World Ultra News: 2005-04-24

Saturday, April 30, 2005

First International Peace Run

Dear sportswomen and sportsmen,

Our organisation AGSEP (Asien German Sports Exchange Program) is very happy
to invite you to the 1st "International Run for Peace" in Sri Lanka.

The International Run for Peace is a Project for the initiative "Games for
Peace". (In Cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka) which will be held
on the 18. September 2005. The first run starts in the capital city of Sri
Lanka Colombo.

One week later dated on the 25. September the participants will start in
the in-land city Vavuniya. An important fact of that run is that the isolated
people of the north (Tamils) will be connected with the people from the
south. This is an important opportunity we can't miss.

The International Run For Peace in Colombo and also in Vavuniya will be
held in different distances. All participants are able to choose from 5 km, 10
km, in Vavuniya a border crossing half-marathon and in Colombo a regular marathon.

The international run for peace is a very good opportunity to connect people
form Sri Lanka (north-south), South- East Asia and other countries.

We would be glad if you could promote the "International Run For Peace" or
even participate. If you are interested and you need more information please visit our homepage under www.run-for-peace.com .

We hope to get the opportunity of publishing the attached press
information on your internet site and of course, we would be really appreciate for further promotion in your environment and network of potential runners to
foster the peace process in Sri Lanka and bringing the country with new positive headlines into the international media.

Yours sincerely,

Johannes Horstmann

> Johannes Horstmann
> AGSEP
> Beach Road
> Marawila, Sri Lanka
>
> Tel.: 0094 32 2254 888
> Fax: 0094 32 2254 890
>
> www.run-for-peace.com

Trans-Australia runner reaches Adelaide

Some would say there is a fine line between greatness and insanity. Others would say Achim Heukemes has already crossed it.

However, for the 54-year-old German that is just talk, and he's a man of action.

Heukemes arrived in Adelaide yesterday 2700km into a 4605km run from Perth to Sydney – which he aims to finish in a record 44 days – to raise money for Oxfam and its Tsunami appeal.

His credo is "Never give up and push the limit – be first" which goes part of the way to explain why the friendly German chose to run a course many would refuse to even drive.

"I was excited about seeing this country with my own two feet," Heukemes said. "I wanted to show the people that I was prepared to suffer for 44 days to raise awareness for the Tsunami appeal. I have the ability to experience Australia and see it like nobody else has done before."

Anyone who sees the German on his travels can purchase a wristband for $6 to raise money for Oxfam. Or visit the website www.runforlife05.com.

Capitol Peak 50 mile and 25K update

It's hard to believe that race day for the inaugural Capitol Peak 50 mile
and 25Km is just 6 weeks away. Just to remind everyone, that the deadline
for early registration is May 28. Please feel free to use the online
registration hosted by Signmeup at the main website:
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.htm.

We're getting quite a variety of entrants within and outside of the NW who
are looking forward to the inaugural 50 mile and 25 Km trail runs. designed
to whip everyone into summer racing shape! There is a variety of terrain
and trails to get ready for in both races, so, if you're interested in
getting out to train on portions of the race course, please join us on May
21st for a 10 or 20 mile run (with the option of going more or less). We
will meet at 7:30 am on May 21 at the Top Foods/Starbucks near the junction
of Black Lake Blvd and Cooper Pt Rd in west Olympia. The training runs
will start from Wedekind Camp (see driving directions at:
www.capitolpeakultras.com/driving_directions.htm). .

We are also planning to do trail work following the runs on May 21. So if
you are in need of a trail work service project for a 100 miler or just want
to come out to give back to that trails, please join us at 12:00 noon on May
21 at Wedekind camp in Capitol Forest. If you need a ride to the trail work,
please contact me and I will try and arrange a ride for you. If you are
planning to come up for both the run and trail work, please bring plenty of
food and beverages.

If you can't make this training run or want more training the following
weekend, a group of us will be running in the Olympics over Memorial Weekend
near the Quinault. There are 4 different runs that will take place on May
27-May 30. See the following website for more details:
http://www.capitolpeakultras.com/epic6.htm

Also, anyone interested in volunteering for the either the 50 mile or 25Km
race, please contact me!

Looking forward in seeing you at the training runs and race!

See you on the trails!

John Pearch - RD

www.capitolpeakultras.com

The 2005 Sri Chinmoy 10 and 6 Day Race

http://www.srichinmoyraces.org/us/ultras/610dayrace05/

Friday, April 29, 2005

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

2005 Hot To Trot 8 Hour Race

The Hot to Trot 8 Hour Race will be held on Saturday, August 6, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Applications are available in a variety of exciting formats at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~h2t/
Remember, enter early and often.

Sarah Tynes, RD

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

The 20,000km report

Jesper Olsen , 19. April 2005
The 20.000 km report

After having done a look-back at 5 000km and 10 000km, I thought it would be appropriate to sum up some of the experienses & observations during the last 15months and 20 000km.

It won't be great poetry, as I will try to limit it to general observations reguarding the fyscial effects of the run, the mental/motivation-related aspects of the run, the different nature & cultures encoutered, and a small note from the "political science" part of me ;-)

Body/fysical

- Yesterday; during one of my 3 preparation-days in Vancouver planning the logistics of the Canadian part of world run, I participated in a 10km "fun run"; the Vancouver Sun Run. The result was 43:50min (www.sunrun.com).

The slowest pre-worldrun time I remember having on a 10km is 42-something when I started running competetions; as 12 years old. So the time I was capable to do after 20 000km of this present run was both the slowest I have ever done and a little more than 12 minutes slower than my personal best of 31:29.

- Than pretty much spells out what a run around the world does to you as an athlete ! ;-)

You become much slower than you would imagine; but eventually you also gain much more physical endurence than at least I myself had expected. I felt that side of the world run when I - to my surprise - won the 19. Colac 6 Day Race in Australia after approximately 14 000km of running at 50km a day since London. The reslut was a bit modest, 754km for the 6 days (http://sixdayrace.org.au/colac), but I was able to do it feeling comfortable all the way and enjoying myself !

