THE GREAT ANZAC RUN ARRIVES IN LONDON

The busy London streets were lined with well wishers and all ex-pat Aussies cheered loudly as the entire running group ran the last stretch from Westminster Bridge to the Australian memorial in Hyde Park. After 4075km, the Great Anzac Run has completed the running stage with only an official function tomorrow night at the Australian High Commission.

Proudly wearing their Linfox tops and being escorted by the Scania pumper (our two major sponsors of the Great Anzac Run), and despite being slightly out of tune, the group sang a rousing rendition of the Australian National Anthem. Congratulations to all of the runners, support staff, sponsors and family and friends at home who have made this amazing dream become a reality. These memories will never be forgotten.

Please take some time to watch the footage taken from Tynecot cemetery near Passendale in Belguim. It is these images that highlight why the Great Anzac Run has taken place and why the Melbourne Fire Brigade runners have provided a tribute to our generation of soldiers who lost their lives for the freedom of our wonderful country, Australia.

The Final Stretch - London

A huge thank you must go out our brothers at the Strathclyde Fire Station in Scotland who have kindly donated the use of their pumper for the entire journey of our Great Anzac Run. Your generosity is appreciated by all of the runners.

Matt Watts Interview

Name: Matt Watts
Age: 26
Platoon: Bugden
How long have you been a fire fighter for? 2 years
How did you prepare for the great Anzac run? Footy training, basketball, indoor cricket and mountain bike riding keep me pretty fit. Started specific running training about 6 months prior to coming.
What does this trip mean to you? It’s a privilege and an honour to be here and it means a great deal to represent the MFB and Australia in honouring the Anzac’s and the ANZAC spirit.
Messiest person in your camper? Neil Eager
Smelliest person in your camper? Glen McDonald
How are you coping at the moment? Having a ball
Funniest thing to happen on the trip so far? Dale Alan’s dancing
Any words to family and friends back at home? Having a great time and missing all you guys greatly
Best experience so far? Running with Jason at 4:30am and having a man stand at the side of the street with a video camera and another man playing Waltzing Matilda On the bag pipes.

AN INTERVIEW WITH KARL PATON

Name: Karl Paton
Age: 32

Platoon: Travis
How long have you been a fire-fighter: 10 years
How did you prepare: A bit of running, keeping fit and watching fluid intake.

What does the run mean to you Respect and paying homage to our Fallen and the overall sense of national pride and being able to represent Australia is the greatest honour.

Who is the messiest person in your camper: We're all clean freaks.
Who is the smelliest person in your camper: Butters

How are you coping at the moment : Us at Travis look after each other. We have a group cuddle every night and they tuck me into the baggage hold and lock the door.

Last Shower: This morning

What is the funniest thing that has happened on the trip so far: It's been a trip of many laughs,tears and fulfilment. You can't pinpoint just one moment.

Words for home: It's been great hearing from everyone at home with well wishes and knowing that everyone at home is very proud of what we have achieved.

BELGUIM - YPRES - MENIN

THE WESTERN FRONT

AN INTERVIEW WITH FOXY

Name: Russell Fox
Age: 44
Platoon: Travis
How long have you been a fire-fighter: 22 years
How did you prepare: My training consisted of running to work and back 22 kilometres all up, 2 days a week and light training in between.
What does the run mean to you It means bringing the ANZAC spirit and remembering the Australian and New Zealand soldiers that fought and lost their lives to make Australia the country that it is now.
Who is the messiest person in your camper: Lachlan Ritchie
Who is the smelliest person in your camper: Not me that's for sure.
How are you coping at the moment Doing really well except missing my loved ones
Last Shower: 8 hours ago
What is the funniest thing that has happened on the trip so far: Talking about bears in woods and foxes that are no different.
Words for home: That I love and miss my family and the people close to me

Lieutenant Charles Hughes - Military Cross

On the outskirts of Ypres lies a small Belgian village called Warneton. It was at this town that my grandfather, Lieutenant Charles Hughes of the 11th Infantry of the 3rd Division was awarded the Military Cross.
“During the battle of Messines his utter disregard of personal danger under heavy enemy shell fire and his unceasing devotion to duty, he greatly inspired his men. East of Warneton whilst in charge of four guns placed for barrage fire, the untiring energy and personal courage effectively assisted his men. Despite adverse weather conditions they successfully carried out their task. His work at all times has been characterised by zeal, courage and efficiency.”
In an impromptu moment, the Travis team stopped outside the local church and we stood in a moment’s reflection to commemorate what my grandfather Charles had achieved. The bar owner across the road noticed our small ritual and invited us all in for a celebratory Belgian beer. He presented me with a gift which depicted the local church for which I was extremely appreciative.

