"Yankee Pirates" Compete in Australian Ultra Marathon

  • Published
  • By Captain Shane Huff
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Lieutenant Colonel Tim Martin led a team of 11 Air Force Reservists from the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., in a recent ultra-marathon relay race as team "Yankee Pirates."  The reservists were on a tour of duty at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley for a three week multi-national military exercise and participated in the Endeavour Summer Challenge, a 500 kilometre (300 mile) running relay.  This was a 3 day relay race that took place 20-22 November beginning in Beenleigh and ending in Fernvale, located in Queensland (northeast Australia). 

Zane Jackson, Sports Writer of the Queensland Times, interviewed Martin before the race. "Three of us are ultra-marathon runners and we always look for races wherever we go", said Martin."  According to Martin, the team researched races on the internet before coming to Australia and found this charity race, "We had the time and it's for a good cause, so we thought we'd have a run. Some of us are pilots, some aircrew and mechanics, but we are all keen to get out and see a bit of Australia from a slightly lower altitude."

Fifteen teams with over 300 participants completed this years race and team Yankee Pirates held their own.  One of the race rules is that teams must have a minimum of 16 participants (not to exceed 22) however Martin and his crew were allowed to compete with only 11 runners.  This was a phenomenal team effort, especially considering the two biggest challenges, the hilly terrain and temperatures reaching 110 degrees each day.  These were record highs for this time of year as Australia moves into its summer season.  Team Yankee Pirates finished the race and although they did not place, they did win the award for best team spirit. 

According to Col. Clifford, Endeavour Foundation Special Events Manager, the Yankee Pirates made an extremely good impression on everyone who they met on the Summer Challenge. "You would be very proud of the way they conducted themselves, and the way they contributed to the event. Wonderful enthusiasm, a great sense of achievement and nice people with a great attitude. That's why they won the Spiriter Award."

The Endeavour Foundation raises money for education, care and support services for children with intellectual disabilities.  They currently provide services to almost 3,000 Queenslanders with a disabilities. Over $75,000 was raised from the Summer Challenge 500km for the Endeavour Foundation.