New Zealanders in Gallipoli 100 Surf Boat Marathon

More than 30 surf boat crews from around the world will pay tribute to the sacrifices of young soldiers 100 years ago as they take part in a marathon rowing race off the Turkish coast starting on April 23 at Eceabat.

Race conditions will be tough as “temperatures are in the nine to 10 degrees range and the water’s absolutely freezing” according to Newcastle surf boat rower Allan McKeown”.

60 kilometres a day will be covered over two days so that the crews will land at Anzac Cove just before Anzac Day after having stopped at several significant landing spots around the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Ten New Zealand rowers from Auckland’s Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be taking part in the marathon race off the coast of Turkey.

“They will carry a commemorative ribbon, printed with the names of individuals and families who want to honour those who served at Gallipoli.”

“It will be a proud moment for our rowers who view it as a poignant way to carry the Anzac spirit with them all the way to the beach landing,” said team manager Ross Malyon.

The ‘Gallipoli 100’ was devised to commemorate the heroism of the Australian and New Zealand troops who took part in the Gallipoli landing.

Article Source: The Age, Tim Martin, April 19, 2015.

Image Source: Wikimedia.org