Day 3 – April 28th

The huge debt from the 2004 Olympic Games still hangs largely over the beautiful Greek countryside. It seems that every kilometre of the run brings forth another toll booth and another handful of Euros slips from our grasp.
There is not a lot that happens on Easter Monday in Thessaloniki. Negotiating the streets in the city centre was the easy part, trying to get our supplies from Kraft that were locked in the Helles Centre was the difficult part. A phone call from a Greek-American lady living in the above flat to a friend who used to work as a cleaner in the centre, saw the mayor of Thessaloniki arrive a few hours later to open the main offices. With vegemite, biscuits, Tang , Peanut Butter and an abundant supply of food loaded onto the CBC and Catering Vans, we took off to return to the run again.
The run speared past the imposing Mt. Olympus as we skimmed the coastline and past the large towns of Larissa and Lamia. A few tunnels broke the monotony but the teams continued their quick pace. A special thank you to the wonderful team of Greek Police and Fire fighters who has escorted the run since the Turkish border. They has been magnificent in their thorough preparation of the route and the runners’ safety has been paramount.

Day 2 – April 27th

Trying to get some sleep became a difficult task as fireworks exploded across the night sky to officially welcome in the Greek Easter. A few tired platoons slept through the festivities ready to regain the baton in the early hours of the morning. Damien Foletti led his Travis platoon through some difficult, yet spectacular terrain as the rain and wind whipped off the Agean. The rose amongst the thorns, Kylie Evans, celebrated her 30th birthday in style, finishing her run leg with a quick dip in the chilly waters of Oraci Beach. From Alexandropoulos to Xanthi to Kavala and on to the throbbing metropolis of Thessaloniki, the group powered through the night, making the most of the limited traffic on the roads.
With the Hotchkiss somewhere behind the run and in need of minor repairs, the Museum boys were studying up on their Greek language in an effort to get the beast fixed once the towns recover from their Easter hangover.

DAY 1 – April 26th

Inspired by the words of our Turkish firefighting friend and running companion, Ju Ju – “I go, you go – We Go”, the group took off from Anzac Cove after some stirring words from Lionel. With adrenalin pumping, and an escort from the Turkish police to the border, the group ran for 2km until the Travis platoon took off under the leadership of Roger Chitty. 60km down the road at Kesan, the cook’s van presented a steamy bowl of tasty pasta to re energise the group and Gordon Hill’s Bugden group took over. Throssell platoon ran warily through the border crossing after a long delay but soon regained some lost time with some inspiring sectionals. The long limbs of Gabe Mauerhofer, Chris Wright, Sam Jones and the Condon brothers chewed up the kilometres as the run flew through the town of Alexandropoulos in the early hours of the morning.

ANZAC DAY

It’s finally here: Anzac Day. The Team arrived by bus and after joining the endless line of Aussies and Kiwis, we got through the stringent security to be greeted by a huge contingent of pilgrims sprawled out on the grass above Anzac Cove. With the Sphinx towering silently above us we squeezed into whatever space was available, the team sporadically mixed in with thousands of other Aussies and Kiwis. It took the sweet talking of our spiritual leader, Lionel, to secure a section of the VIP stand to the left of the main stage.
The service was amazing and continued throughout the night, with various documentaries and performances, all of which were intertwined with haunting and emotive music. Everybody weathered the numbing cold and howling wind, sitting in the stand wrapped in their sleeping bags, a sea of cocoons. Luckily the Under Armour and Snowgum sleeping bags kept the cold under control. The atmosphere was amazing, almost all kinds of emotion could be felt; anger, sadness, despair, hope, humour, thankfulness. Despite the harsh conditions, everybody was friendly and sociable with many new friends being made.
After the service at Anzac Cove, we took the long march up the dirt path to Lone Pine for the Australian service. With tired eyes and the cold wind still whistling around the solitary tree, we again paid respect to the diggers. The poignant moment of the morning came when Bernie Dingle laid a wreath on behalf of the MFB.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The Rotary Club, together with the Australian Consulate in Cannakale, organised a cultural exchange between eight girls from Cannakale College and our eight students from Christian Brothers’ College in St. Kilda. With limited English from the girls and no Turkish from our boys, the initial meetings were awkward. However within minutes of getting on the bus, there were signs of chatter between the groups which broke into laughter and many photos taken. Email addresses were exchanged, MSN contacts added and promises of group photos to be displayed prominently on their Facebook or Myspace pages. Our tour guide, Izzett, was unbelievable with his knowledge of the battlefields and retold accounts with sensitivity and compassion. Upon hearing our boys were from St. Kilda, Izzett told the group that Albert Jacka, Australia’s first VC winner of the campaign was the Mayor of St. Kilda in 1930 and that he is buried in the St.Kilda cemetery in Hotham St. Wow!
The joining of the nations’ youth could not have been epitomised better than witnessing the group walk arm in arm down from a Turkish monument singing and laughing, revelling in each others’ company.