Paul Buttifant – Travis Team

AN INTERVIEW WITH PLUGGER MARTIN

Name: Tony Martin
Age: 44
How long have you been a Fire-Fighter? : 19 years
Who is the smelliest? : Collingwood supporters - see photo (Collingwood d St.Kilda!)
Who is the most untidy? : Karl Paton, keeps leaving his mirrors lying around.
One word to describe the run so far? : Brilliant
If there was one item you either fergot or couldve brought on the run what would it be? My children for sure.
What do you miss about the most about living in Australia? : Speed limits
Best place you have been so far? : Gallipoli, peninsula
What does the run mean to you? :
Living the ' Spirit of ANZAC ' with my mates thru Commitment, Loyalty, Endurance and Self Sacrifice.It's an opportunity to lay a wreath at the resting places of our bravest from Gallipoli to the Western Front.To honour not only those who paid the ultimate price but also those that returned from ACC campains that have made our beautiful country what it is today.
Also to enhance the awareness amoungst our youth of these battles and of friendships made.

AUSSIES AT THE SOMME

Today the Great Anzac Run stopped for a visit to Villers-Bretonneux. Erected in the schoolyard in English is a large signs that reads, “DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA”. This statement was declared at the end of the war by the then mayor as a perpetual reminder of the actions of Australian diggers who assisted in liberating the town from German occupation in 1918.

As a result of injuries sustained at a fire in Melbourne in November last year by one of my work colleagues and friend, leading fire fighter Richard “Dick” Zapart , the major beneficiary of our charity run is the burns unit of the Alfred hospital. Dick spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma. Thankfully he and his family are recovering from this resultant trauma but we should not forget what the hospital and staff did to assist them.

During the past 18 months, I have lost two colleagues I have been privileged to call friends from my 25 year association with the MFB. To Roscoe’s partner, Kath and son Kain and BQ’s wife Julie and family, I have not forgotten them. Not only this pilgrimage, but always they are “absent mates” never far away in my thoughts.

As a member of team Throssell, we have collectively carried a pebble from the shores of Anzac Cove at Gallipoli since April 26th. At completion of our journey in London and on our return to Australia, we aim to present to Hugo Throssell’s family (VC recipient at Gallipoli) the “Throssell Rock” as a reminder that we have not forgotten the sacrifices men of his ilk endured to ensure the quality of life we Australians enjoy today.

Damian Foletti ( Team leader – Throssell)

Avenue des Champs Élysées

Last night at midnight we were fortunate enough to run down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Words cannot express the excitement or honour it was to run to the Arc De Triumphe as the run continued on towards the Western Front. With a light rain falling and the lights of the Eiffel tower sparkling to signify the new day, the old hotchkiss driven by Fred Kerr led the runners as unified and spirited Australians.

George Arthur Dean

George Arthur Dean, 2nd Battalion, No.230 was a soldier who like many others went aboard to serve their country. He was one of many who jumped off a boat and onto the sands of what we now know as ANZAC Cove on April 25th. He is also the grandfather and great grandfather of Rob Dean and Elliot Dean-Tasker.
It is an amazing moment for our family’s history to be the first two to go back and visit Gallipoli and the Western Front. Running through Europe, with a stone from the shores of ANZAC Cove and a relative beside you is a surreal experience; setting foot on the land that our fore fathers ran over some 93 years, where George Arthur Dean fought and survived.

