AU – RRT Adelaide Support Operation Flinders

Saturday the 8th of October 2016 saw Morialta Conservation Park in Adelaide humming with activity, as 480 eager contestants prepared for the epic 2016 Operation Flinders Challenge.

The Operation Flinders Foundation is a charitable organization that runs an 8 day wilderness adventure program in the South Australian Flinders Ranges for young offenders and people at risk sociologically. This annual event raises funds for the Foundation and also provides an opportunity for the wider community to compete in a choice of 15km, 57km or a 85km run. In total over $100 000 was raised in this event.

The Adelaide RRT was present at the event this year, and assisted with managing the registration of runners, coordination of traffic and catering throughout the day. A total of 350 bacon and egg rolls, 150 sausages in rolls and veggie patties were served to hungry participants and spectators.

Registering participants at the start of the day

Registration for the runners began at 5.30am. The RRT check-in team provided an efficient and enthusiastic welcome to the participants, and let them know that they were appreciated for being there. It was fantastic to see so many young children giving up their time and participating – most wearing their Operation Flinders t-shirts to show their support.

Predawn set up to get the day off to a good start RRT Assisted Operation Flinders with the registration of almost 500 participants.

Whilst the music played and a spectacular sunrise greeted all, the Operation Flinders Team warmly welcomed all participants to the event. A team warm-up took place before the 7am horn was blasted – then the race was ON!

The starting line!

The courses took runners through beautiful, and yet demanding terrain. Starting in the foothills, the runners traversed the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Adelaide hills. The courses returned to the starting line, while taking in many famous and naturally impressive locations.

As the first of the runners returned from their challenge a few hours later, the RRT volunteers clapped and cheered them across the finish line. Medals were presented to all the finishers – the youngest of these was a 2 year old girl carried by her parents in a backpack seat!

Whilst the exhausted runners sat reviving on the grass, water bottles were delivered to all and the RRT refreshments were very gratefully received.

Reviving on the grass…

It was clear everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and their experience – some commented ‘we couldn’t have done it without you.’

RRT – Service with a smile!

RRT was glad to be a part of this event and look forward to attending Operation Flinders Challenge again next year! The Adelaide RRT would like to commend the Operation Flinders Foundation for their tireless efforts striving to make South Australia a better place every year.