Running for Pemulwuy – the rundown

SSH editor Trevor Davies took part in that event, achieving a personal best in the Bridge Run, and then Andrew Collis ran his first marathon – in Melbourne on October 11. Alex Tui, Manager of the Tony Mundine Gym on the Block, was at Tripod to draw winners from a barrel of donor’s names.

First prize was a painting by Redfern artist, Adam Hill, entitled ‘Road to Resilience’, a work based on the same design created for T-shirts worn by the road-running editors. The work features a raven (totem of Pemulwuy) as well as the number 221, referring to years of Indigenous resistance and hope since European settlement/invasion. Rev. Ian Pearson of the Pitt Street Uniting Church was the lucky winner of the painting. He’ll display it proudly in the inner-city church.

Other prizes included very collectable posters and prints by Elaine Syron documenting Aboriginal sport and culture in Sydney, a gym towel (official Melbourne Marathon merchandise), a Pemulwuy T-shirt, and various CDs.

Andrew described the marathon as the “sportiest day” of his life. “I actually enjoyed it,” he said, “it was a perfect day for running – about 7 degrees for the start.”

“It’s much easier to run with other runners. There were all kinds of people on the road – some had taken part in every one of the 32 marathons held in Melbourne. When I crossed the finish line at the MCG, after more than four hours, it was very emotional. I couldn’t talk for a while. I can understand why people get addicted to it. I’m thinking about another marathon for next year – we can keep running for Pemulwuy.”

Alex Tui says he’ll consider running himself. Send us an email if you’d like to join him (editor@ssh.com.au).

Trevor and Andrew thanked donors and all who offered support and care over the past few months. “We’ve just about reached our target of $5000,” Trevor said, “which is great.” The fundraising website will remain online until February. The site will be maintained, and news posted on the Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy Project. Visit www.gofundraise.com.au/pemulwuy .

Congratulations to the following prize winners: Ian Pearson, Kate Nash, Nicole Gertenaar, Jane Barton, June and Alec Leach, John Berry, Barrie McMahon, Alex Tui, the Lay family, Wendy Turner, Jack Barton.

Photo: Marathon Photos  - Caption: Andrew crosses the finish line at the MCG

Source: www.southsydneyherald.com.au