See? I can run a marathon!

by BRENDAN MURRAY

SATURDAY 6 September, saw the 11th running of the Christmas Island marathon.

c i marathon

The Christmas Island Doggies, Marathon men.

For the past eight years the Make a Wish Foundation of Australia has been the event's beneficiary. Last year all fundraising records were broken when the tiny island community handed over a cheque for $35,000 to the children's charity. This year the funds are being split between MaW and St John's Ambulance, CI.

There are various categories in the event, including non-competitive teams and individuals, walkers full and half course, veterans and so on.

The CI Doggies, still basking in island sunshine over their savaging of the HMAS Canberra on the footy field a few weeks back, took on the Australian Defence Forces, among other teams, in this year's marathon course out of Hades. The gritty football contingent lapped up the 95% humidity and wore their opposition teams down to hit the finish line in a shade over three and a half hours. (They did concede that had they not guzzled a generous amount of beer en route, their time might have been marginally better).

Recognised as one of the world's most gruelling marathons because of its 3pm start and triple 'H' factor (hills, heat and humidity) the 42km+ run is not for those inadequately prepared. WA marathoner (and former Claremont & Swan Districts midfielder), Ross Parker, who ran the course in 3:18:35 ( a record until last Saturday) described it accurately. 'It's the toughest, hardest run I've ever done, a real gut-buster!' This year's full marathon was won by Dave Pottage in 3:17:39.

The island chapter of Hash House Harriers remains the event's organising body. It originated over a wager between hashers as to who could run farther. The event grew in popularity and stature and is now an internationally listed marathon attracting significant sponsorship and interest from runners in the Asia- Pacific region.

Apart from cross-cultural involvement and a sense of island community, the CI marathon effectively demonstrates the island's link to mainland Australia by helping to raise funds for seriously ill Australian children.

Disclaimer