Page 29 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

THE GAZETTE QARANC 27
terrible conflicts in previous decades. There were over 3500 competitors, the entry fees of which help provide prosthetic limbs and social reintegration programmes. It was inspiring to watch individuals injured as a result of landmines overcome adversity and set off shortly before the mass start to compete over the same distance in wheelchairs. I was not sure what to expect on the start line since it had been hard to do any real training in the heat since arriving a few days before. Once we had set off I got into a comfortable rhythm and started working through the 13.1 miles ahead. Taking on plenty of water and receiving encouragement from spectators and fellow competitors, I finished in a time of 1.23.09, placing first female overall.
The prize-giving in front of the temples was a good experience, with each sponsor donating a prize including tubes of Pringles, aromatherapy candles and clothing. I subsequently donated these to the local children and to my tuk tuk driver! The Cambodian people are known for their friendly nature and were greatly appreciative.
The following week saw me line up for a very different kind of half marathon in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Song Hong Half Marathon is a smaller event
but looks set to become a much bigger event in years to come. It takes place in the Hanoi suburbs, taking in a large lake and competition not only from other athletes but also from Vietnam’s crazy traffic that tourists receive written guidance on when arriving in Hanoi! The race was hot and smoggy, and with few marshals and roads open to traffic there were times when I wondered whether I was on the right path! After the race I met one finishing competitor who had got completely lost and ended up running for an extra hour! Fortunately, I was able to keep on the right track and win this race in 1.22.40.
Aside from training and racing I was able to enjoy some sightseeing in these fantastic countries. I visited some historically significant sites, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Cambodian Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, where over a million people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. These were particularly graphic sites, the memory of which will remain with me. I even had the honour of meeting Bou Meng, one of only seven known survivors from an estimated 17,000 people imprisoned at Tuol Sleng.
I am extremely grateful for the
opportunity to travel to such amazing countries and to be able to utilise my running ability to raise money for such a great cause. This has inspired me to plan more charitable events and encourage others to get involved and enjoy such unique experiences.
Cpl D Hodgkinson
Department of Health Education