Cannakale Fun Run

The 23rd of April saw the fire fighters take the ferry across the Dardanelles to Cannakale for a fun run organised by the City Council. With Cannakale firemen joining our group, the gang ran across from Asia to Europe (sound impressive doesn't it !)and then presented a wreath at the Turkish memorial. It was fabulous to hear the huge roar from the Aussie contingent in Ecaebat as the MFB ran past. Photgraphic evidence suggests that Foxy was saving his legs for the big run, catching a ride with the Turkish police.

BROTHERS IN ARMS

STAND TO

There are special moments in your life, people you meet and times that stay with you forever. The group journey down to Anzac Cove on the day before Anzac Day will be forever etched in my memory and the emotion it stirred will remain with me until the last breath I draw. At 6pm a long row of firemen, students, museum crew and cooks united as one, as Australians, on the beach at Anzac Cove.
With the Sphinx looking down on this bunch of Aussies and the frigid winds whistling like voices of our fallen ancestors, Plugger, Skulls and Roger stirred the emotions with a magical ode to the diggers. A unified cracking of beer cans broke the minute’s silence and a ceremonial pouring onto the sands showed the respect that we all have for the ultimate sacrifice displayed by our Anzacs on foreign soil 93 years ago. Many drank their beer in silence while others rejoiced in friendship with open displays of affection. Some reflected, others laughed, most cried, but whatever occurred in this unique place and time forms an indelible fabric of our being. We are Australian, and bloody proud of it.

CBC PAY RESPECT TO FALLEN OLDBOYS

CBC PAY RESPECT TO FALLEN OLDBOYS

Joseph Leo Skene , 3rd Brigade and CBC old collegian, was one of the first to land at the small rocky outcrop at Ari Burnu. Surviving the first landing and digging in with the rest of the troops, Skene lost his life in heated battles along the ridges of Shrapnel Valley. The beautiful cemetery nestled in amongst the shrub contains the grave of Private Skene.

The August offensive at Lone Pine was a big push by the Allies to gain important ground. This area saw heavy and bloody fighting, the small distance between the trenches, restricting the battle to hand-to-hand combat and grenades. It was in this area at Lone Pine that seven Victorian Crosses were awarded. Roland Edward Driscoll, 23rd Battalion and CBC old collegian is buried in the pristine cemetery at Lone Pine.

We stood around the graves and placed a CBC key ring on the tombstone. In a heart-rending speech, a 16 year old current student of CBC paid tribute to these fine men, eulogizing the virtues of this generation of Australians.

letters from home

Great news from the home front as the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development – Victoria with the support of the State Government has notified each and every school in Victoria about the run, what it stands for and why we are all doing it. So potentially hundreds of thousands school kids will be following the run every step of the way and hopefully getting an understanding of what it really means to be an Aussie

AN INTERVIEW WITH BUTTERS

1. What’s your name? Paul Buttifant (Butters)
2. How old are you? 49
3. How long have you been a Fire-Fighter? 23 years
4. How did you prepare for the run? These 6 months plus the 12 months before = 18 months
5. What does this run mean to you? A chance to honour diggers. Both Grand-Fathers fought on the western front. Mum’s Father (Charles Hughes) won a military cross in 1917
6. Who is the messiest person in your camper? Me
7. Who is the smelliest person in your camper? Plugger
8. How are you coping at the moment? Good, no injuries touch wood, it’s good to have a break from travelling before we start the run
9. When was your last shower? This morning
10. What’s the funniest thing that has happened on the trip? Buying perfume off a man in town, he wanted 20 euros. John said no it’s fake he said “ok 15 then”
11. Which Platoon are you in? Travis
12. Anything you want to say to the people at home? Even though we are having a good time we miss you, and we hope we are doing the Fire Fighters at home proud.

