Relay runners reunite to mark 40 years

A GROUP of local runners who jogged from Adelaide to Ballarat for a good cause have come together to mark the fundraising effort’s fortieth anniversary.

The charity run was organised to benefit St John of God Hospital Ballarat, with participants running there from sister institution, Calvary Hospital Adelaide, in a total of 45 hours and 50 minutes.

Geoff Russell, Don Moss, Michael Walsh, Stewart Pike, Chris Rowsell, Robert Allan, Greg Whitecross, Bill McLennan, Rea Burzacott, Denis Bowers, John Young, Peter Walsh, and Arnold James were all part of the team, with most running between 90 and 100 kilometres each.

“It’s surreal when we look back on it,” Mr Whitecross said. “There were times we didn’t think we were going to get there, but we all chipped in.

“We raised $14,742 for the hospital and completed our fundraiser on August 9th, 1983. The hospital was able to purchase a humidicrib for premature babies and this was used for 15 years.

“The remaining money went towards a nephroscope which was used to minimise scarring for removing kidney stones.

“My daughter and Stewart’s daughter actually ended up in the humidicrib, which had the inscription, ‘St John of God Interstate Relay Team’ on it.”

Earlier this month, six original members of the team reunited at the Ballarat Golf Club, and director of mission at St John of God Hospital, Maureen Waddington, attended on behalf of the organisation.

Three of the original runners, Denis Bowers, John Young, and Arnold James have passed on.

“The reunion was fantastic,” Mr Whitecross said. “Who knows who will be here for our 50th, so we’ve decided we need to get together annually for a dinner every year now on the 9th of August.”