The fastest male runner, David Overend, completed the gruelling 100k in 11 hours, 1 minute and 54 seconds. Two other males also completed the Run in less than 12 hours.
The first female to finish was Susan Keith in 14 hours, 49 minutes and 13 seconds, 2 hours ahead of Kathy Roberts in 16 hours, 49 minutes and 50 seconds.
At a minimum the girls ran their first hour before dawn, then at least a further 3 hours in darkness with only a small headlight to keep them on the track.
Next morning our special guest trophy presenter, veteran “M Special Forces” coast watcher from World War 2, Mr Jim Burrowes1 OAM made the presentations, whilst rain graciously held off and the fury of the wind abated. Trophies are being engraved with recipients names and will soon be returned to winners.
Finally, this whole run, could not have succeeded without the pivotal role played by two of our own Association members. I refer to the two 70+ year old members of our Association, Barry Higgins and Peter Beasley, who at 0630hrs together hiked 1.5 hours in to man their checkpoint at Telegraph Junction. They were there on site, all day, with only what they could carry in and out on their backs for support (more adequate shelter, to stave off raging weather would have been a good idea). The last runner passed their checkpoint, heading back to the finish line at our Commando Memorial between 2200hrs and 2230hrs. It then took Barry and Pete another 2.0 hours to hike back to the finish line themselves. In all, Barry and Pete were out in the field, in appalling weather, for all of 17 continuous hours. In future the 14 hours required on site at this checkpoint, will be provided by a minimum of two, two man shifts, each being on site for 7 hours. Other options are also being explored to deliver more adequate support (Parks have suggested a trolley). One desirable addition would be the capacity to top up dehydrating runners with more fresh water.
All in all, despite atrocious weather the event was clearly a success, through ACA Vic and Running Wild informally teaming up to inspire runners with a larger frame of reference. “Strike Swiftly!”
In addition to the Run, a Commando Cairn Visitors Book has now been installed in the Parks Office to receive comments and feedback. It is on display at the Office, but under supervision of staff, lest it be inappropriately appropriated.
“Lest we forget.”
1. Google: “How the coast watchers who turned the tide in the Pacific War”