- And continuing with my run the day after the race without much trouble ! I had NOT expected that :-)

Mostly this is ofcourse due to adaptation. The body adapts to the slow 6 min/km that I do i average, during a 6-7hour average running day, w. 5 hours of effective running and 1- 2 hours of stops, food, navigation, documentation pictures & gps-transmission; and afterwards setting up tent or finding a motel, finding food etc. etc.

In the first 2-3 months/3000-4000km the body struggled with the adaptation. It was the period where I experiensed the most 'near-injuries' and had my, luckily !!, only severe leg injury: a pulled/strained muscle in the upper left leg, wich was quite uncomfortable to run with for a few days.

But from there on there has been astonishing little trouble with the legs themselves. Many of the classical running & ultrarunning injuries like shinsplints, achilles injuries, knee injuries etc. hasnt been big problems. And often due to the fact that there is pleanty of opputunities to slow down, change shoes, diet, pace, streatching patterns etc. etc. when I feel that an injury might be approaching. Usually there is a small indication the 5-8 days before it begins/would begin to be a "real" injury; the trick is to know how to listen for it !

Still; there is ofcourse more than pure running injuries ! My biggest problems so far has been 2 - 3 cases of severe stomack problems, causing 2 rest-days in total: one in Krasnojarsk in Siberia and one along the costal highway 101 in Oregon, USA. Besides this, the main thing, much to my surprise, has been hand injuries; wounds that wont heal for months or even half years has been a noticeable discomfort. Both probably due to a higher pressure on the immune-system in general.

Another interesting observation has been the pulse/hart-rate change. Before this run I would with 200 to 250km training pr. week have about 120 beat pr. minut (bpm.) when doing a pace like 6 min./km. The first 2 months of the run it was the same or a bit elevated to 125 bpm. But after about 4 months or around 7000km it began declining graduately. After about 8 months it reached a steady level of 65 - 85 bpm. at 6 min./km. (!)

- Wich is low consideration that the rest pulse rate moved from 31-36 before I began the run, to about 45 to 60 in the first 2months, and graduately to 38-42 on the "good days", 50 -55 on the "hard days" and around 50 in average at morning or before sleep.

My guess would be that the body when dooing 5-8 hours running a day has accepted that as the natural level of activity and got very effective at this task its been given. Wich also fit well with that I have duing that time come to eat considerably less than usual - again a sign that the body has become more effective. Some of my helpfull support-crews lately has been commenting that I was actually eating unrealisticly little ;-) Though I have found that I gain too much if I eat the amounds I usually would; even when I was training 20-50 % less km than I run now; :-)

Also the eating patterns has changed in the way that I tend to eat allmost evenly around the 24hours; including 2 night-meals around 2 & 4 am. Thus all of them small meals.

On the more uncomfortable side is the reaction of teeth. I have lost the outher layers of the low/gum part of the 3 middle teeth in each side of over and lower mouth so that there is a 'dent' into the teeth where they emerge. Not as painfull as you'd imagine, but a cause for concearn ofcourse. Luckily it hasnt affected the front teeth; so "the runner" dont look too battered yet ;-))

The general physical feeling is well; but with a lot more tiredness than usually and a high level of rest & sleep needs. Not very surprisingly I guess !

Mental/motivation

- This point has varied a lot depending on wich contry, enviroment and climate I have been running through. And perhaps most of all: wether I have had compagny !

>From the beginning in London I ran toghether w. Alexander Korotkov from Sct. Petersburg, Russia. An astounishing strong runner who besides beeing responsible for all the logistics needet to get me running the 10 000km across Russia, also did some tuff preformances (1. place in a 12-hour invitational race in Finland, wich we did while we were running through; Alex did 143km !!) untill he had to stop due to a very severe tendon & spine injury, in Eastern Siberia.

Ofcourse it was a hard thing to see Alexander get injured and eventually stop the run after 9 800km and 8 months, of them 5 (5!) months of running through and into new agonizing injuries wich probably occured due to trying to compensate for the initial injury wich he got shortly after the 12-hour race in Finland.

Around the same time the japanese runner, Kazuka Kaihata, who had been running with us since Sct.Petersburg got a severe knee injury wich forced her to walk for 2 months of our route out to Vladivostock.

- Obviously that makes you wonder when it will be your turn.. And to some extent I had a hard time convincing myselves that I would be able to continue the run without getting the same fatal injuries; and continue it alone.

Due to very good support in Australia (organized by the never-resting mr. Phil Essam :-) I didnt really get problems w. running alone there; not even the approx. 1500km running across the Nullabor Desert - there I had Peter Gray as crew all the way; an ultrarunner who not only is a more experiensed runner then I, but who also own the most valuable aspect of a sportsman: to take pride in helping other athletes as well !!

But especially the lone running up the Californian highways and into the Oregon and Washington states in the US on the way to Canada, was amongst the tuffest mental parts of the run. Beeing alone in the cold rain, at times lost, half-injured, not knowing if there would be support further up the route and having a fall-incident down a small ravine made me very close to not beeing able to face continuing the run.

My littlesister and her husband took a holiday to Seattle to come down to meet me (Thanks ! :-) yet after about a month of slightly painfull struggle alone - I had difficult recognizing them when they met me (!). (The only situation that remind me of what I experiensed during those weeks leading up to it was the scenes from the old movie "Deer Hunter" where one of the caracters had played 'Russian roulette' a time too many.. The situation in my run beeing that I for a week or two had realised that I couldnt handle the fysical & mental struggle, but decided there was no other option than to continue the run; wich makes you shut out the outside - and inside - impressions for a while.. ;-).

