John, you probably can't go past the Murray River Canoe Marathon as run by the Red Cross (http://www.murraymarathon.org). Check with the Red Cross organising team - I am sure they would be very willing to help with a similar event, or even a lead up event to their marathon.

The Murray Marathon is the longest canoe (and kayak) race in the world, at over 400km, run over 5 consecutive days. Last year they had over 500 boats entered, and each one had a minimum fundraising target for that category of canoe or kayak. For example, for a single canoe or kayak entered for the full distance, the entry fee is A$50 and the minimum fundraising target is A$350. For a double, both the entry fee and the fundraising target is doubled.

To put that in context for the benefit of you guys in North America, an A$ is worth about US$0.66

In addition to the main event held over the Christmas break, there are also a couple of lead up mini events held in October, a 50km one day event also on the Murray River, and the following weekend, a 32 km event over an 8km stretch of the Barwon river.

Also for the benefit of you North American guys, October in Australia is early spring which means the Murray could be in flood, and Christmas is one-third of the way thru summer. That time of the year on the Murray means daytime temperatures of up to 100F.

Last time I did the mini on the murray, as we were holding station backpaddling at the start, with a group of about 50 C1's, there was a shout from the roadbridge above to alert us that a black snake (venomous) about a metre long, was lazily swimming between the canoes to cross the river. While most (not all)of the paddlers took their paddles out of the water as it weaved its way across between the boats, I was pleasantly surprised at the interested, but apparently nonchalant attitude of the entrants, at its presence.

Despite that attitude, such sightings are not normal - certainly not through the start fleet - and the three events are each absolutely fantastic! Although competitive, and fiercely so at the head of the fleet, most people just compete to enjoy them as a personal challenge, so the sense of camaraderie is overwhelming, as is the sense of mutual support and encouragement.

To relieve the inevitable blisters or sunburn and even sore muscles, the Red Cross have multiple first aid tents at each check point, equipped with all the appropriate first aid you could ever need, including masseurs and masseuses.

If you need some guidance on how to run an excellent event - you couldn't surpass the way they do it. Good luck and lets all know if you get something organised in your great area.