The spirit of endurance, teamwork and adventure was on full display when paddlers took on the 2026 Ord Valley Marathon, completing one of the world’s most unique dragon boat events.
The spectacular 55km paddle follows the Ord River from the Lake Argyle Dam wall to Lily Creek Lagoon in Kununurra.
Eight teams took part in this year’s paddle on June 6 from across the country; the Alpine Murray Serpents, made up of paddlers from Yarrawonga, Beechworth and Mt Beauty in Victoria, Ballarat Biscuits, Vic, Bidgee Dragons, NSW, Mildura Dragons, Vic, Forza Dragons Bunbury, Gippsland Water Dragons,Vic, Mildura Dragon Boat Club, Vic, and the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club, NSW.
Although the event is not a race, it is regarded as an unforgettable endurance challenge that brings dragon boat enthusiasts together to experience the breathtaking Kimberley landscape.
Ord Valley Marathon organiser Cathy Cummins said the event was about much more than crossing the finish line.
“The Ord Valley Marathon is an amazing adventure, not about racing but more about endurance,” she said.
The Ord River Marathon is an endurance challenge and everyone who completes the challenge is a winner!
Believed to be the world’s longest single-day dragon boat marathon, teams of 14 paddlers and a sweep spend around six hours navigating the river, sharing plenty of camaraderie along the way.
First held in 2002, the marathon has become a bucket-list event for dragon boaters across Australia. Interest continues to grow, with the 2026 event selling out in just 17 minutes.
The marathon relies on a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors and local businesses to co-ordinate safety crews, river checkpoints and catering throughout the day, ensuring paddlers remain well-fed, hydrated and supported across the remote course.
Dragon boating is one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports, with more than 50 million participants in over 90 countries.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails