Run for life

From left: President of the ADF Running and Athletics association Capt Frank Kresse (Navy), LAC Brad King and Sig Martin Scanlan keen to begin the 2004 City to Surf and raise money for SIDS and Kids. Photo by Bill Cunneen, Army newspaper

AMONG the throng of competitors who took part in this year’s Sun-Herald Sydney City to Surf was a contingent of 90 Defence runners, who geared up to raise money for the NSW SIDS and Kids Organisation by running or jogging the gruelling 14km from the City to Bondi Beach.

Fastest among the ADF runners was Air Force’s Flt-Lt Richard Gardiner who covered the distance in an impressive 48 minutes and 59 seconds.

Close on his heals was Pte David Whitehead from 4RAR in a smart 49 minutes and 12 seconds.

But neither of them were able to crack the existing best time by a Defence runner of 45 minutes and 45 seconds achieved Sub-Leut Rowan Walker in 1999.

The leading ADF female was Pte Rhiannon Brown, 3CSSB, who finished in 55 minutes and 23 seconds.

President of the ADF Running and Athletics Association Capt Frank Kresse (Navy) said each year the Association enters teams into the prestigious event and this was a wonderful opportunity to lend support to a worthy cause.

SIDS and Kids raises awareness and much needed funds for research into stillbirth and cot death.

The inspiration behind the team charity run came from LAC Bradley King, whose son was stillborn almost 12 months ago.
He said that this year, he ran not only for Defence, but for Team Ben, his son’s name.

“Each member of the team wore a purpose designed top for the occasion, which was extremely well received by the general public,” he said.

“Many of those who ran for Team Ben felt that the thrill of taking part was one thing, but to run for such a great cause was great.”

LAC King personally thanked Capt Kresse, Andy Horsburgh, Sgt Rob Combe, Jeff Rayner and all the members of the ADFRAA whose commitment and dedication in helped him organise such a wonderful turn out of Defence personnel.

“I would also like to thank SoulSports Penrith for their generosity and excellent running tops, and more importantly, the 90 runners that took up the challenge and Heart Break Hill for the Sids and Kids Organisation,” he said.