The 2025 Barron River Challenge was held over the 24th and 25th May on the Barron River from Mareeba to Kuranda by the Tinaroo Canoe Club.
| Thirty paddlers celebrated our 15th BRC50/20 race down the Barron River in the Mareeba Shire, FNQ. An overflowing Tinaroo dam delivered a healthy flow on each day of our split race. The return of extensive wet seasons created a challenging river course which tested even the most experienced paddlers this year. BRC20 insights. The winner of the BRC20 was Atherton farmer Tony Marnane who narrowly edged out Tinaroo paddler John Westcott. Local teacher Brad Weaver put together a great race to claim the third Male placing. Past Mareeba teacher Jamie McPaul (nee Gardiner), dominated the female category in her blue K1 kayak. Leith Hawke paddling a double kayak with husband Dave secured second female ahead of Jane Gunton and Shiloh Gunton. Special recognition was given to 76 year old Chris Souter from Cairns and 74 year old Steve McLay from the Sunshine Coast who finished with respectable times but were both still outside John Smallwoods’ 2023 record. |
| BRC50 Gregory Marathon legend and now Mareeba local John van Ryt, paddled a near perfect line down Oak Forest rapid on Day two to make up a 2 minute deficit to Steve Jenje, another elite paddler from Mount Isa who placed second in the recent 50th Gregory River Marathon by a slender 48 seconds. After a lengthy swim at Oak Forest, Steve Jenje had to settle for second place once again as John van Ryt waited at the Kuranda beach finish line to claim his 4th ‘Barron’ title by 32 seconds with a time for the 52km course of 4 hours 34 minutes and 17 seconds. Third male across the line was Adventure racing sensation Mark Wilson from Cairns. In her second attempt of the BRC50 course, Nicky Donaldson was able claim the title of ‘Barroness’ along with the coveted glass barramundi trophy. Nicky paddled a K2 with paddling partner Geoff Pearce who completed his 11th BRC50. Tinaroo Canoe Clubs’ 15th race was opened by Mareeba Leagues club CEO – Mrs Lucy Conner and our Deputy Mayor ; Councillor Lenore Wyatt. Cnr. Wyatt highlighted that it was ‘Volunteers Week’ and events run by non profit organisations like the Tinaroo Club are only possible with the help of our band of volunteers. This point was once again emphasised by BRC race coordinator Terry McClelland after the awards ceremony on Kuranda beach. Day 2 of our BRC50 requires a similar skill set as required for Day 1 of Western Australia’s AVON Descent. If you can help run or wish to participate in 2026, please get in touch with our Tinaroo Canoe Club. |
| BRC20 1st: Tony Marnane, (K1 2:03:16), 2nd: John Westcott (K1 2:04:39), 3rd Overall & 1st Female: Jamie Gardiner (K1 2:07:33), 4th Overall & 3rd Male: Brad Weaver (LP 2:10:23), 5th: Leith and David Hawke (TK2 Plastic 2:12:46). BRC50 1st: John van Ryt (K1 4:34:17), 2nd: Steve Jenje (K1 4:34:49), 3rd: Mark Wilson (LP 4:44:04), 4th: Nicky Donaldson/Geoff Pearce (K2 4:48:06), 5th: Rob Smythe (LP 5:10:16). |
