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.