It is my definate experiense that the loneliness is the main thing to worry about in a run like this. Besides this its a matter of using the common strategy of ultrarunning: to allways focus on the short-term & intermediate goals and not be too intimidated of the long-term perspective. In the world run this means to motivate yourself to reach the next major city/competetion/runner compagny on short term, and crossing the present continent at intermediate term - but NOT contemplate what lies between me and the finishline in total km or year/months. That was part of the mistake I made when running in California; taking daily looks at the distance and months remaining to London (5-7 moths and 6000 - 8000km) ! Distances wich still is as incomprehensive to me as to any other athlete :-)

Nature

- The obvious question "What has been the most scenic place ?". Difficult to answer ofcourse; the Nullabor Desert in Australia certainly has its beauty at surrise & sunset alone out there in the silence; the Lake Baikal in Russia holding around 30% of the worlds freshwater reserves; the Reedwood Forrests along the Highway 101 in California with its more than 1000 year old trees with space enough to put up a tent inside the hollow ones; the Finland winterlanscape wrapped in deep snow covering lakes and dense forrests; or the big cities w. their "artificial nature" of architecture - among my favorites Sydney, Omsk; San Francisco; Helsinki, Copenhagen..

Yet I am not in doubt what place I would enjoy the most to re-visit:

A valley about 25km from the friendly 20 000 pop. city Biribizhan in East-East Siberia. A green valley w. a slow clear river winding through its middle; the railroad & carpath on a low mountain shelf on one side; and small groups of birch and fruit trees on the flat plain of the valley.

The surronding mountains not too high to keep the autumnn sun out; and not too low not to invite for an interesting climb !

The valley itself, a couple of km wide and about 30km long; not to small to make you wish for "lebensraum",yet not too big to make you feel lonely in this siberian abundance of nature.

And perhaps most of all: the blue sky and cleanness of the air that you would not imagine coming from europe yourself.

- All just waiting for a wood cabin to be build and for someone to enjoy this luxury ! :-)

Cultures

- In general I have been astonished by the very positive 'culture of friendship' that I have encountered allmost everywhere my run have brough me !

Most of all in Finland where my fellow runner Alexander and I were accomodated every single day of our run across the Southern part of the contry to the border to Russia (and that in luxury accomodation) - often met by the Finns picking us up at our finish point, driving us to a warm house, leaving the house, ready made dinner & desert, to us to enjoy. Themselves staying at friends or at a log cabin. A support and helpfullness I up to this point still cant really comprehend - but appreciate on a daily basis here 18 000km later. For them especially, I will take much hardship to keep this run going.

But also in Russia the support has been amazing; expecially in Siberia where the small villages as well as the big Siberian population centres met us with all they could provide: homemade food, presents (more than we could carry !), accomodation in all from houses where the rain would go right through, peasant homes, big-city appartments, small Siberian hospitals at low-seson, administration offices, a bakery, various (former) party-hotels to extreme luxury homes of "new russians".

Interesting also were that the russian way of helping allmost allways went through the local administrations, who would support us w. accomodation, food and even financially (of reasons I have difficulty to find w. my "western logic" !) while the help recieved in the rest of the run would mostly be from private persons or sponsors.

I imagine that this difference relates back to the "old system" in Russia where the State took care of all matters.

Also Australia has been fantastic in its support of the run. Here it has been a combination of ultra-organizors like mr. Phil Essam (vice pres. of the Australian Ultrarunners Association), the longdistance & ultra runner community as well as the danish population down there. Some of the support & crewing efforts over the long open hot streatches of landscape was in many ways as impressive as any part of my own effort in this run !! :-)

So far only the Californian/US part of the run and the short Japanese part has been not so positive an encounter. Probably becouse these societies are so motorized and with so dense an infrastructure that a runner making his way through the contry does often rise more suspicion than support. Yet when there were helpfullness there, it was certainly warm !

And my impression just starting the long Canadian part of the run is that it certainly is a friendly place to be as a runner. Allready a few days before reaching the border up to Canada I had a canadian team helping me !!!

- If I make it to the finish line back at the 0-meridian at Greenwich Village in London, it will perhaps most of all be to the honour of those that has helped and supported me. In a run like this, no matter how strong an athlete, not much can be achieved without outside help :-)

- The 'culture of friendship' and helpfullness of people met in all these contries by the way makes a vast contrast to the average 'conflict' image of the world given in allmost any "News" section of a newspaper of tv-station. It could be interesting if some of this common quality of friendship was brought more into perspective when defining the various international political agendas and problemsolvings !

From a political science point of view...

- Carrying along with me a masters degree in political science & international politics (though a bit outdated by now ;-), I ofcourse cant help making a few observations during a run like this:

(What else it there to do during the daily hours on the Siberian gravelroads, in the Australian desert or along the American highways ? ;-)

My first major impression after leaving the european part of the run behind me, was the vastness of the Russia; also in a political science sence !

Especially in Siberia there are an amount of ressources (mainly oil, coal, wood, diamonds and gold; among the largest known reserves i the world) I have never encountered elsewhere.

The problem beeing, naturally, that Siberia is too remote for an efficient use of these ressources; providing the paradox that the lovest living conditions (economically and measured in 'western convenienses' like warm running water, sanitary systems, elektricity, telecommunication, outside supplies and other infrastructure related issues) that I have seen so far in during this run has been in Middle & Eastern Siberia. And at the same time it also contains some of the vastest wealth in natural ressources in the world.

Besides beeing an infrastructure problem, it seems more fundamentally to be politically related. It's too remote from the main part of the population, wich is in European Russia, and especially its very remote from the decitions of the political and economical elite (Moscow; Sct.Petersburg and Nichi Novgorod).

- And for the sake of preserving Siberia's extremely beautifull nature it's perhaps good so; though its a luxury saying so without having to endure the everyday living out there. The people in the villages and cities out there doesnt have much of a choice. There is a travel in the area of 5000km at least.

Though discussion this, for example with local administration (the benefit of our support beeing mostly directed through the local & regional administrations), you often find that one of the explanations of this is an idea of reserving these ressources for "later" - 20 or 30 years from now. Wich makes good sence w. for example oil; but wich still wont be much of a help as long as the infrastructure isnt there !

