ORGANISERS of Saturday’s Upper Murray Challenge will use the suspected drowning of canoeist Amy Dickinson to highlight the dangers of paddling in the chilly water.
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The one-day mountain biking, kayaking and running event will go ahead, despite this week’s incident.
While paddlers won’t travel past the spot in the river where the Melbourne woman disappeared, race director Peter Dikschei said competitors would face very similar conditions.
He said he would reflect on the accident during his pre-race speech.
“It’s a tragedy when anyone loses their life earlier then would be considered normal,” Mr Dikschei said.
“You need to take the best precautions that you can based on your experience and recommendations from others but, regardless of what precautions you take, it still might not work.
“There is an element of risk you might not be able to control.”
Mr Dikschei said those in the race would be made to wear life jackets and a helmet, while marshals would be stationed along the course to help people they saw getting in trouble.