Fun run with a difference
30 August 2010
On the morning of 29th of August, Perth city shut down, roads were blocked and the members of AUSCDT Four (Lieutenant Commander Chris Leece), Maritime Tactical Operations Element, started a 12km run for the Activ ‘City to Surf’ charity run.
This was no ordinary run, as the members chose to complete the 12 kilometres equipped with a large black storm hawser (3 times the thickness of a normal ships hawser) on their shoulders, running from the first man through to the last.
Otherwise known as a ‘Rope Run’, it is somewhat of a diver tradition and is used during the arduous Clearance Diver course to make runs just that little bit more challenging.
The route commenced at the Esplanade Perth City, and finished at City Beach sports oval.
The team run was completed in a total of 66 minutes, not a bad time considering they had the average weight of two grown men on their shoulders.
Members of the community were very supportive of the dedication shown by the Divers and the fitness it took to run the 12 kms with the extra load.
Channel 9 interviewed ABCD Pietersen mid-run who explained the importance Clearance Divers place on team building, which this kind of activity promotes.
The weather on the day could not have been better, clear skies and a hot sun.
This was a record breaking year for the City to Surf, with over 40,000 participants.
Overall, the team and other participants of this year’s City to Surf raised $378,138.04 for the Activ charity.
This event has inspired the Clearance Divers at AUSCDT Four to make the run an annual tradition, and go one better next year by carrying a Zodiac.