Elliot Dean-Tasker

Michael Cecchetto Interview

Name: Michael Cecchetto
Age: 48
How long have you been a fire fighter: 21 years
What platoon are you in: Bugden
How did you prepare for the run: Proper food, cut down on alcohol intake and plenty of running on early mornings pumping out the km’s
What does the run mean to you: Sharing an experience with my fellow fire fighters that will never be repeated again. In the memory of our fore fathers who fought for our freedom and our way of life that we enjoy today. Thus enabling us to share this unique experience together. Fire Fighters support staff and students alike.
Who is the messiest person in your camper: Paul (Cherry) McGowan
Who is the smelliest person in your camper: Neil (Pole Cat) Eager
How are you coping at the moment: Very well, had a lull a couple of days ago but now feeling re-energised
When did u have your last shower: Very Luckily, 1 hour and 15 minutes ago
What has been the funniest thing on the trip so far: Taking the wrong turn, being late for meeting point and seeing Gordon Hill Have kittens.
Any messages home: To Jenny and Sienna, Dad misses you terribly little munch kin, lots of love to both of you see you soon and love to the rest of my family.
Most memorable moment on the trip so far: I have two. One was the dawn service at ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine cemetery and Guard of Honour for Gabe Mauehofer on the passing of his father.

PARIS - ARC De TRIUMPH

DIJON TO MORET-SUR-LOING

A dinner stop at the gorgeous Moret-sur-Loing saw preparations in place for the Great Anzac Run to enter the outskirts of Paris. With only 50km to go until we hit the centre of Paris, this quaint little village has a great historical significance. French painter, Monet was inspired by this town with many of his paintings depicting river scenes and local flora.

With many of the runner's bags still packed full of unused Winter wear, the temperatures during the past few weeks have been exquisite. Apart from the bitterly cold day at the Anzac service in Gallipoli, the runners have been blessed with sunny days between 20 and 30 degrees. The nights have been mild and very little, if no rain has fallen.

Throssel team regrouped with a team hug and had an inspired run from 6pm until midnight, running through the Bourgogne region, but were met with a firemen's typical cool reception on arrival.

SCANIA LEADS THE WAY ACROSS EUROPE

The Scania pumper has blazed it's way across Europe, protecting the runners of the Great Anzac Run. With lights flashing and the occasional burst of sirens, the Scania fire engine has not missed a beat. The Great Anzac Run would not have been possible if not for the generous support of Scania.

France - Modane to Dijon

Tired legs, sore backs, limited sleep but high spirits saw the runners power through the beautiful French countryside. The run from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps through immaculate little French villages saw the spirits of the runners fluctuate depending on simple things like inclines or declines. Roger Chitty, despite being classified in the veteran class, showed the youngsters a thing or two with a classic Lance Armstrong surge up one of the most steepest parts of the entire Anzac Run. Bugden platoon were able to enjoy the scenery of their running session, but a dubious choice of parking their campervan near the Blue Oyster Bar just after midnight nearly had disasterous results!

South Colac Primary School say G'day

South Colac Primary School, like many in the State say G’day to the runners of the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Following the run is like being in a time capsule as the children are able to follow the exploits of the runners as the children of another era would have followed the first Anzacs almost 100 years ago. And it is not just the kids from South Colac Primary School, many of the schools in the State are following the runners, with children having adopted particular runners on the way.

Keep up the pace and a safe return from all the staff and students from South Colac Primary School

Bienvenue vers la France

Welcome to France

An early wake up call from the early shift at the Torino Fire Station saw us in a nine van convoy to the French border. Some French magic weaved by Maureen, our French interpreter and co-ordinator of this section, saw us pass through the tunnel at a hugely discounted rate. Maureen is to be commended on the endless hours of work that she has put into organising the French leg of the run. We look forward with anticipation of seeing the benefits of her tremendous efforts that she has endured in the lead up to the run. She has been a great team member of the Great Anzac Run and we are indebted to Maureen for her bilingual skills as our commander’s idea of speaking French is to speak even louder!
The snow capped peaks pierced the clouds as the team ran their way up the steep roads past the town of Modane. Today’s leg was going to be one of the runs toughest, made particularly hard by the altitude, but all the runners determinedly reached the highest point in the Great Anzac Run. The summit was greeted with triumphant cheers and a spirited rendition of the Great Anzac Run theme song.

AUSSIES BRING MILAN TO STAND STILL

Although some people may have been in Milan for the style and fashion, it was a bunch of Aussie firefighters that turned some heads as they proceeded into the Milano city centre. Escorted by eight Italian motor cycle police and a flock of Italian firefighters, the huge traffic grid parted as the Aussie ran into the main police head quarters. Melbourne's sister city, Milano, certainly shared their hospitality with a full civic reception for the members of the Great Anzac Run.