At the present a highway is beeing build across Siberia, from the Ural Mountains to Vladivostock on the Pacific coast. If it gets completed (we ran on the gravel & rock preparations for it the last about 3000km out to Vlad.) as planned in 2008 it could give a huge lift in the prosperity of this incredibly vast area.

Still there are many other factors. For example the relation to China, just south of the border of Middle and East Siberia. As far as I could understand and observe, there is a big Chinese immigration across the border and seemingly a military tension (most of the newest and largest - LARGE - military compounds I saw all across russia were along the Chinese border); while many of the local administration near the border orient themselves more towards the Chinese politics than what is the official word in Moscow - wich has its own sence as Moscow is 6000 - 8000km away and the chinese colleages only 20 - 100km away ;-) And in Eastern Siberia the local adm. often told of cooperation across the border despite what the official governments had of standpoints.

- Obviously there are many other interesting analyses to make of the other continents, but at present this will have to be all for now. The run has to continue after all.. :-)

Jesper Olsen

Promised Land 50km Results

PL 50k results are here

http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/2005_pl/finishers.htm

Banana Coast Ultra Marathon

BANANACOAST ULTRA MARATHON (83 kms)

From Coffs Harbour to Grafton (via Glenreagh and Coramba) (with the option of running a shorter ultra (58 kms) to Lanitza)

Sunday, 22nd May 2005

Entry Form

START: Coffs Harbour Hotel at 6.00am
FINISH: Crown Hotel at Grafton for the 83 kms
ALTERNATE FINISH : 58 kms Lanitza Service Station

Runners not past Lanitza by 2.00 p.m. must stop there.

ENTRY FEE: $15.00 payable to Woolgoolga Athletic Club ($20.00 on the day)

Post entries to Steel Beveridge: 3'B' Surf St, Emerald Beach 2456

Enquiries: Phone/fax 02 66562735 Email: steelyn@hot.net.au

Rules

1) Each competitor must undertake to provide a second/helper to assist with
feeding, care and time-keeping, Each second will require a motor vehicle
of his/her own so as to carry out the necessary activities.

2) Each competitor must undertake to travel on the right hand side of the
road where footpaths are not provided. Where footpaths are available these
must be used (e.g. leaving Coffs Harbour or entering Grafton.)

3) All police instructions must be obeyed at all times.
4) No push bikes as support vehicles.
5) Support vehicles must obey traffic rules at all times.

Waiver

I the undersigned in consideration of and as a condition of acceptance of
my entry in the Bananacoast Ultramarathon, for myself, my heir, executors
and administrators, hereby waive all or any claim, right or cause of
action which I or they might otherwise have for or arising out of loss of
life or damage or loss of any description whatsoever which I may suffer or
sustain in the course of or consequent upon my entry or participation in
the said event .

This waiver release or discharge shall be and operate in favour of the
Coffs Harbour City Council, the Clarence Valley Council, Woolgoolga
Athletic Club and all officers, members, agents and employees of the N.S.W.
Police Force and shall so operate whether the damage or cause is
due to any neglect of any of them .

Signed:______________________________ Date: __________________
Number of finishes in this event____________________________
Other previous ultra marathon experience

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________Marathon p.b. _________
Event__________ Year______________ NAME
___________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Date of birth _________________ Sex (Male or Female)
Member of AURA ( Yes or No) or ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA (Yes or No).

Walk FOR CHARITY? You must be crazy?

Well, that is exactly what the 180 people did on last Saturday the 23rd of April by participating in the PowerFM Southern Charity Challenge.

Saturday’s PowerFM Southern Charity Challenge long distance walking event has been declared by the event organizer as a fantastic success. Brad Butler said, “We first ran the event in 2003 as a bit of a test run. Just putting our toe in the water ever so gently to gauge how much support there might be for a local long distance walk that held some challenges. The response particularly this year has been more than encouraging.”

The Southern Charity Challenge was run in 4 sections this year with the 15km walk from Goolwa to Victor Harbor being the most popular and best supported. However the 21.1km half marathon as well as the 37.8km and 61km courses to Back Valley via the Bluff were undoubtedly the most demanding.

The start line was a mass of activity as late registrations saw numbers peak at 180. It was particularly good to see several families choose to join the festivities by participating in the 15km course with their children. The Bell family from Genesis Tour and Charter assisted with a free courtesy bus to Goolwa for all short course participants.

The first individual to complete the 15km course was Steve Martin from Port Noarlunga but he only stopped for a quick drink before pushing through to the half marathon finish. Unfortunately Steve lost directions shortly before the Inman bridge which let Ray Berresheim push through to the finish line one second in front of for a creditable time of 1hr:31m:46s.

George and Jane Bennet a married couple from Nairne in their 50’s demonstrated the value of team work and organization. They finished the 37.8km course in the amazing time of 4h:16m:36s.

The 61km course is a demanding course with beach walking, several hills and then rugged bush sections. Although teams were thankful for clear skies during the day the high temperatures placed additional hardship on walkers. David and Carlt Schmaar were the first team over the line in the 61km event.

Teams travelled from Geelong, Adelaide and the Barossa to participate with all individuals enjoying the spirit of the event.

The PowerFM Southern Trails was run by Brad Butler as a volunteer with teams gaining sponsorship. All proceeds from the fundraising efforts of individuals will go to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.

The PowerFM Southern Trails is expected to raise over $12,000 for a specific community empowerment project facilitated by Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.

Event organizer Brad Butler is now considering ways the event can be expanded for 2006. “With the support of great sponsors PowerFM, The Victor Times, Genesis Tour & Charter, Victor Print and Paddy Pallin the event can definitely be improved. I think there was enough interest shown over the last weekend to demonstrate support for an event which offers people the dual goals of improving fitness and raising funds for a better and fairer world.”

Brad Butler

Monday, April 25, 2005

Lest We Forget

Today is the 90th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Troops who landed at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli. Went to the Anzac Day Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra today. Very sombre. Good to see so many people there.

I gave this speech two years ago at an Anzac Day Service a couple of years ago. Some facts have changed - but would like to share the speech again.

