Alex Luther has origins of which he is very proud. His grandfather is none other than the famous Australian marathon runner Harry Luther, who became famous during the golden age of sport in the 1970s, even winning a world champion title, thanks to a record still unbeaten to this day.
In June 1970, the Australian sportsman became the first man to run a marathon in long-distance water skiing, linking 30 Mediterranean cities to the strength of his legs and arms alone, towed by the first twin-engine outboard to compete in water skiing. A 22-step journey he had completed in 10 days, 5 hours and 36 minutes.
The 36-year-old Australian - in a tribute to his grandfather who died in a bicycle accident in Perth in 1988 - will try to beat his grandfather's world record in long-distance water skiing. To a detail ready that he had never done water skiing before and that he trained hard to put all the chances on his side.
He will follow more or less the same route as his grandfather: 5,010 kilometres started at the tip of Africa - Tangier, Morocco - which will continue along the Spanish, French and Monegasque, Italian and Croatian coasts with a finish in Cervia, Italy.
At the time, Harry Luther was nicknamed"Canguro" (Kangaroo) when he arrived in Italy, in a nod to his Italian origins. Hence the name of this marathon"Chasing Canduro".
The route will take you through 7 different countries, with stops in 22 ports. Alex will cross 6 different seas, 1 strait and 2 gulfs.
Mercury and Axopar, supporters of the record
At the time, water-ski racing was very popular and attracted sponsors such as Pepsi, Mercury, BP, Fiat, Speedo, Polaroid or Dunlop. In 1969, Mercury equipped Miss Pepsi - Harry Luther's boat - with two 100 horsepower Mercury engines. It was the first water-ski racing boat to be equipped with an outboard bimotorization.
That's why Mercury decided to take part in this challenge by equipping Alex's Axopar 37 with the all-new V8 Verado 300 twin-mounted.
