vs Steam set for action

By Bransen Gibson

Oct 6, 2022

Unique event: Michael Snell (left), Luke Barlow, Lachie Barlow, Harry Barlow, Hendrika Kirchhofer and Jude Kirchhofer on board the *PS Adelaide.* They will all be involved in the Sweat vs Steam race on Sunday. Photo: Bransen Gibson

The iconic Sweat vs Steam race is ready to roll once again, with runners set to go head-to-head in a showdown against the historic PS Adelaide on Sunday.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The event is a quintessential Echuca-Moama experience, offering participants a chance to race against a paddle steamer.

Runners will traverse either a 10km or 5km course that travels through the historic port area and along the scenic trail, while the Adelaide will power up and back along the Murray River.

Sarah Mulkearns is the Sweat vs Steam event director and she said the unique chance to race against a paddle steamer was part of what made the event so special.

“That’s the biggest drawcard,” Ms Mulkearns said.

“There are so many run and trail events around, but to be able to run against a historic paddle steamer in the Port of Echuca, I think that really is the drawcard for this event.”

But the event is much more than just a race, also serving as a fundraiser, with money going back to organisations and clubs in the community.

“It is two-fold. We get to have everyone out there running and participating in the event, but also the main part of the event is that it raises money to go back into the community,” Ms Mulkearns said.

“All funds raised go back to the community — we half a dozen clubs and organisations that we have already committed to donating that money to after the event, which is fantastic.

“This year we have a couple of schools, a Little Athletics club, a footy club. Different organisations applied for a grant, we reviewed those, and we were able to accept quite a number of them because we have so many entries.”

Sunday will be the first time the race has been held since 2019, with the previous two editions cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Mulkearns said there were 260 participants registered to take part in the race on Sunday, which will also feature a kids’ dash for the first time.

“The kids’ dash is a new event for this year and we have 60 kids so far in that, so seeing those kids out being active and enjoying the event as well is going to be fantastic,” she said.

Michael Snell will be the skipper of the Adelaide and he will be hoping to steer the boat to victory on Sunday.

“I put my hand up to come do it, I have always managed to be a part of it, either as the skipper or the engineer of whatever boat is running at the time,” Mr Snell said.

“It is good to be able to get back and participate again after not being able to do it for the last couple of years due to COVID.”

Family bragging rights will be on the line when the race gets under way, with Mr Snell to go head-to-head with his daughter, Eliza, who will be one of the runners.

“This year Eliza will be competing in the 5km race, so that will be good,” he said.

“She has started to get into running and as soon as she heard I would be on the Adelaide she said ‘I want to race against you’, so that will be good fun.”

With sunshine and no rain forecast for Sunday, it is looking likely that conditions will be perfect on race day, and Ms Mulkearns said she hoped there was a great spectator turnout.

“Even if you aren’t participating in the event, come down and check it out; we have lots happening, so hopefully we’ll see lots of people down there,” she said.

All races will start from the Hopwood Gardens in Echuca. The 10km race will get under way at 8am, the 5km race will start at approximately 8.25am and the kids’ dash will commence at 9.15am.