ANZAC Day Speech

First of all, please may I thank the Dandenong Ranges RSL Club for inviting a Junior Member of the Royal Australian Air Force up here today to speak with you. I feel honoured to have accepted that privilege.

What does ANZAC Day mean to me? This is something that I had not seriously thought about before being invited up here. During my twenty one years in the RAAF I had either marched in various places around Australia, worked as Duty Security Controller on my Base or watched the proceedings on television.

I researched ANZAC Day on the web last week as a way to start putting my thoughts on the subject together. I was lucky enough to find a speech presented by the Governor General at the death of Ted Mathews in 1997. For those of you unaware, Ted Mathews was the last surviving Australian ANZAC.

Two sentences from the Governor General’s speech struck me as being very poignant about ANZAC Day and are thoughts that I agree with.

The Governor General quoted a line from Manning Clark who was describing the first ANZAC’s and the sacrifice that they made for this country. The line was “something to deep for words” . I believe this can be applied to all Australian Servicemen and Women that have fought in battle since Gallipoli. We should never forget the sacrifice that their families made either!

Ted Mathews was also quoted during his lifetime as saying that the main purpose of ANZAC Day was to remind us of the “Evils of War”. Never a truer word has been spoken.

I look around the room today and see the faces of many servicemen and women that have served in Battle around the world. One of the purposes of today should be to thankyou for the sacrifice that you have made for your country and thanks to your fallen friends that didn’t return. They paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I have some friends that are serving in the Middle East at the moment. Fortunately it appears that they will be returning to Australia sooner rather than later as the current conflict appears to be on its way towards being resolved. This has reminded one that we are much closer in the ADF to be called upon for active service in the last ten years than what we were in the 80’s when I first joined up.

I also believe that ANZAC Day is about remembering the freedom that the Australian Serviceman and Woman has fought for over the years.

This is the freedom to practise the religion of our choice, to express our thoughts in public and to live how we choose without breaking the laws of our land. Over the last few weeks we have seen various political lobby groups push the anti-war message via street demonstrations etc. Even though we might not agree with their opinion we should be glad that we live in a country where people can publicly state their views without fear of retribution. May we always have that freedom to express ourselves openly and honestly.

As I said earlier I have been a Serviceman for 21 years and have been fortunate not to have served in a Battle Zone or fired a shot in anger during that time. I am proud to be a member of the RAAF and ADF. We have one of the best Defence Forces in the world and that is because of the people in it! I am a Long distance Walker. Recently I was taking part in a Mass Participation Teams event at Geelong as a Solo competitors. I was getting quite a bit of support from different teams, but the team that was cheering the loudest was from the Geelong Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association. Those cheers trebled once they realised I was in the Air Force. That is the comradeship that never disappears from people that have fought for their country

I also have a 60 year old friend, who is a Priest and Long distance Runner in the Western District. He recently swum with the Sharks at the Melbourne Aquarium to celebrate his birthday ( I can think of better ways to celebrate!). He was afraid of sea animals, but felt that fear paled in comparison to the potential problems that our servicemen were facing in the current conflict. Thankyou Bill for your thoughts and deeds. I am very grateful for your public thoughts on the matter and appreciation of what the ADF is doing.

Thankyou once again to the Servicemen and women of all democracies that have fought around the globe to protect the freedom and democracy that we cherish. For those that didn’t return you and your families paid the ultimate sacrifice This includes the battle fields of Gallipoli, Papua New Guinea, Darwin and all areas of the world where lives have been lost. I today also remember my relatives on both sides that have served and survived in the Services over the last two generations. This includes my Grandfather who served in the Front of Europe in WW1 as a member of the Royal Army Medical Corp and saw the true horrors of war and my wife’s Grandfather who was a Lance-Corporal Signalman in the AIF during WW2 and did his time for Australia. They both survived but lost good friends in the process. Hopefully we never see another World War.

I hope that ANZAC Day will always be remembered in Australia. It is truly a day where we can remember freedom, those that did pay the Ultimate Sacrifice and this Great country of ours. Thanks once again to the Dandenong Ranges RSL for inviting my wife and I up here today and asking me share my thoughts with you. We look forward to meeting more of you and hearing your stories after the Service.

PHIL ESSAM
25th April 03

Phil

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Coburg 24hr complete results

Coburg Harriers Club Inc.
Australian Centurion Walkers Inc.
24 Hour Carnival
Saturday 16 April - Sunday 17 April 2005
Provisional Results as at 18th April
Full Results
24 Hour Run Male
Place No / Name Distance
1 19. KINSHOFER, Rudolf 192.909
2 15. COLLINS, Tony 191.006
3 25. STANDEVEN, David 176.360
4 24. ZUKOWSKI, Jerry 170.217
5 23. THYS, Dirk 165.487
6 21. MARSH, Trevor 163.200
7 13. ANDERSON, Peter 162.991
8 14. BOULTON, Rathin 130.136
9 17. DEVINE, Allan 127.701
10 26. EVERY, Paul 123.333
11 22. MATCHETT, Ken 122.343
12 18. GRAY, Peter 100.919
13 16. COTTER, Benjamin 68.000
24 Hour Run Female
Place No / Name Distance
1 11. LOPEZ, Norilie 162.800
2 10. BAIRD, Carol 113.236
24 Hour Walk Male
Place No / Name Distance
1 37. HAIN, Geoff 163.041
2 35. BILLET, David 161.887
3 34. BAKER, Fred 103.200
4 43. WHYTE, Robin 102.400
5 38. MACKECHNIE, Don 82.394
6 41. MISKIN, Stan 81.950
7 42. WATT, Graham 60.000
8 36. BROOKS, Fred 37.200
24 Hour Walk Female
Place No / Name Distance
1 29. GREEN, Jill 165.986
2 27. BOLLEN, Karyn 132.988
3 28. CHESTERON, Val 109.567
4 31. HOWORTH, Sandra 102.555

79 year old walking around Australia

http://www.iccaustralia.org.au/peter.htm

Phil

Ohlone Wilderness 50K - Early Registration Closes April 30

From: Rob Byrne

Just a quick reminder that the early registration period for the Ohlone
Wilderness 50K closes April 30. For more info, see the race web site at
www.abovethefog.net.

