The Burley Griffin Canoe Club will set out to make a strong start to winning its third straight NSW Marathon series in the opening round in Canberra on Saturday.
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More than 130 paddlers will take part in either the 10 kilometre or 20 kilometre course, with competitors having to come to shore on each lap and run about 50 metres with their boats before resuming racing.
Sydney's Brett Greenwood will be one of the favourites in the elite division as the reigning champion of the Murray Marathon, while Matt Blundell will also be using the event as preparation for the national championships at Easter.
Fast improving Canberra junior Ben Rake is considered the fastest paddler at the Burley Griffin club.
There are also a couple of races organised for stand-up paddle boarders given the explosion in the sport's popularity.
The Burley Griffin Canoe Club has about 320 members and marathon convenor John Preston said the club was aiming for its depth to help it grab an overall series victory.
"Manly and Lane Cove look like they're our major opposition again this year, they're making a big effort to knock us off,'' he said.
"They will dominate the first-division races and we will pick up our points in the other divisions more through consistent speed with people involved.
"Brett Greenwood and Matt Blundell will probably dominate the first-division races.''
Adding to the festivities will be the annual Burley Griffin Bash on the lake on Sunday.
Racing starts at 8am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday.