THE 2025 Australia Day Lilo Race was run and won in a sea of colour and good cheer on Sunday.
An annual event, the race starts at the Koondrook Boat Ramp with entrants floating on inflatable lilos and tubes to the finish line at Barham Boat Ramp.
The cross-border event drew a strong field of competitors as well as spectators who lined the banks of the Murray River to cheer home their favourites.
Sponsored by The Trend Skate n Surf, the first across the line were not necessarily the biggest winners on the day, with loads of laughter and camaraderie experienced across the whole field.
The event kicked off with a barbecue breakfast at 9am followed by the race start at 10.30am.
Community member Greg Lake has been taking part since its humble beginnings almost 15 years ago and said he was proud to see how big it has grown.
“It started off with a few mates who wanted to do something different on Australia Day,” he said.
“That year, there were about 20 people who floated in the river.
“I really don’t know how the Lilo race took off in popularity.
“I think it was social media that helped get the word out to people out of town.”
Proceeds from the event will be go to The Koondrook Barham Football Netball Club.
