Cane2Coral 2012: What's Your Story?

On a glorious Bundaberg morning more than 300 volunteers were keen with excitement and anticipation as they went about their many tasks to get the The Friendly Society Private Hospital Cane2Coral for 2012 under way.  With over 2600 entrants registered in the event for the 15km and 8km distances, there was going to be many stories told by the end of the day.

Erwin McRae

Chloe Turner

Last year’s winner Erwin McRae returned to defend his title and blitzed the field for the 15km run to finish in a race record 45:45 ahead of Alan Craigie (49:01) making it a double for the ACT and showcasing the broader appeal of the race.  Chloe Turner (56:42) was the winner of the Female 15km event with Belinda Cooper in 2^nd (1:00:26).  The 8km event was a hotly contested affair and little separated Elliott Hodgson (27:57) from Matthew Hauser at the finish line (28:04). Brooke Willis (34:41) was winner of the Female 8km with 11-12yo contestant Kayla Munson (35:48) hot on her heels.  Glenn Cooper and Belinda Cooper took out the title of local winners and were awarded the Rod Young Memorial award for their efforts.

For the day though there were many stories and every competitor in the event had their own victory. Whether it was to win an event, beat a personal best, beat a mate or simply to cross the finish line with your family cheering you on, much unfolded throughout the day.  This is exactly what a fun run is all about. It is more than just a serious event. It is about fitness, enjoying the outdoors, challenging yourself, experience what the Bundaberg region has to offer and it’s beautiful surrounds, revelling with strangers at the finish line as you congratulate each other on completing the run. There are those who dress up and try to stand out in the crowd taking in the festival feel.

A group from the army not only entered the event as a team, they also donned their army gear, long pants, boots and a 30kg pack on their back for a 15km slog. Many took their child for the run and pushed them in a pram for the whole journey and posting times ahead of many fit competitors. Pacesetters were in place for those who aimed at specific target times and encouraged their runners right to the end in an effort for someone else to get their moment of personal satisfaction of a race well run. Sons found that little bit of extra energy to sprint to the finish to get bragging rights over their father. 

  

Disability was no excuse for many and showed what can be done, it is just a matter of admitting to yourself it can be done. One team united to push Eden Camac, in her wheelchair, finishing in a moment when everyone should have realized it can be done.  Even age is no barrier and Rupert Cruickshank in the 70+ category put many younger athletes to shame.

These are just a few select moments that caught my attention but with 2259 runners officially crossing the line, there are many more stories out there to be told. 

What’s Your Story?