Matt's 'Big Kayak Carry' debuts at Murray Bridge

Williamstown's Matt Hale was intentionally 'up the creek without the paddle' last week, when he set out to run/walk the half marathon distance (21.1km) at the Murray Bridge Running Festival on November 1 – with a 19kg modified kayak strapped over his shoulders.

Matt, who is the operator of Barossa Outdoors and accustomed to paddling out on local reservoirs, said he spotted two bottomless kayaks for sale online about a year ago, and had a stroke of inspiration.

"I'm the South Australian Team Leader for Buddy Up Australia, we're a national charity that supports Defence, first responders and their families by hosting wellness, social and outdoor adventure events," he explained.

"So I thought carrying the kayak on long distance walks and runs in SA would be a great way to increase awareness of Buddy Up's great work."

Matt said he certainly turned a few heads when he lined up at the start line of the half marathon in his kayak and Teva sandles.

"It was great to bring something a bit unusual to the run, there were plenty of cheers from the spectators I passed and lots of lighthearted chats and humour with competitors along the way, (for example) 'the river's over there mate!'," Matt said.

"It was great to provide a little momentary distraction to the more serious competitors pushing hard on the course. And volunteers and runners were so kind with words of encouragement."

Matt ended up completing 14kms as the "unofficial kayak distance", but said this was just the first instalment of Matt's 'Big Kayak Carry', with plans for an attempt at Victor Harbor Half Marathon in December, where he'll be joined by a team of 20 (non-kayak carrying) Buddy Up runners.

Matt said he will be establishing a fundraising platform soon and hoped to attract corporate sponsors to display their logos on his kayak.

"All funds support The Big Kayak Carry to raise awareness of Buddy Up Australia and help BUA fund future events for our veteran, defence and first responders," he said.

Matt said he was pleased to make Murray Bridge his inaugural kayak carrying attempt, with the mighty Murray providing the perfect backdrop.

"I've been running since my early adulthood, but I have to say the inclusive vibe and friendliness of everyone involved in MBRF really stuck out...

"It welcomed everyone, the fast, the slow, costumes and the kayak carrying!" he said.

According to race operator MMI Events' Morgan Coull, it was the biggest event they've held at Murray Bridge so far, with 1,076 finishers across several distances.