Race day is Sunday, May 22. Last year the race filled prior to race day and
we're well on track for that to be the case again this year.

Happy Trails,
Rob & Larry, RD's

Verbier Ultra Run - Switzerland

Name: Verbier Ultra Run - Verbier, Switzerland
Date: July 2, 2005
Start Time for 50km and 80km - 7:30 a.m. Start Time for 20km: 9:00 a.m.
Distances: 20km, 50km, and 80km
Contact email: www.extremeworkout.com or betsymagee@aol.com
Contact in Switzerland: sportcenter2@dransnet.ch (Bernd Rosenthal)
Tele contact: USA+212-876-2233
Event WEB page: www.extremeworkout.com
running surface: smooth road, mountain trails, winding climbs
Prizes: Money Prizes
REgister at: www.extremeworkout.com
Entry Fee: 20 Swiss Francs. pay on race day register by June 25.
Limited number of t-shirts

Southern Charity Challenge

e-Newsletter 10

................................................................

PowerFM Southern Charity Challenge 2005 No10
9am SATURDAY APRIL 23rd
http://www.southerncharitychallenge.com/

................................................................

HOW LONG TO GO?
T for tomorrow - Well not tomorrow but almost - Saturday, 23 April 2005

Please email or phone any last minute queries to me.
................................................................

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Registration will involve 2 clearly marked desks
. Desk 1 for pre-registered participants - all they should do is tick
their name, hand in money and get number.
. Desk 2 for late registrations - they will need to fill in a form
before they get to registration and then hand completed form and monies
to the registration desk and receive a number.
. I will welcome people as they arrive and direct them to relevant desk

STARTING ORDER
The trail or track at the start is a bike track and is only around 3
metres wide.
Therefore on Saturday we will go with the following starting grid:
* Half marathon runners will be granted poll position at the front
* Fast walkers will be encouraged to start behind the runners
* Other walkers will take a position behind these people
* Please ensure families with pushers, wheel chairs and bike riders are
at the rear of the start
There is of course a place for everyone and within 3-4 minutes everyone
will have found their space on the trail anyway.

REMEMBER
You must register and receive your number before 8.30am
A compulsory briefing at 8.35am will reiterate the above point.

................................................................

MARKERS
I have been out yet again this week placing trail markers on the trail,
bunting, arrows, posters and I have also painted markers on the road.
Please keep an eye out for these markers.
I sincerely hope you do not get lost at any point especially as we have
put in such an effort.

................................................................

WHERE THE MONEY GOES
The local Oxfam CAA group already supports a significant and important
rice growing project in Sri Lanka as well as a women's target project in
East Timor. However the Boxing Day Tsunami undoubtedly affected us all
and the local Oxfam CAA group raised almost $30,000 locally in the days
after Christmas.
The overwhelming public response to the Oxfam CAA earthquake tsunami
appeal has allowed Oxfam to minimise the need to spend money on
advertising the appeal. It is likely that more than 90% of funds raised
for communities affected by the tsunami will be used to directly support
communities in need.
The money that is donated through the Earthquake Tsunami Emergency
Appeal will be directed towards providing water and sanitation, food,
and shelter in the region affected by the earthquake and tsunamis.
These are just some of the areas that benefit from funds raised through
the Southern Charity Challenge.

................................................................

2006 PowerFM SOUTHERN CHARITY CHALLENGE
The date for 2006 is Saturday April 8th
The April full moon
One weekend before school holidays and perfect weather gain (hopefully)

................................................................

WEATHER
It looks like we have been blessed yet again with good weather for our
event.
Today's forecast for the next four days is:
Victor Harbor TODAY 20 Possible early fog, otherwise fine.
FOLLOWING THREE DAYS :
Thursday : Fine. Mild to warm and mostly sunny. Light to moderate east
to northeast winds and afternoon sea breezes.
Friday : Fine and mild to warm ahead of a moderate to fresh
southerly wind change during the day. Possible isolated showers in the
south following the change.
Saturday : Fine. Mild to warm and mostly sunny with moderate southeast
to northeast winds and sea breezes.

NB There is no intention of effecting an inclement weather policy.
However all participants are encouraged to make their own decision to
participate on the day based on their own health status, the nature of
the course and the prevailing conditions.

................................................................

PHONE NUMBERS
I will have a magnetic board at the finish line to help keep a record of
where teams are at any stage of the day. Communication between the back
checkpoints (i.e. CP 4,5,6 & the finish) will be regular via mobile, UHF
or personal courier. For participants the numbers are: Brad Butler
mobile 1 - 0408 846 422 Brad Butler mobile 2 - 0409 846 422 Jackson
Butler mobile - 0408 895 889 Marc Brehin mobile - 0418 812 142 UHF
channel - 16

................................................................

FUND RAISING

Tracey Kermond, Andrew Boorman and Maureen Graney and others will be
participating in the walk next weekend but are doing their fundraising
after the event. Please join them at their Southern Charity Challenge
film night on May 18th The Edukators Palace Cinema Rundle Street East
Wednesday May 18 Complimentary wine, champagne & orange juice from 6pm
Movie commences approx 6.30pm Tickets $16 ($12 students)

Book now and guarantee a seat by emailing or phoning
tracey.kermond@clemenger.com.au ph: 0412 412 609
boorman.andrew@saugov.sa.gov ph: a/h 8272 3711

THE EDUKATORS (M)
A sharp social satire The Edukators, is the award winning new German
film by Hans Weingartner, starring Daniel Bruehl (Goodbye Lenin!). Jan
and Peter are The Educators: mysterious perpetrators who non-violently
warn the local rich that their 'days of plenty are numbered'. When
Peter's girlfriend becomes involved in an operation gone wrong, the
young idealists are brought face to face with the values they hold.
Double winner at the 2005 German Film Critics Awards - Best Feature Film
and Best Actress and nominated for The Golden Palm at Cannes 2004, The
Edukators combines political discourse with a love triangle and a
hostage drama to create an intelligent, entertaining film.
www.edukators.com.au

NB - Just drop me a line if you would like your fundraising efforts
publicized to other teams.

