A full Murrumbidgee River will be the backdrop of Paddle NSW's first canoe race for the 2021 marathon series.
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The Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club was able to secure the event after a trial race this time last year attracted over 30 boats despite dropping water levels.
Club president Jason Redlich said the race would be the only fully down river event in the series, which allowed for longer routes rather than circuit events.
The race will involve a 26 kilometre route from Oura to the city as well as 18km and 7.5km options from Braehour and Eunony reserves.
The club had aimed to attract about 100 registrations across the three events.
By Thursday afternoon, they had reached their goal.
Canoers from as far as Sydney, Coffs Harbour and even Swan Hill in Victoria typically follow the marathon season.
Redlich said the club was excited to be able to host the event, with a reduction in the number of races in recent years meaning Wagga had not made the schedule for a while.
"We're pretty happy as a club, we're well supported by Paddle NSW and they do like to come to Wagga," Redlich said.
"With the rain the region looks nice, the weather's not too warm for this time of year and the water levels are good so it should be a nice race."
Redlich said the race would look a bit different this year without mass briefings and gatherings after the race, but the club was hoping the event would lead to more in the coming years.
"We hope to make this format and the race an annual event," he said.
Once the Riverside redevelopment is complete, he said the Oura to Wagga race could be a showcase for the revamped Wagga Beach.
Racing begins between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturday at the three starting points on the Murrumbidgee River.
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