GALLIPOLI - April 23rd

The place is a buzz with anticipation as we approach the dawn service at Anzac Cove tomorrow night. There is plenty of action as preparations for the services at Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunik Bair are in full swing. The last day or so has allowed groups to venture out around the peninsula and take in the rich history and to truly understand why we are here and why we are running. Freddy Kerr joined us last night as the Hotchkiss arrived in one piece, having being shipped over from Melbourne via Egypt to Instanbul. The museum crew have put in a herculean effort in organising the safe arrival of the Hotchkiss while confronting minor hurdles along the way. How did we know they didn't sell petrol in Turkey!
Some groups were taking the opportunity to go for a group run, with many running down to Anzac Cove and taking in the sites.

AN INTERVIEW WITH KYLIE - APRIL 22ND

1. What’s your name? Kylie Evans
2. How old are you? 29
3. How long have you been a fire-fighter? 2 years
4. How did you prepare for the run? A good Routine
5. What does this run mean to you? Pride, Passion and Belief [and lots of sweat : - )
6. Who is the messiest person in your camper? The penthouse crew
7. Who is the smelliest person in your camper? Our camper smells lemon fresh
8. How are you coping at the moment? Two thumbs up
9. When was your last shower? This Morning
10. What’s the funniest thing that has happened on the trip?
Foxy’s use of hand towel for toilet paper

Check out Kylie's interview with the local Dandenong Journal

www.thejournal.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/anzac-runs-fit-fighter/1222754.html

AN INTERVIEW WITH PUGS - APRIL 22ND

1. What’s your name? Pugs
2. How old are you? 29
3. How long have you been a fire-fighter? Nearly 5 years
4. How did you prepare for the run? I have been training since the Canberra – Melbourne last year but stepped up the training in November last year
5. What does this run mean to you? To remember and commemorate the fallen diggers from Australia and to see what they went through, and also this run is a challenge for me.
6. Who is the messiest person in your camper? That would be the boys up in the pent house, (you know who you are)
7. Who is the smelliest person in your camper? We are quite lucky we don’t smell (yet) its all roses in our camper.
8. How are you coping at the moment? Quite well at the moment even though it is my first time overseas
9. When was your last shower? 9 AM this morning
10. What’s the funniest thing that has happened on the trip? Trying to communicate with the tolls officers at the Italian border for 15 mins which nearly turned into fines and high fees to find out all he wanted was a ticket that was in the console.
11. Message for back home. Would just like to say hello, and thank you to my parents and friends for your constant help and support to me leading up to and during “The Great ANZAC Run”.

GREECE TO TURKEY

What could be more difficult than getting 47 Australians, 1 Kiwi, 9 campervans and a Scottish fire engine across the Turkısh border ? A few hassles wıth paperwork, a few nervous fıremen thınkıng about the movıe, Midnight Express and a lot of smooth talkıng saw us fınally get through customs after a 4 hour struggle. One very smug Kiwi avoıded the vısa tax of 15 Euro whıle the rest of us were slugged. Who bought hım on the run anyway? An excıted drıve saw us arrive at Hotel Kum campıng ground – 8 km from Anzac Cove.

METSOVO TO ALEXANDROUPLOS

We started the morning with an early breakfast at Metsovo in the mountains of Greece. Beautiful snow capped mountaıns and a trecherous drıve down to the Greek coastlıne. We then had a kick of the footy with some locals, the Condon brothers beıng outmarked and outmuscled by a few younger and more agile youngsters. It was soon time to hit the road again for a full day of driving still making our way to Turkey. After driving along the spectacular coastline we stopped for lunch at a sunny beachside resort. After a re-fuel, swim and a wander around it was time to jump back in the vans on our way to Alexandropoulos.

Commander Kimpton was excited at a Fire Brıgade exhibition ın the small coastal town of Kavala. He had all the Greek firemen listenıng intently as he tried to recruit a few more Essendon supporters.

Once at the camping ground and set up, it gave the group a chance to put on the runners and singlets and go for a leisurely jog along the beach and camping ground to blow away a few cobwebs. Some of the group looked a picture of health, whereas some showed signs that the last few days of travelling had taken its toll

ITALY TO GREECE

After making our way to Venice we boarded the ferry with all 9 vans and the Fire Tuck safely on board. The CBC van taking a pleasant and eventful sidetrack amongst the Italian countryside! Making it with seconds to spare, we left beautiful Venice with the air of a romantic cruise out of the city. Sailing across the Adriatic sea was a great opportunity for the team to relax and unwind as a strong Anzac Run group. We arrived in the port of Igoumenitsa in superb sunshine and 28 degree heat. The team then drove snaking roads to Metsovo a spectactular little village sitting amongst the snow-top hillside of Greece. It was here where the team were made to feel welcome by Lizetta from the Metsovo bar and grill. during the evening with Lizetta presenting us all with t-shirts.

