The S Files - Episode 74

The Tinman & Shabs found time after the Cane2Coral fun run to bring the latest episode. We can also report that the Shabs finished in the top 10 for his age group too.

We get straight into business after talking about the Cane2Coral and rugby league is the topic to start things off. We decided to start with a positive with the Boston 13's having a huge win in their play-off game against the Rhode Island Rebellion. When it comes to the NRL though there are not many positives from our point of view and just what transpired in the Titans v Cowboys game that highlighted the collusion & corruption that may be occurring in the NRL to get contrived results.

After the break it is all about the success of Australian Rugby with the Waratahs having a great last gasp win over the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Grand Final. 

The Commonwealth Games are still going and there have been some great performances by the Aussie Athletes that the broadcaster 10 Network has managed to squeeze in between the air time that the commentators and hosts take up.

There may also be a bit of talk about the winning streak the Tusken Raiders are on at Beach 365, reportedly the best looking team at the venue.

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?

The History of Cane2Coral

On a sunny, quiet afternoon on October 2009 in the front bar of the Bargara Beach Hotel, Kerry Short and Neil Rowland were discussing the future of the Bargara SLSC. They needed a new fundraising event to maintain the future of the club. For 38 years the club had successfully run the Bundaberg Summertime Surf Girl, but due to the change in the modern world this event had run its course.  Whilst sharing a few cold cleansing XXXX’s the pair struck onto an idea that aligned with surf lifesaving but would also appeal to the greater community. Neil, from Sydney, was very aware of the fun runs held in Sydney and knew that here they were in one of the best geographical locations in Australia and the lay of the land also would be perfect for a fun run event. With Neil recently seeing many of his close family affected by cancer and losing his father to cancer he wanted to ensure that any event they held, contributed largely to the Cancer Council. Kerry was happy as long as the Surf Lifesaving Club benefited along with the Cancer Council. Although the idea was not penned famously on a napkin or coaster, the idea itself was imbedded in 2 of the most passionate men in Bundaberg.

Neil Rowland & Kerry Short

Crucial to the success of Cane2Coral was the level of expertise and professionalism brought by Bundaberg’s own Olympian, Anita Palm.  In the first 2 years in her role as the Event Director, Anita “set the bar” in terms of attention to detail, registration processes, computer marketing, professional individual timing and health management procedures. Anita’s continuing consultative role ensures that Cane2Croeal’s processes/procedures continue to be assessed and developed.

A fun run is not created overnight though and lots of ground work needed to be done and most importantly sponsors needed to be sought. Neil himself took it on personally to approach sponsors and since the inception of Cane2Coral many sponsors have come on board and those like The Friendly Society Private Hospital, Bundaberg Sugar and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks have been there since day one and contribute valuable assistance and has seen the addition of McDonalds in 2011 as a major sponsor. 

Major Sponsors - Bundaberg Sugar, Friendly Society Private Hospital and Bundaberg  Brewed Drinks

On Sunday 1^st August 2010 the inaugural Cane2Coral was officially started with 2190 entrants, well over expectation. Former New Zealand Olympian, Dale Warrander, has the honour of being the first winner of the Cane2Coral Fun Run and showcases the widespread appeal that the Cane2Coral attracts.  Brisbane based runner Helen Stanton was the first female competitor to finish the race.

No event on any scale can survive without the addition of the crucial assistance of volunteers. In a true show of community spirit, hundreds of people have offered their time, resources and skills over the years in making this a community driven event. The Cane2Coral recognises this generosity by returning the gesture to all charities that lend their time and resources. Last year a total of $112,250 being donated to various charities including the Cancer Council, Ronald McDonald House, The Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and many local schools, sporting and charity organizations since the inception of the Cane2Coral Fun Run.

In 2011 more than 400 competitors travelled further than 400km and has seen visitors from as far as New Zealand and Germany. With over 2000 entrants in the inaugural year exceeding most expectations the event has grown more every year. With the dedicated team working behind the scenes great things are ahead and it won’t be long until the Cane2Coral becomes part of the Australian running calendar.