Australian Corporal Richard Johnstone (left) and NZ Army Lance Corporal Kevin Hurrell sprint to the half marathon's finish line (WN09-0041-015)
1 December 2009
Exercise is an important part of maintaining both physical and mental fitness for people on overseas military deployments.
To maintain fitness levels and boost morale, the New Zealand Defence Force arranged its second endurance run for the year to test the mettle of International Stabilisation Force members serving in Timor-Leste.
A 21 kilometre half-marathon took 55 runners from the start line at the New Zealand Ambassador’s Residence on a loop around Timor Leste’s capital Dili to cross the finish line back on Dili’s foreshore.
New Zealand Army Lieutenant Chris Cunningham took finish line honours, just stealing victory from Australian Richard Johnston in the last few metres of the race.
The previous road race for the year took place in May with “Exercise Kiwi Run 09,” a 30 kilometre race from Metinaro to Dili.
The winner of the first race was Australian Corporal Emily Dutton, who completed the run in two hours and twenty five minutes.
The scene is now set for a showdown at the next endurance race set for early 2010.