Runners lap up life’s challenges

Warrant Officer Nick Bandy, Wing Commander Angela Rhodes, Wing Commander Tim Sloane, Squadron Leader Wayne Kelly, Flight Sergeant Steve Miinchow and Leading Aircraftwoman Kelley Linger lace up for the Relay for Life at Canberra’s AIS Athletics Track. Photo by Ben Caddaye

By Ben Caddaye

THEY got wet, hardly slept and nursed blisters and sore muscles for days afterwards, but for a group of Air Force personnel participating in the 2003 Relay For Life, the pain was worth the gain.

About 50 Air Force members pulled on their joggers for the annual event, taking it in turns to run laps of Canberra’s AIS Athletics Track for 24 hours.

At the end of the day, Air Force’s three teams – Purple Power, Wedge Tails and Team Air Force – had raised more than $3000 for the Cancer Council.

And although the event wasn’t about winning, Team Air Force won the running/walking trophy for the second consecutive year, completing 689 laps, or nearly 276km.

Hundreds of people from across the region set up camp at the AIS to do their bit for the Relay for Life, which was held across March 28-29.

Many walked, some jogged and a few fit souls sped around the arena at an impressive pace, running more than 30 laps in good time.

Flight Sergeant Warren Matulick’s contribution to the Air Force’s efforts was particularly outstanding, completing 40 laps in a little over an hour in soggy clothes and shoes.

He backed up later to complete 50 laps in an hour-and-a-half, bringing his personal tally to 90 laps or 36km.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms on the Friday night, followed by intermittent rain on Saturday failed to dampen participants’ enthusiasm.

The event is on track to exceed the $80,000 raised in 2002.

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