Well-run: Event organiser Sgt Wayne Heath during the 100km run for Legacy.
LONG distance athletics are not normally known for close finishes, yet little more than a minute separated the top men’s teams in the 100km run for Legacy at Gaza Ridge Barracks, Bandiana, which raised more than $8500.
The winning men’s team and overall winners were the Runfastasucanus team of Sgt Jarred Owen, WO2 Pat Thomas, WO2 Gavin Wickham and Craig Ambler who clocked 6hr 8min and 7sec, 73secs ahead of the Flexout Physio team (6:9.20) at the event in late August
The first mixed team, Team Turtles from RAAF Base Richmond won in 7:42.54.
Two individuals managed to complete the 80km in less than eight hours. David Slowiak won in 6:43.15, beating event organiser Army’s Sgt Wayne Heath, who narrowly missed his goal of completing the 80km in less than seven hours.
Defence and civilian runners from the district raised more than $8500 for Legacy in this new event on the Defence athletics calendar, the inaugural Legacy 100. More than 100 runners, walkers and supporters took part in the blustery, cold conditions over the 5km loop around Gaza Ridge Barracks.
The Legacy 100 offered a team or individual challenge, with teams needing to raise at least $500 to enter.
For the team event, four members had to run 100km in under 8 hours, while individuals aimed to complete as many kilometres as possible up to 80km in eight hours.
The event was the brainchild of two well-known Defence runners, Sgt Wayne Heath and WO2 Pat Thomas, who both ran 100km from Old Tallangatta last year to raise money for Legacy.
“Pat and I enjoyed the event last year, but wanted to get more local Defence runners involved, set them a challenge and raise as much money as possible for a truly worthy cause, especially as it’s the 75th anniversary of the Albury Branch of Legacy,” Sgt Heath said.
The spirit of the event was encapsulated in the inspiring efforts of Cpl Helen Inglis, Bandiana, who ran her first half marathon, marathon and 50km event in one go.
She finished the day having completed 60km in 7:36.19 – all the more amazing given that she took up running only last year.
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