Ship to shore runaway success

Competitors stream towards the finish line in the inaugural Ship to Shore Run/Walk last month at Garden Island Sydney. Photo by ABPH Yuri Ramsey.

AASSPO staffers Simon Goddard, Sean Smith and Les Milgate ready themselves for the starter’s gun. Photo by ABPH Yuri Ramsey.

By Graham Davis
The community spirit between Navy personnel and civilian workers on Garden Island in Sydney, saw 313 men, women and children take part in the inaugural “2003 HMAS Kuttabul ADI ‘Ship to Shore’ 5km Run/Walk” on May 30.

The event saw runners and walkers from outside the island join the local workers to face the starter’s gun.

For some the event was a serious contest but for others it was a “fun” competition with many wearing fancy dress.

Three competitors wore heritage uniforms circa 1850 and pushed skateboards around the 5 km course.

CMDR Brian Eagles, the commanding officer of HMAS Kuttabul and WO Ian Sutton, the head of the Navy’s Indoor Sports Centre at Garden Island were the primary organisers of the event.

Competitors were invited to take part in the “open male/ female” sections, “veteran male / female”, “Kuttabul male/ female”, “ADI Male / Female”, “Visitors male/female”, “fancy dress”, “General team event (four in team)”, and “Navy ship team event (four in team)”.

At 2pm CDRE Boyd Robinson fired the first round from his starter’s gun at Fleet Base Four, sending 149 walkers striding off.

Fifteen minutes later he sent 164 runners on their way.

In perfect conditions the competitors followed a course clearly marked by barriers, witches hats and marshals.

First runner to cross the finish line outside the recently renovated reception hall at the northern end of the island, was CPL Wayne Heath, 27 a soldier from 1 HSB Holsworthy, in the time of 14 minutes and 54 seconds.

First female runner across the line was Army lieutenant Emily Fabriezy, 22, from the HQ 9 FSB at Randwick in the time of 19 minutes and 37 seconds.

Each received a mountain bike and accessories.

POMUSN Kirsty Jones of MHQ was the first walker home in the time of 30 minutes and 25 seconds.

CPO Cameron Martin was the first walker home in the “veteran male” category.

First ADI male runner home was John Myers in 17:38 while the first ADI female runner home was J. Shugg in 22:19.
The running team from HMAS Melbourne won the Navy Ship Team category while the AUSCDTONE team won the “General Team-Run” category.

SMNMT N Jolln of FIMA/ Sydney took the “Kuttabul Male” category.

In addressing the competitors CMDR Eagles and Director of Major Projects for ADI Mr Philippe Odouard both commended them for taking part, declared the event a success and that it had gone along way to enhance the relationship between Defence personnel, particularly those attached to HMAS Kuttabul and ADI.

“We hope to have 800 take part next year,” CMDR Eagles said.

Prizes worth $6000 were presented to winners and placegetters.

 

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