Tag: fun run

Posted in Charity, Family life, Health and fitness, Other stuff

Running for a cause – Get on Board

Posted on by donnadmunro

A friend I do boot camp with has started a charity called ‘Get on Board’. This inspirational young woman, Alana Spencer, had a stressful week but it all came together with her latest fundraising campaign. I joined the few hundred people  who ran or walked from Palm Beach to Tallebudgera and back. As is usual with these things, it wasn’t all smooth sailing but that all gets brushed aside when runners come through the finish line to be greeted by Draga Bebek’s smiling face and embrace. She humbly thanks us and you marvel at this brave young woman.

Draga Bebek, founder of Get On Board, Alana Spencer and a young supporter at the finish line greeting runners.
Draga Bebek, founder of Get On Board, Alana Spencer and a young supporter at the finish line greeting runners.

Draga is the reason we are running. She is only 39 and has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. Numerous surgeries and plenty of chemotherapy haven’t dwindled Draga’s resolve to fight the battle of her life. So with this in mind it’s a small thing we can do to run or walk to help her financially in her struggle.

It wasn’t a perfect morning, though the sun was shining, for a beach run, but plenty of people showed up to show their support. The wind didn’t help the home run stretch but at just 5km it was a run the whole family could join in and many did. There were mums and dads with prams, dogs, primary school kids running their hearts out, grandparents walking, and the odd fitness buff having a morning run.

The scene looks perfect at the start line but it was windy and cold.
The scene looks perfect at the start line but it was windy and cold.
Contestants waiting to begin at 8am Sunday 3rd August at Palm Beach.
Contestants waiting to begin at 8am Sunday 3rd August at Palm Beach.
Alana and her good friend Kate Hall organising the start.
Alana and her good friend Kate Hall organising the start.
I ran with Sharon Kelly-Knowles for the Fusion Outdoor Fitness team. She helped me get to the finish.
I ran with Sharon Kelly-Knowles for the Fusion Outdoor Fitness team. She helped me get to the finish.

I was suffering hayfever and so was Sharon but we soldiered on, running most of the way, well except for when I stopped to take photos like this. See the man in the background of the above pic. I think he thought we were mad running and had a bit of a laugh with Sharon when she shed her jumper and left it on the beach to pick up on the way back. Yes, it was still there.

Heading back against the wind was tough going.
Heading back against the wind was tough going.
We made it and made a new friend who ran by herself in her first fun run, Sue.
We made it and made a new friend who ran by herself in her first fun run, Sue.
Sharon, Beefa Bear, Me and Sue at the finish line. 5km in under 30 mins, not bad against the wind with our eyes watering.
Sharon, Beefa Bear, Me and Sue at the finish line. 5km in under 30 mins, not bad against the wind with our eyes watering.

Due to the hard work of the Get On Board volunteers I’m sure the run was a great success. The charity is helping Draga further with a luncheon at Burleigh Sports Club on Saturday 30th August. It will be a great fun event so show your support and book a table.

For more information about Draga’s story and what Get On Board do go to www.getonboardhhh.com.au

You can also email Alana at alana@getonboardhhh.com.au