Gordon Hill Interview

Name: Gordon Hill
Age: 53
Platoon: Bugden co-ordinator
How long have you been a fire fighter for?

5 years in FES department.
How did you prepare for the great ANZAC run?

Continued non stop running “business as usual” and aimed to leave Australia at 80%.
What does this trip mean to you?

It is very emotional, uplifting, makes me more determined to display the characteristics of the ANZAC spirit.
Messiest person in your camper? Cherry.

Smelliest person in your camper? Neil Eager (socks and shoes).

How are you coping at the moment? Very good, fit, healthy “so far”.

When was your last shower? 6 hours ago.

Funniest thing to happen on the trip so far? Experienced drivers missing gears, starting in 3rd.

Any words to family and friends back at home:

All my love to my dearest Lisa and the kids and Don. Best wishes to Ros and hi to Jon and Sue and the golf crew and all friends back in Melbourne. Go the Cats!

Bugden runs through Fano

It was like stepping back in time, with the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture lining the cramped streets of Fano. The Bugden team enjoyed their 12km run through the beautiful old town. Matty Watts, Terry Kimpton and Jason Vaughan led the way as the team journeyed on to the marina with thunderous applause from the friendly locals casually sipping coffee in the many sea side restaurants. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our sponsor Unibic for their kind donation.

THROSSEL BURNS AROUND IMOLA

The Throssel team took the opportunity to run around the Grand Prix track at Imola yesterday. Dressed in the Vegemite running shirts proudly donated by our great sponsors in Kraft, the team meandered around the beautiful circuit admiring the spectacular views. Team captain, Damien Foletti didn't set any track records on the tight circuit, yet his handling of bends and power up the straight saw him finish in the middle of the pack. Sam Jones had a much improved race and was rewarded with a podium finish, despite some fuel injection problems and engine trouble at the mid-point.

INTERVIEW WITH BRADDLES

Name: Mark Bradley
Age: 48
How long have you been a Fire-Fighter? : 25 years
What platoon are you in? : Travis
Who is the smelliest? : JU JU
Who is the most untidy? : Me
If their was an item that you either forgot or couldve brought on the run what would it be? : I would have to say a suit and a tie.
What is the best place you have been to so far? : Crete, it was very beautiful.
Anything you would like to say to people at home? : Yes, I would like to say hello to my wife and kids. Love you very much missing you alot and having im having a great time.

SNOWGUM - MAGNIFICENT SPONSORS

The Great Anzac Run would like to acknowledge the fabulous sponsorship of Snowgum.

The high quality sleeping bags have provided support and comfort to all of the runners in the various conditions that we have encountered so far on the run. From the bitterly cold winds of Gallipoli at the Anzac Day service to the 30 degree temperatures on the east coast of Italy, the runners have fully appreciated the wonderful support we have from Snowgum.

Snowgum - Since 1924.
Authentic and always innovative.
Snowgum has been bringing style to performance with
innovative climate control clothing since 1924.

Day 12 - 7th May - benvenuto in Italia

The Great ANZAC Run runners arrived in Bari yesterday morning and with great support from Bari Firefighters the run went forward to Barletta with an escort from the Barletta Fire Service.

In Foggia, the headquarters for this region the reception and support to our team was excellent. Now on the road Travis Team can be seen running along a beautiful beach road at Citta di Fossacesia.
The boys here found the strong head wind challenging and can be seen here stretching and refreshing after a tough stint.

Arriving in Pescara, the Bugden team were welcomed by the Pescara Fire Fighters who greeted them like brothers. A brisk run through the town and around the picturesque marina were the highlight of the day's run.

FAREWELL JU JU – TURKISH FIRE FIGHTER – ADOPTED AUSSIE

Our wonderful new friend Ju Ju finally said his goodbyes to the Great Anzac Run today in Athens after a missed flight, an extended ticket date and an extra run with us across Crete. Starting at Gallipoli, the wide-eyed Turkish fire fighter didn't take long to endear himself to the Anzac crew. Throwing himself eagerly into the running as well as the celebrations, Ju Ju quickly learnt the nuances of becoming a real Aussie. "No problem", "Cheers mate" and a few other choice phrases taught to him along the way, Ju Ju's infectious friendship spread far and wide.
His parting speech had the group spellbound as he told about how his forefathers ran at the enemy to attack, but now I have run together with my friends across countries to show that our nations have a special bond.
Good luck Ju Ju, we will miss you.

