The Myall River might be a beautiful body of water, but that's about all that's inviting about the 47km Myall Classic Paddling Ultramarathon, according to Paddling NSW president Bob Turner.
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"It's a gruelling race," Mr Turner said.
"It's longer than a world championship marathon."
The long-running event will take place at Tea Gardens this Saturday, September 21 and forms the second stop of the five-race Paddle NSW Ultramarathon Series.
With 155 entrants already registered and more expected to come, Mr Turner said the event will attract a high standard of competitors.
Already confirmed is defending open men's singles champion James Pralija, perennial contenders James Harrington and Matt Blundell, and highly-regarded doubles pair Steve and Kate Dawson, who have just returned from completing the Yucon 1000 in Canada.
Mr Turner considered the Myall Classic the peak event on the Paddling NSW calendar and said it provided the perfect warm-up for the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.
"It's not an easy course," he said.
"It's quite a challenge."
The event will field male and female competitors in junior, open and masters age divisions across a number of categories, including single and double kayaks, ocean racing skis, outrigger canoes, and stand-up paddle boards.
There is also the unique VJ event, which sees junior competitors and masters competitors pair up in the same boat, and the Students Challenge Trophy, which will pit teams from the University of Sydney and the University of New England against each other.
Aside from the 47km full course, there are also shorter 27km and 12km courses.
The first race starts at 8am and the presentation is expected to be held at 2:15pm.
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