Aussie Dust

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Although the alarm went off at 5am we were already awake with excitement for the day ahead.

By 5.45am we were on the road to Observatory Hill where we were met with four runners from Perth (Karen & Peter March, Lachlan Marr and Gillian) plus six Sydney runners who kindly offered to show Dave the way into Manly.  Amongst the group was Cyclist Paul Lamb who had ridden six days from Bendigo in support of Dave.

For Dave and his runners they said it was a fabulous experience running across The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

At The Spit  Bridge (half way point) they were then met by Sgt Steve Bainbridge who followed them in his car into Manly.

Meanwhile back in Manly the support vehicle was parked up on the sea front in full view (thanks to Mayor Jean Haye) to passersby and was positioned at the finish line.

Gathering around were onlookers curious to know what was happening and others who had read of Dave’s feat in the paper that morning and were waiting in anticipation to see him run in.

At 10.45am a call from runner Gareth Parker alerted us to Dave’s arrival to the top of the mall.

TV and newspaper reporters and well wishers positioned next to the car were now on alert looking for the bright yellow tshirt Dave was wearing at the front of the pack.

Then he came into view.  The crowd erupted with cheers and clapping to an emotional Dave running towards the finish line through ribbons of pink and blue held by family from Perth.

Dave was then surrounded by well wishers and media and as things quietened he was officially welcomed to Manly by Mayor Jean Haye.

It was a fantastic day.  We wish we could have it again like the movie Ground Hog Day!

Here are some of the pictures of the day as it unfolded.