TAKING ON AN ACT FKT

Contributed by Allicia Heron and Nettie Sakova, AURA members

FKT in the ACT, 30 October 2021

As the clock struck 0411 on 30 October 2021 myself and Dionette (Nettie) Sakova set out from the Parkes Place Lawns at the front of Old Parliament House to attempt a supported FKT on the 143km Canberra Centenary Trail. 

The run began with some laughs and chatter, filled with nervous excitement of the unknown, and before we knew it we were watching a perfect sunrise atop of Mount Majura.

Soon we were met by Nettie’s awesome husband Yaro, daughter (and future ultra runner) Ruby, and fellow Ultra Mediocre Runner of Canberra (UMRoC) member Cian Gray at the first of their three aid stop locations. After downing some watermelon and vegemite sandwiches, we were off and back on our way. 

Up and down One Tree Hill we were met with smiling faces from passers-by, along the paths through Gold Creek and towards Belconnen where we were met by Yaro, Cian and Ruby again and more watermelon was to be had!

We were met at the base of Black Mountain Peninsula by Justin Hiatt, who was a breath of fresh air, and a mobile aid station, providing us with Coke, gels and filling our water as we headed up to the Arboretum. Over half way! Wow, we were feeling well, and headed into Stromlo with a smile. 

Here we said goodbye to Yaro and Ruby, and picked up Cian as a runner to join us. My husband James, and children Beth and Chloe provided three aid stops for the southern part of the run (Kambah Pools, Tuggeranong Town Centre and Fadden Pines). Each stop was met by excitement from the kids and smiles and helpfulness from James. More watermelon was had, plus pancakes, Coke, chips and potatoes.

We would like to thank Yaro, Ruby, James, Beth and Chloe for the fantastic crewing, and also the three members of UMRoC who joined them on the run. Matt Griggs ran from Anzac Parade to Mulligans Flat Car Park, Justin Hiatt ran from Black Mountain to Kambah Pool Road and Cian Gray ran from Stromlo Forest Park to Parliament House, all three providing a great distraction from the pain of running over 160,000 steps with their enthusiasm and cheer. 

The weather was near perfect, albeit a bit chilly in the early morning and evening. We were were in great spirits throughout the run despite Dionette rolling her ankle twice early on and Allicia pushing through a painful knee issue towards the end. 

It took us 18h 01m 56s and we finished where we started, ending with a celebratory and well-deserved ginger beer.