Cpl Stephanie Hall, AAB Sydney, puts in a top effort during the recent half marathon in Canberra. Cpl Hall crossed the line in a time of 1hr 28min 27sec and was the first ADF female to complete the 21.1km race. Cpl Wayne Heath, 1HSB, completes the course. Photos by Michael Weaver, Service newspapers

ADF runners impress

By Michael Weaver
Sgt Rob Combe, 1HSB, impressed the competiton at a half marathon held in Canberra on May 18 by being the first ADF runner home and finishing seventh overall.

Other ADF runners also recorded outstanding results at the 2003 ADF State Teams Half Marathon, an exciting event on the ADF running calendar.

Air Force representative of the ADF Running and Athletics Association (ADFRAA) Flt-Sgt Warren Matulick said it was most encouraging to see 35 ADF participants in the field of 299 for the 21.1km journey.

“Cpl Stephanie Hall, AAB Sydney, ran a great time of 1hr 28min 27sec to finish first ADF female runner and third female overall,” he said.

“A couple of our veteran/masters male runners also had a great day out.

“ADFRAA secretary, CPO Andy Horsburgh, RANR, is 46 years old and still managed to finish third ADF male runner and 14th overall. Andy’s time for the event was 1hr 19min 57sec.”

The 2003 ADF State Teams Championship ended up being closely fought, with teams gaining points in a State of Origin format.

The northerners from Queensland and NT took out the championship, closely followed by the Victorians.

NSW/ACT came in third, with the allies from South Australian/Western Australian/Tasmania coming in fourth.

The winning Qld/NT team consisted of the following ADF runners: Gp-Capt Warren Ludwig, Sqn-Ldr Brian Allsop, Leut-Cmdr Doug Griffiths, Maj Steve Meehan, Leut Jeff Rayner, Cpl Stephanie Hall, Cpl Donna Young, LAC James McDonald, Pte Meg Davidson and Cfn Mark Higgins.

.