Commando News December 2016

The inaugural Wilson's Prom 100k
Commando Run
June 2016
Jointly sponsored by Running Wild and the Australian Commando Assoc. Inc. (Vic)
Truly an ultra marathon.
The deep subtropical depression sitting off Aust -
ralia's eastern seaboard wasn't doing anyone any
favours (apart from recharging dams from Qld to Tas)
as its storm surges and flooding wrought havoc up
and down the coast. Wilson's Promontory, though not
as directly exposed, nevertheless copped a beating
from incessant rain downpours, loosed from the howl -
ing winds bursting around the corner of Australia and
into an equally perturbed Bass Strait.
Let’s face it, it was the perfect setting for the
Australian Commando Association's inaugural 100k
ultra marathon Run! ACA Vic teamed up with Running
Wild to stage a most formidable challenge. As former
Commandos we share a responsibility to encourage
younger Australians to in turn do their best, inspired
by the same sense of courage, valour and selflessness
that has ever been the crucial foundation for all that
our nation has achieved. We hope that consciously
step ping into the footprints of those first Com -
mandos, will inspire younger generations to a similar
excellence with the capacity to serve and make a
difference as did those who came before them.
Starting from the Commando Memorial Cairn, the
100 kilometre course (think Melbourne to Seymour, or
to The Valley) loops north from Tidal to Darby River
and return, before ranging southward to both sides of
the Prom as well as the lighthouse, and the most
south erly point of the Australian mainland, before
returning to the Commando Memorial finish line in
Tidal River.
Of the 35 that set out in the dark at 0600hrs from
the Cairn, barely half completed the Run. One runner
who chose to run less than fully equipped showed the
first signs of hypothermia and was extracted.
The fastest male runner, David Overend, com -
pleted the gruelling 100k in 11 hours, 1 minute and 54
seconds. Two other males also completed the Run in
less than 12 hours.
The first female to finish was Susan Keith in 14
hours, 49 minutes and 13 seconds, 2 hours ahead of
Kathy Roberts in 16 hours, 49 minutes and 50
seconds.
At a minimum the girls ran their first hour before
dawn, then at least a further 3 hours in darkness with
only a small headlight to keep them on the track.
Next morning, our special guest trophy presenter,
veteran "M Special Forces" coast watcher from World
War 2, Mr Jim Burrowes OAM made the presenta -
tions, whilst rain graciously held off and the fury of the
wind abated. Trophies are being engraved with
recipients’ names and will soon be returned to
winners
Finally, this whole run, could not have succeeded
without the pivotal role played by two of our own
Association members.
I refer to the two 70+ year old members of our
Association, Barry Higgins and Peter Beasley, who at
0600hrs together hiked 2.5 hours in to man their
checkpoint at Telegraph Junction. They were there on
site, all day, with only what they could carry in and out
on their backs for support (more adequate shelter, to
stave off raging weather would have been a good
idea). The last runner passed their checkpoint, head -
ing back to the finish line at our Commando Memorial
between 2200hrs and 2230hrs. It then took Barry and
Pete another 2.5 hours to hike back to the finish line
themselves. In all, Barry and Pete were out in the field,
in appalling weather, for all of 19 con tinuous hours. In
future the 14 hours required on site at this checkpoint,
will be provided by a minimum of two, two-man shifts,
each being on site for 7 hours. Other options are also
being explored to deliver more adequate support
(Parks have suggested a trolley). One desirable addi -
tion would be the capacity to top up dehydrating
runners with more fresh water.
All in all, despite atrocious weather the event was
clearly a success, through ACA Vic and Running Wild
informally teaming up to inspire runners with a larger
frame of reference. "strike swiftly!"
In addition to the Run, a Commando Cairn Visitors
Book has now been installed in the Parks Office to
receive comments and feedback. It is on display at the
Office, but under supervision of staff, lest it be in -
appropriately appropriated.
"Lest We Forget."
Compiled by Phil Brabin, ACA (Vic.) Cairn subcommittee convenor.
COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 9 I December 2016 21