The first, second and third female place finishers in the PMG’s Lest We Forget fun run held on April 26. Photo by Cpl Leah Kite, PMG

PMG runs for RSL

While many Australians and New Zealanders were recovering from Anzac Day rugby game, members of the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) in Bougainville were running to raise funds for the RSL.

On April 26, 33 Australian, New Zealanders, Ni Vans and Fijians rose with the sun to participate in the fun run.

A minute’s silence in memory of fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, set the theme for the Lest We Forget run.

Starting and finishing at PMG headquarters, the 8km circuit was run along a road surrounded by lush tropical jungle with a number of local Bougainvillians sitting along the roadside cheering the runners on.

Despite a minor injury from the previous day’s Anzac rugby union match, Capt Vincent Braniff led the field early to finish first place in a time of 32min 19sec. He was closely followed by Capt Chris Gates and LCpl Health Clothier in third place.

The womens’ places were dominated by the RAAF. Sgt Jamie Elliot took first place in a time of 37.53 minutes. She was spurred on knowing Amanda Allen-Toaland, a civilian monitor from AusAID, was close behind. Amanda placed second while Flt-Lt Natalie Sands placed third in her first fun run.

Members who participated raised $594 for the RSL.