GERMANY

Upon arrival at Munich, we ventured to nearby Innsbruck down the autobahn and found a place to stay.

We waited for Paul and Terry to return from Stuttgardt with the support vehicle. Shocked by the news later in the night that Paul and Terry were involved in a nasty accident. One brand new Mercedes is now written off, at the wreckers and is subject to an insurance claim. All 12 airbags were activated and our great mates were lucky to escape serious injury. In true Paul Ritchie form, he found this to be a minor setback and co-ordinated the team to move forward.

The long haul

A few tears from family and a couple of quiet tears from the big tough firemen, saw us leave Melbourne with a great anticipation. After a 24 hour haul upon the Emirates airline we finally arrived in Munich. Some of the longer limbed contingent found the tight squeeze of the flight a bit hard to handle. Gabe Mauerhofer in seat 26D was like squashing a giraffe into a phonebox.

Our good friend Bernie Dingle, dressed in his WW1 Australian army uniform caused a slight stir upon embarking in Munich, Germany. Many though he was on the way to the Carnivale or that the Australian army was in need of new recruits as Bernie stoicly stood to attention waiting for the 303 rifle to come through customs. He’s still waiting……

The journey to Gallipoli is not an easy one.

We left the Burnley training complex in a convoy of 16 vintage fire trucks through the streets of Melbourne out to Tullamarine. Melbourne mayor, Mr. So was waving from his Town Hall balcony sent us on our way. A minor mishap car vs the oldest truck in the procession, end result no injuries, no airbags activated and now 15 fire trucks continued.

RUNNERS LEAVE TODAY

The Great Anzac Run leaves Australia tonight on their epic journey from Gallipoli to London across 4075km, through Turkey, Greece, Crete, Italy, France and Belguim.

We wish them all a safe and memorable journey.

God's Speed.

LORD MAYOR FAREWELLS RUNNERS

Melbourne Lord Mayor, Mr. John So, farewelled the runners with a recpetion at the Melbourne Town Hall recently. He spoke with great passion about the efforts of the organisers of the Great Anzac Run and was amazed at the impact that the run is having on Melbourne and ordinary Australians, as we approach Anzac Day.

The energetic Mr. So wore his Great Anzac Run tracksuit the next day at City Square as he farewelled the contingent for their epic journey. Along the journey we will be visiting Melbourne's sister-cities, Thessaloniki in Greece and Milan in Italy.

SENDING THE ANZAC MESSAGE

The students at CBC have been working hard to spread the message about the Great Anzac Run. They have embraced the world of technology and have relayed the message across cyber-space to many friends and family. They have also visited schools to discuss with students the main aspects of the run. Ed Brown visited his old primary school, St. Joseph's in Malvern and spoke with the Grade 4, 5 and 6 classes about the Great Anzac Run while Angus Rodda visited his little brother's school at St. Theresa's in Albion. They will follow our journey through the website and blog as well as direct relevant questions to the students by emailing them at students@cbcstkilda.com

OFFICIAL LAUNCH AT ASTOR THEATRE

The Great Anzac Run was officially launched last Monday night with a spectacular night at the Astor Theatre. The night attracted plenty of onlookers with drivers down busy Dandenong Road slowing down to view the old Hotchkiss Pumper and the Police mounted guards patrolling the entrance to the Astor foyer.
The night began with a rousing Reveille before MC, David Mann, introduced the night’s events.
Highlights included:
• a powerful three-part performance by CBC drama students, Quin Kelly, Wilson Brown and James Baker.
• A most interesting description about the courage of the Anzacs by noted historian and author, Roland Perry.
• A fascinating discussion with returned servicemen, Ed Styrinksi and John Stretch about their time serving our country and an insight into their passion about being Australian.
• After the showing of the film, Gallipoli, the night ended with a beautiful rendition of the Australian National Anthem by 14 year old Annabelle Priftis.
This was truly an amazing night for all who attended and an superb official launch of The Great Anzac Run.