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