CRETE BACK TO ATHENS

SOUDA BAY WAR CEMETERY

We have just spent the most amazing hour at Souda Bay War Cemetery. The German offensive during May of 1941 saw many of our great uncles and grandfathers having to defend the island of Crete. This is one of the most beautiful war cemeteries, set in a small section of Souda Bay, the pristine blue waters dwarfed by the rugged snow-capped mountains above. This is a special place. The 2nd Australian Regiment (2/1st, 2/3rd, 2/4th, 2/7th, 2/8th and 2/11th) saw action of the shores of Souda Bay with many of the tombstones inscripted with simple yet moving words.
Raymond Joseph Sculley (2/8th Battalion), great uncle of John Scully, is one of the many tombstones that adorn this immaculate place. With Australian flag draped across his chest and with many shared tears, there is an irrefutable understanding about what it is to be a proud Australian. With many of our own grandfathers having fought in the battle of Crete, this place touched the hearts of many. As mateship, camaraderie, sacrifice and humour were the virtues that were prevalent generations ago; these same qualities still shine through in each individual on this pilgrimage.

1st May CRETE – THE ERNST MAUERHOFER MEMORIAL LEG

CRETE – THE ERNST MAUERHOFER MEMORIAL LEG

A sombre mood descended over the group as news filtered through of the passing of Ernst Mauerhofer, father of Gabe. As a mark of respect, the leg of the run in Crete was dedicated to Gabe’s father who passed away after a long illness. With black arm bands on all of the runners, Gabe led the from the front as the run took off from Heraklion on the journey along the coast road to Chania. With all of the crew on a bus, and a police escort close by, the run continued along the spectacular coastline. Superb beaches through one window of the bus juxtaposed the views of imposing snow-capped mountains through the other. A nice 25 degrees provided perfect running conditions.
This run was a chance to really get out and go hard with quick changeovers resulting in some impressive kilometre splits. Jason Vaughn, Matt Watts, Gabe Mauerhofer and Kylie Evans exploded away from the bus with Pugs, Glen MacDonald and Greg Cotterill doing the hard-yards up the inclines. The changeover of runners was symbolic with the name of Gabe's father "ERNST" being used as a baton for the new set of runners.
The entry into Chania was both inspiring and emotional. The entire group formed a guard of honour as big Gabe Mauerhofer ran through to thunderous applause. From here a police escort led the run down the ancient alleyways of Chania, zigzagging across the main city centre. The Australian National anthem burst from the mob as we ran the 5km trek on pure adrenalin. On our return to the central fire station, Gabe spoke beautifully about his father’s pride. Love of his family, a passion for life and a life-long gratitude as being accepted as a true Australian were words that echoed in Gabe’s tribute to his father.
Rest In Peace, Ernst Mauerhofer.

Day 5 - 30th April

A meeting in at the main central fire station in Athens saw the Greek hospitality again in fullswing. Commanders, Terry Kimpton and Rob Dean and Leading Fire fighters Paul Ritchie and Russell Fox, suited up for the meeting while everyone look splendid in their blue Australia official tracksuits. It was a pity that Rob Dean couldn't find an iron handy, but the quick thinking of a few domesticated people on the bus, had his crumbled suit looking almost new ! A quick sightseeing tour around Athens and a chance to run around the ancient Olympic track in the centre of town was a highlight. The ferry ride across the Mediterranean from Pireaus in southern Athens to the main port of Heraklion in Crete saw us arrive in the early hours of the morning to the most magnificent sunrise.

Day 4 – April 29th

A rest day in Athens gave us a chance to recover from some niggling injuries as the team has been running hard for the previous few days. The Greek hospitality was again overwhelming with an escort to Station 6 at the Olympic Village site. A hot shower and even a bed for some allowed some weary muscles to recover. Some decided to continue their preparation with action at the Athens nightspots.