Sweat vs Steam

The premise is the appeal: you are racing a paddle steamer. Sweat vs Steam sends runners along the Murray at Echuca while the PS Pevensey works its way along the river, and the question on the day is whether you beat it to the finish. The 2026 event is on Sunday 15 November.

The courses

Four distances. The 10km (8am) is a full lap taking in Scenic Drive, Victoria Park, the historic Port of Echuca and the Aquatic Reserve, with the boat in view for much of it. The 5km (9am) covers half that lap. Some sections run on well-maintained dirt roads beside the river rather than sealed surface, but there is only 8 metres of climbing across the whole 10km, so this is a fast morning if you want it to be. Two kids' races, a 1km and a 500m dash, go off together at 9.50am.

Entry and race morning

Entry is $70 for the 10km, $60 for the 5km, $20 for the kids' 1km and $15 for the 500m dash, and entries close at 5pm on Saturday 14 November 2026. The 10km is open to 12 and over, the 5km to 8 and over. Bib collection is at the rotunda in Hopwood Gardens, either Saturday afternoon or from 6.45am on race morning.

Both adult distances pay overall podium prizes, $150 down to $50 in the 10km and Verve Running vouchers in the 5km, and every 5km and 10km finisher gets a medal. The kids get an ice cream voucher. Timing is by Tomato Timing with age-group results, presentations are at 10.30am, and all profits from the event go to Echuca Regional Health.

The other race on this river

The twin towns host a second running event earlier in the year. Run Echuca Moama starts across the bridge on the Moama side in early August and adds a half marathon to the 10km and 5km, raising money for local disability support.