Grant, recently named in the sport’s first-ever national team, is about to embark on her third 26km journey, which is hosted by the Port Macquarie Rowing Club.

Afterwards, she’ll turn her attention to the 66km World Title Race in Molokai, Hawaii, in September.

“I’m sure an event like this will help,” Grant told the Port News.

“I did the first one in a single canoe and last year in a six-man canoe.

“I’m back in the single canoe this weekend.

“Depending on the conditions, my goal is to break my mark from two years ago.

“When it’s not an actual race, competing against yourself can be hard.

“I’ve also struggled with weed in the past – I had to jump out and clean it,” she added with a laugh.

“Plus, the water temperature is a lot cooler at the moment.”

But, Grant, who won the prestigious 42km Hamilton Island Cup with the Australian outrigging squad in June and broke the record by a minute, has nothing but praise for the 3 Rivers Mini Marathon, which is open to any non-motorised watercraft.

“I like the event,” she said.

“You can watch each group leave, because we depart at different times, you get a feed at the end and there’s a band at the finish line.

“It’s a great atmosphere.”

The Port Macquarie-Maroro Outrigger Canoe Club will boast a strong presence on Sunday, with the likes of Grant, Mick Wilson, Dave Thompson and Wayne Barnard among others.

Competitors are expected to meet at the Log Wharf, Telegraph Point, launch in the Wilson River, paddle into the Maria and finally join the Hastings River, which brings them to the finish line at the Port Macquarie Rowing Club.

Following a briefing at 8am, there will be two starts – the first for sculls and slow craft at 8.30am, and the second for high-speed performance vessels at 9am.

All participants’ times are recorded, the best ones noted and compared against previous years.

Everyone who completes the course will also be issued a certificate.

A jazz band will entertain spectators of all ages on the clubhouse lawns, while spectators can enjoy a barbecue lunch.

Food and beverages are available too.