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| Runner feels
the need for speed By Michael Brooke Edition 4906, April 19, 2007 |
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FLTLT Gardiner, of the Tactical Fighter Systems Programs Office at RAAF Base Williamtown, shocked his Army rivals by setting an ADF record of 31.58, as high-flying Air Force runners were the surprise performers. Fresh from a second in the recent ADF Sports Triathlon Association long course championship at Huskisson on the NSW South Coast in late February, FLTLT Gardiner is a dab hand – make that foot – at most matters athletic. A competitor in the Hawaiian Iron Man event, he won the ADF Marathon Championship in July and was second in the ADF section of the famous Sydney City to Surf Run in August. Flushed with success, FLTLT Gardiner dedicated his impressive achievement to Air Force, which formally celebrated its 86th birthday on the same day as the championship. About 38 ADF runners contested the titles, in which records were set in all five race categories. FLTLT Gardiner, 31, said he was pleasantly surprised to smash the old record of 33min set by CPL Dave Whitehead in 2006. “I’m really pleased with the result because I’ve worked pretty hard in the build-up to the Arafura Games in May, which is my next goal,” he said. “It was pretty hard going today against a very talented field of Army runners and I’m hurting a bit because the race took a lot out of me.” FLTLT Gardiner hopes his surprise victory inspires more Air Force personnel to participate in ADF competitions. He was one of only three Air Force competitors in the ADF championship but, surprisingly, all three garnered trophies for their efforts. Air Force also tasted victory in the men’s veterans’ event thanks to LTCOL Jeff Symmes (USAF) who clocked 36.37 – smashing the old record by two and a half minutes. LTCOL Symmes, who is an exchange officer posted to ADHQ, was pleased to have helped the Air Force spring a surprise in this race over Army, which usually dominates all five events. The Air Force made it three from three with their third runner, LACW Kat Liston, clinching third place in 43.02 in the women’s open. “I’ve trained hard for this event so I’m delighted to be going home with a trophy,” said LACW Liston, who is posted to No 3 Combat Support Hospital. At the end of the race, CAPT (RAN) Andrew Whittaker, president of the Navy Running Association, presented the winners and place-getters with their trophies. CAPT Whittaker said the objectives of sport in the ADF were to encourage participation, to develop a competitive ethos and espirit-de-corps. “Competitions, such as this race, provide the perfect opportunity to build qualities in the respective work places, units and, ultimately, the ADF,” he said. |
