By Andrew Stackpool

SGT Amanda Allan, 3 Rcvy Coy, Dandenong, fought freezing winds, driving rains intermingled with snowfalls and the constant danger of hypothermia to be the only person to complete the 100km Wilson’s Promontory ultra distance run.

Sgt Allan and Air Force fireman Andrew Hewitt, RAAF Base Wagga, were the only two starters for the tough event, with all other competitors driven away by poor weather on the day.

Sgt Allan said preparation had been her key to completing the course and managing the punishing conditions.

“The only relief from the torrential rain was the snowing on the top of Mt Bishop,” she said.

“Andrew Hewitt and I tackled the problem differently. We both started with two thermal tops, beanie and gloves on, and carried our compulsory packs.

These contained emergency gear, food and other emergency rations, and waterproofs.

“We started at 5.30am and were both drenched within the first couple of minutes.

“Andrew used his jacket early rather than saving it for when he would be unable to cover the ground fast enough to keep his body temperature up.

“I decided that I would save my jacket, as long as I did not shiver, until about the 55km point.

“Every time I started to feel particularly cold I consumed carbohydrates and ‘french-fries’ and tried to move a bit faster.

“Unfortunately at the 80km mark Andrew had to withdraw.

As darkness fell he had to walk, became too cold and then became hypothermic.

“I arrived at the 80km mark about 20 minutes later, changed, had some food and a hot drink and was really pleased that I had saved my best jacket for the last 20km.

“I was very aware that every time I felt really tired that this was very dangerous, and I ate jellies and so on, to combat this.”

Sgt Allan’s strategy worked.

She commenced the run at 5.30am and crossed the finish line an incredible 21 hours and 29 minutes later at 2.59am the next day.

Despite the appalling conditions she had maintained an average speed of 4.6kmh for the trip, much of which was uphill over rough terrain.

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