Paddle for a cause: Tony & Stew take on the Murray Marathon for Icon Cancer Foundation
Tony Bond and Stewart “Stew” Nicol are well-known names in the Murray Marathon (MM) community, with decades of experience and countless kilometres behind them.
Returning for this years, Massive Muray Paddle, Tony and Stew are paddling 415km for more than personal achievement. In recognition of the support given to people living with cancer, they have chosen to fundraise for Icon Cancer Foundation, helping to support patient care at Icon Cancer Centre Moreland, Victoria.
Icon Cancer Foundation sincerely thank Tony and Stew for their dedication, generosity, and commitment to making a difference for people living with cancer.
Two short of a gross: About the Massive Murray Paddle 415
Tony Bond and Stewart “Stew” Nicol are two well-known and long-term Murray Marathon (MM) paddlers.
Tony first took on the MM back in 1978, while Stew followed in 1980. Since then, they’ve each completed dozens of races, with Stew preparing for his 40th MM this year – his first in the V70 category – and Tony aiming for his 44th (although he’s lost count).
Although their paddling styles differ (Tony in canoes and Stew in kayaks), the two have a history of success together, having teamed up in 2007 to set a record in the OC2 OV50 category. Now, at a combined age of 142, the duo are back as “Two Short of a Gross”, competing in the 2025 Massive Murray Paddle 415 (MMP415), a 415km, 5-day race along the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Koondrook between 17–21 November 2025.
Those wishing to support Tony and Stew in this year’s MMP415, by donating to Icon Cancer Foundation.