................................................................

NEED INSPIRATION
HERE'S A COUPLE OF QUOTES TO KEEP YOU STRONG THIS WEEK

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not;
nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will
not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the
world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are
omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the
problems of the human race. No person was ever honoured for what he
received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave.
Author: (John) Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), 30th US President,
Republican

Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will
turn.
Author: Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1886), author

If people knew how hard I worked to achieve my mastery, it wouldn't seem
so wonderful after all.
Author: Michelangelo (1475 - 1564), Italian Renaissance painter and
sculptor

................................................................
Queries can be made by return email or by phoning (08) 8552 2411
................................................................

Brad Butler
14 Coral St
Victor Harbor SA 5211

A Night to Remember

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
By Viviene Kartsounis
Photographs by the Andrew Drayton crew

Saturday the 8th of January 2005 started like any other Saturday, with no early morning run and a little lie-in. But today was no ordinary day. It was a day to stay off the feet and relax and yet be busy enough to make the day fly by as this evening was the Gosford Coastal Classic 12 Hour Track Race.

The arrangements were to leave Sydney at 3pm, travelling north to Gosford for arrival just after 4, but the waiting proved to be too much and at 2 o’clock we were under way. Arriving so early at Adcock Park Athletics track the gates were locked and we waited along with a number of other impatient participants for the officials to arrive. As soon as the gates were opened vehicles drove down onto the oval, parking at various spots along the inside perimeter. The race starts at 7:30pm but there is a lot of preparation required and everyone was soon at work setting up their tents, tables and nourishment for the night ahead.

The contestants arrived in dribs and drabs, reunions were sincere and the atmosphere was one of eager anticipation. At 7:20pm all the walkers and runners gathered at the start for a short pre-race briefing. The field of 31 entrants was varied, ages ranging from 15 years to man in his seventies. At 7:30 the gun was fired and the race finally began. The warm clear evening didn’t last long as the sky soon turned dark and cool, and the runners settled down into a slow steady pace for the long challenging night ahead.

Running a race for a set time as opposed to a given distance is very different and you need to be mentally prepared for this. Run with an open mind, without any boundaries or doubts or limitations, as there is always room for more. And remember to pace yourself carefully. Twelve hours is not a long time if you are running well and positively, but if there is any doubt it could be a very long night.

Running around a grass track is also unusual in a race as it is consistently flat, with the scenery and people always the same. You are never running alone and this is a very strong silent support system. There are always others on the track going faster or slower than yourself with a push or pull close at hand, and by the end of the race you feel a great sense of camaraderie with the other achievers.

During the night most runners needs a crew to support, nourish and monitor their performance, and our crew were fantastic. Along with their loud music and good sense of humour they were constant and dependable throughout the night providing mental and physical support and relief. And their menu was endless: sport drink and glucose, or pizzas with a beer – and while you’re here how about relaxing in a chair with a smoke. An option accepted by some. We do run for enjoyment after all!

Running starts in an anti-clockwise direction with a change every two and a half-hours. And change, any change, is good. You look forward to the change of each hour on the clock, changes in the position of the moon, a few clouds, the arrival of the morning sun and finally the firing of the gun to end the race. When the sun’s first rays appear in the sky the whole atmosphere lifts as the end is finally in sight. The runners and walkers are tired and pushing for that last half hour is hard as the body and mind are so tired and the legs and feet so sore.

The sense of achievement after completing this race is huge no matter the distance covered, and emotions run high as all the participants release their minds and bodies from the strength they have used from the past 12 hours. It is another challenge that life has to offer us, and so very exciting and the mental rewards are enormous. It is hard work and requires a strong and determined body and mind, and as you are only ever 200m from your support crew and a chair, stopping could be a convenient option. To have given your best for so long is a wonderful feeling and there are no limits to what you can do if you put your mind to it. There can be no doubt.

Thank you to the organisers, Gosford Athletics Inc. who did a fantastic job throughout the night. It is a night to remember with its warm and unique atmosphere created around a 400m athletics track. Race information and results can be found at the AURA web site, www.UltraOz.com

New Trail 100 mile Ultra

http://www.leanhorse.com/
It's a new one and I think it's currently the easiest of all trail 100 milers. Not much climb, very good footing and a 30 hour cut-off.

Ullrich Kamm

Photos from McNaughton Ultra

Photos from the McNaughton race are available at
http://www.ivs.org

Jesper's welcome Party in Vancouver

On Saturday afternoon I was invited, to attend a pot-luck party at Sibylle Tinsel's home in N.Vancouver.
I arrived way too early as I had to factor in a run in unknown territory. The fact was that I found the place real easy and the hostess told me to relax as there was pleanty of food coming and that Jesper and his new running buddie Peter would be arriving a little late, as they had gone for a run on the trails in beautiful N.Vancouver. I think this was the first time the two, soon to be inseperable runners , had run together, so I'm guessing that they needed some time on the mountain....
They arrived, there were almost thirty men women and children there.
Most of the Ultra runners of note were there, Eian Jackson and Sibylle were the hosts, Ron Adams, Wendy Montgommery and her family, the who's who of Ultra runners basically. We all wanted to meet this great man. We were not dissapointed, they were the most approchable people I have met in a long while and I had a chance to speak at length with Jesper about training, running fuel's for World conditions lots of good stuff.I felt like I knew him.He told me that mainly he ate little during the run part of his days, chocolate throughout the day , chocolate chip cookies, cola! I guess you can get those items almost anywhere on this planet. When he finished running for the day he would eat a small bowl of pasta and get up twice in the night for more cola, I'm guessing he needs to keep up his caffiene and sugar. Makes perfect sence to me.
He was extereemly complimentary about all his guest "run directors" and had many fond memories of Phil Essam and the ozzy crew. He said on many occasion if it hadn't been for Phil, he would have perrished in the desert and been eaten by dingos!
He is really looking forward to crossing Canada, and I told him, that if he was in the Toronto area in September, he cold run with me in my first 100 miler in Hellen's "Haliburton Forest 100 miler".
I could see the gears turning in his head, then he said I think I will be past there by then....
Still who knows? I was very impressed by this young Dane to say the least.
I had to leave early as I still had an hour's jog to get back to Vancouver. Thankfully it was down hill all the way and I had so much to think about, the time flashed by in an instant.
The next day he and Peter were invited to run in a BIG 10K 37,000 runners . We will have to see how they did in the Sun Run 10K I ran it too but as a last minute entry I was held back by the wave start.(blocks of 10,000 runners set off at 10 minute intervals!) I was in the white block so I had to wait for the Elite's, the yellows and the greens to go off first. I hadn't started by the time the winners were finished!
After that race I jogged back to catch the bus for the ferry, back to Vancouver Island and then a 30K jog home. The end of a three day running W/E. I ran, in Jesper's homour, a Marathon and a bit three days running.('scuse the pun.)
What a sport.........

