Strong running efforts

Air Force members who performed well at a fun run in the Middle East.

AIR Force personnel have scooped the prize pool at a fun run on a coalition base in the Middle East Area of Operations.

The run was conducted on January 19, recognised by Americans as Martin Luther King Day.

While American servicemen and women comprised the majority of personnel on the base, the minority Australian and British members provided the best performances.

The overall winner of the 5km run was a RAF Flight Sergeant who completed the run in 17min 30sec. Corporal Murray Wilson and Squadron Leader Dean Tetley finished third and fourth.

Corporal Sharyn Kerr, Flight Lieutenant Kristin Day and Wing Commander Tracy Smart all took first place in their age categories. Squadron Leader Lindsay Guerin and Chaplain Allen Neil finished in first and second in the 50+ age group. Leading Aircraftman Nathan Holland and Warrant Officers David Woods and Roy Eggmolesse also produced solid performances.

Age-group winners were awarded $US100, with the minor place winners receiving $US50 and $US25. RAAF personnel had received cash prizes for other running performances, sparking suggestions that prizes may need to be declared to the tax office.

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