AU – Hobart RRT Supports Bravehearts Marathon
It was a true Tassie winter weather special as the Bravehearts 777 Marathon Team rolled into Hobart, with single-digit temperatures, a freshly snow-capped Mount Wellington and persistent wind and rain greeting competitors as they tackled their fourth successive marathon in as many days.
Bravehearts is a charitable organisation whose key purpose is to educate, empower and protect Australian kids from sexual assault, and their vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child by 2020.
Bravehearts 777 is a gruelling event where competitors run 7 marathons in 7 days across 7 states. The 10 runners crossed the half-way mark in Hobart and were then heading to Canberra, Kingscliff and Gold Coast over the next 3 days.
The Hobart marathon was 42 kilometres long, following a circuit around Nara Piece Park before finishing the feat at Kings Avenue Bridge. The Hobart RRT was engaged by event organisers to provide a supporting role to the runners for the day.
A number of refreshment stations were set up along the track where a supply of water, energy drinks, fruit, sports gels and words of support kept everyone hydrated and encouraged. The RRT also assisted in directing competitors on the course and directing traffic at road crossings. Following conclusion of the event the team cooked and served a BBQ lunch and provided coffee, tea and other refreshments for all competitors, coordinators and support staff.
Bravehearts 777 competitors are amazing people made of incredible stuff, with runners battling not only fatigue, exhaustion and adverse weather, but some knee injuries, blood blisters and ripped toenails. They displayed incredible resolve and determination in defying the elements, bursting through the pain barrier and refusing to give in.
On the whole the day was a success and the assistance of RRT was greatly appreciated. The Hobart RRT very much enjoyed being involved and we look forward to working with Bravehearts again in the future. All participants in the marathon must be congratulated on their efforts, it was truly inspirational.