by Carlos Castillo

Coburg 24hr on DVD and video

We have just over 2 hours of footage of the start, the end of the 6, 12
and 24 hour events and some great footage of the athletes that made the
100 mile mark in the last hour and a half. In addition to the 2 hours
we will be cutting a few tracks with some music.

These are available for purchase at $15 each DVD and $20 for video (or
$30 for both), including postage. The video is dearer as we need to pay
to copy these off a master tape, whereas the DVD's we don't. Please
email rohan.king @aderant.com (in your email remove the space) if you
are interested. There should also be an order form up on the Coburg
Harriers website shortly.

Any money left after cost of production will be donated back to the
Coburg Athletics club and pleased be warned the video operator was not
a professional, so please don't expect professional quality

What a great way to remember your Coburg 24 Hour Carnival experience
and the Coburg Harriers Club is indebted to club member Rohan King for
suggesting and setting the whole thing up

2005 Australian Centurion Results

Australian Centurion Walkers Inc. 24 Hour 2005
Harold Stevens Reserve, Coburg
Saturday 16 April - Sunday 17 April 2005

The 2005 official Australian Centurion Qualifying event was held in conjunction with the Coburg 24 Hour carnival at the Harold Stevens Reserve in Coburg. A record total of 19 walkers and 34 runners competed in a variety of running and walking events throughout the 24 hour period.

The carnival started at 10AM on Saturday morning in overcast cool conditions. The sun broke through after several hours but was never too debilitating with the day recording a maximum temperature of 19oC. A cold still night was followed by a sunny Sunday morning as the 24 hour competitors closed in on their various individual targets.

Three walkers completed in excess of 100 miles and we welcomed one new Australian Centurion into our elite club.

English legend Jill Green was the first to reach the 100 mile mark in an excellent 22 hours and 59 minutes and was the overall winner with 165.996 km. Jill, who is already an Australian Centurion (1999 – C38), competed with a torn hamstring but this did not seem to slow her as she led the whole way. Jill is one of only 2 people who have all 6 Centurion badges and she has completed over 50 100 mile walks during her illustrious career.

Geoff Hain, C49, who had previously completed the 100 mile distance in October 2004 in Adelaide, completed his second Australian qualifier and improved on his previous time with 23 hours and 25 minutes.

The third centurion finisher was young South Australian runner David Billett. In this same event last year, David completed 163.8 km in the 24 hour run. This year, he entered as a walker and recorded a very similar distance – 161.887 km. Along the way, he passed the 100 mile mark in 23:52:27 to become Australian Centurion Number 50. He is a member of the very elite group of ultra competitors who have completed both 100 miles as a runner and as a walker.

David was behind the required schedule at the 18 hour mark and had to dig deep during the final stages of the event to bring himself back into contention. The final outcome was a fitting reward for his efforts and it won him the Jack Webber Trophy which is awarded annually to the best Centurion performance of the meet.

This year, we hosted the inaugural Racewalking Australia 100 km Australian Walking Championships for men and women. We hope this will continue as an annual event.

PROVISIONAL RESULTS

24 HOUR WALK MEN
Geoff Hain QLD C49 163.441 km
David Billett SA C50 ** 161.887 km
Fred Baker QLD 103.200 km
Robin Whyte ACT C29 102.000 km
Stan Miskin VIC C23 81.950 km
Don MacKechnie VIC 81.994 km
Graham Watt VIC C48 60.000 km
Fred Brooks VIC C42 37.200 km
Ron McGregor VIC DNS

24 HOUR WALK WOMEN
Jill Green UK C38 165.996 km
Karyn Bollen VIC C45 132.588 km
Val Chesterton ACT 109.967 km
Sandra Howorth VIC 102.555 km

12 HOUR WALK MEN
Ken Carter VIC 56.188 km

6 HOUR WALK MEN
Steve Jordan VIC 43.600 km
Laurie Tinson VIC 38.736 km
Willie Erasmus VIC 33.232 km

6 HOUR WALK WOMEN
Ellwyn Miskin VIC 38.793 km
Heather Beattie VIC 34.429 km

AUSTRALIAN 100 KM CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MEN
Geoff Hain QLD
David Billett VIC
Robin Whyte QLD

AUSTRALIAN 100KM CHAMPIONSHIP FOR WOMEN
Jill Green UK
Daryn Bollen VIC
Val Chesterson ACT

CENTURION WALK QUALIFIERS
Jill Green C45 22:58
Geoff Hain C49 23:25
David Billett C50 ** 32:52:27

Jack Webber Trophy for most meritorious centurion performance
David Billett

Full results and photos will be uploaded very soon to the Australian Centurions website at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~austcent/index.html.

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Friday, April 29, 2005

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Monday, April 25, 2005

Sunday, April 24, 2005

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