HMAS HARMAN hosted the 37th running of the annual Bonshaw Cup on Wednesday October 25, with a strong field of more than 200 local, Sydney and south coast competitors competing in favourable conditions.

RADM Shalders set off the walking field, with Tony Daniels from the Australian Defence Credit Union letting the runners go shortly after.

The first runner back was Mr Jason Chalker in a time of 20.57 mins, just over a minute outside the race record.

Miss Lisa Montagner was the first female across the line in 27.31. AB Wayne Hale was the first RAN competitor in 22.34 and AB Laurie Andt the first RAN female in 29.20.

Mrs Barbra Tucker (41.35) was the first walker over the line.

In the team events, the 'Birdies' from HMAS ALBATROSS took out the Bonshaw Cup. The 'Divine School of Ballet', a team from RAAF Fairbairn, and the 'Blitzing Brunettes' of the Australian Federal Guard were victors in the Harman Cups. The DCU trophy for the first HARMAN team went to the team from DISCON, while HF Mod took out the walking team trophy. Both trophies were presented by Kay Priestly representing Smartcover Insurance.

HMAS HARMAN would like to thank the sponsors of the event: The Australian Defence Credit Union, Smartcover, Queanbeyan Tigers Australian Football Club, Eurest, Queanbeyan Kangaroo RLFC, Sportsman's Warehouse Fyshwick, Gary Wadsworth, Defence Equity Organisation, Wardroom HMAS HARMAN, Senior Sailors Mess HMAS HARMAN, Discount Tyre Service, QANTAS, Harman Australian Football Club, Lachlan Valley Meats, Fyshwick Florist, Frontline - Duntroon Electrical Store, Olims Hotel and The Runners Shop Canberra for their assistance in the 2000 event.

The Bonshaw Cup is now steeped in history, with the first event held on Melbourne Cup day in 1963 as an inter-departmental cross country race.