The event aimed to rid the Murrumbidgee River of carp, as well as raise vital money for cystic fibrosis. 

Leeton residents Colleen and Craig Willis organised the day, with funds raised going toward the annual Great Escape Car Rally which supports Cystic Fibrosis Australia’s bid to find a cure for the disease. 

137 residents and visitors registered to take part and catch as many carp as possible. About 80 were hooked on the day. 

“There wasn’t a lot of carp caught, which is actually a good thing for the river system,” Mr Willis said. “It was great to have so much support on the day. We couldn’t have asked for a better day either, the fishing conditions were spot on.”

Mr Willis believes a decent amount will have been raised from the event, with the final number still being finalised. 

The “carpathon” follows on from a successful poker run ride last month. 

Each year a number of Leeton shire residents take part in the Great Escape Rally. On their return they immediately start fund-raising for the next year’s event. 

“This was our last big fund-raiser for the year,” Mr Willis said. “There’s already plans in place to hold another carpathon next year, we’re looking at the second weekend in November. We received really great feedback and it was something a bit different to do.”

Mr Willis thanked the bands and community groups that also took part in the day by entertaining and feeding the crowd of hungry anglers.