Sport

Sweat vs Steam makes a grand return

By Bransen Gibson

Oct 9, 2022

At the wheel: Michael Snell was the skipper of the PS Adelaide during Sweat vs Steam 2022 as the vessel raced against hundreds of competitors on land. Photo: Bransen Gibson

There was a tonne of fun in the sun for the return of the Sweat vs Steam run as hundreds of participants raced against the PS Adelaide on Sunday morning.

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More than 350 runners took to the course that travelled through the historic Port of Echuca and along Scenic Drive, doing their best to beat the PS Adelaide as it powered along the Murray River.

It was those on foot who claimed the bragging rights in this year’s event, with the top 50 in the 10km event and the top 18 in the 5km run all finishing ahead of the Adelaide.

Sunday was the first time Sweat vs Steam has been held since 2019, and there was a bumper crowd at the start/finish line at Hopwood Gardens to cheer the runners on.

The event raises funds for the community, with money raised being donated back to local clubs and organisations.

Sweat vs Steam race director Sarah Mulkearns said it was fantastic to have the event back for the first time in three years.

“It was just amazing,” Ms Mulkearns said.

“It was the perfect morning for the event. It started off pretty fresh, but the sun came out and it was a beautiful morning.

“We literally went without a hitch, we couldn’t have asked for anything better. The weather turned out fantastic for the morning, we couldn’t ask for a better morning.”

With well over 300 participants taking part in the event and dozens more cheering them on, Ms Mulkearns said it was fantastic to see such a big crowd getting involved.

“It is so great to see so many people down here for the event and spectating. We ended up with over 350 runners in the end which is just fantastic to see,” she said.

“The whole grass area at Hopwood gardens was full of spectators, the course was full of runners. We were literally at capacity, it was nearly a sell-out.”

The event featured a 10km and 5km run, and for the first time, a kids dash as well.

“We had kids as little as three years old up to 12-year-olds in the kids dash and to see their smiling faces across the finish line, it was so good,” Ms Mulkearns said.

While hundreds were out pounding the pavement, the PS Adelaide, crewed by Michael Snell, Jarrod Beer and Dan Gillingham, was paddling at full steam along the Murray.

The vessel, adorned with the number one for the race, was flying as it travelled with the current, racing side-by-side with the runners as the track went alongside the river.

First cab off the rank: *The PS Adelaide* was competitor number one in Sweat vs Steam 2022. Photo: Bransen Gibson Photo by Bransen Gibson

Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Chrissy Weller was on board the Adelaide for the race and said it was a fantastic experience.

“It was gorgeous, it was a beautiful space to be in,” Cr Weller said.

“Going on the Adelaide was pretty special, it is hard to beat being out there on the river in the sun.

“It has been fantastic. We have turned the weather on, you could not have got a better day, and to see all the families still here supporting everybody is great.

“I think it is pretty special, and these are the things we want to see happening right across the shire.”

Reflecting on the event after the racing was done and dusted, Ms Mulkearns said it was great to be involved as one of the organisers.

“The organising committee behind the whole event have worked really well together,” she said.

“It is part of the Echuca Triathlon Club, and it is their volunteers who run the event. Being behind the scenes and working on it has been great.

“Thank you everyone for coming down and supporting the event and we hope to see you next year.”