East Timorese soldiers get a brief introduction to night vision equipment from 6RAR members. Photo by Capt John McPherson, MPAC

Sinai soldiers succeed in Dead Sea challenge

SOLDIERS serving on Op Mazurka in Sinai, Egypt, joined runners from around the world recently, descending on the Dead Sea in Israel to compete in the annual Ein Gedi half-marathon.

The 21km route lead runners along the shores of the Dead Sea, 400m below sea level, from the Health Spa at Ein Gedi to the foot of the ancient mountain fortress of Masada.

Runners dealt with winds gusting up to 50km an hour, buffeting athletes and making the run harder for the five Australian Army competitors, who had been in training for the event for several weeks.

Fifteen hundred runners completed the course, with the Australian contingent faring well.

• Capt Clifford White - 1:33
• Maj Bruce Baldwin - 1:37
• WO2 Stuart Brook - 1:40
• Capt Matt Hunter - 1:41
• Sgt Steve Davis - 1:50

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