Running to beat the Baghdad heat
Volume 11, No. 45, June 15, 2006
By Wg-Cmdr Bob Rodgers

Strutting her stuff: Cpl Janine Davison was first Australian across the line in Baghdad. Photo by LCpl Hilton Hazeltine.

FOR a group of very motivated Australians a half marathon proved the answer to the question of what to do at 6am on Sunday in Baghdad.

Col David Luhrs was the first Australian across the line in 1hr 47min in the recent event. Cpl Janine Davison was the first Australian woman, crossing the line in 1hr 49min.

All team members completed the run in less than two hours, an excellent feat in the steadily building heat of a Baghdad morning.

“The opportunity to get out and test yourself against competition makes a nice change from the daily routine,” Cpl Davison said.

Under the Australian National Commander, Brig Mick Moon, HQJTF 633 supports all Australian operations in the MEAO. Competitors come from all backgrounds and services and make a formidable team.

“I am very fortunate to have such a group of committed and professional Australians with me,” Brig Moon said.
“But importantly, my colleagues know how to have fun and keep a healthy balance, which is so important in the high work tempo environment of the headquarters.”

Running events are a regular activity at Camp Victory and the Australians are always present and regularly achieve results that are the envy of their more numerous competitors.