*** Donations are open till 30 June 2012. ***

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 event. Four walkers representing three teams (Andy Callow & Ivan Seskis representing "100 Year Old Superheroes", Kevin Palmer representing "Hill's Tribe" and Joel Richmond representing "Hill's Youth") came together to cross the line at 2:03pm - an event time of 7hrs 3mins on the trail. Andy and Ivan have competed in the 2010 and 2011 events, coming in 2nd place each time and so were delighted to be able to finally cross in first position - well done Andy & Ivan. Joel & Kevin were members of larger teams, who partnered up to encourage each other over the 50kms, finally joining with Andy & Ivan. All members graciously supported each other over the final tough kms, electing to share the line honours in a gesture of sportsmanship - great stuff!

Congratulations also to the 2nd team across the finishing line, Tobin Cuss and Brenton Van Der Ende representing ERiN4theWin who arrive at 2:51pm.

Third across the line was Brian Glover representing team "Marathon Walker." Brian put in a gutsy effort and deserves hearty congratulations for a great effort, arriving at 2:52pm just a minute behind the 2nd place getters. Amazingly, Brian went on to compete in the Puffing Billy train race the next day!

What a day!

The skies on event morning were mostly clear with only light cloud cover. The sun made a dazzling appearance over Mount Dandenong promising a warm day ahead but little did we all know what was in store for us all - the day would certainly prove to be a big test of mind and body.

There was a palpable buzz in the air as excited walkers completed their final paperwork, received their bibs, ribbons and balloons and then warmed themselves with fresh, hot coffees. A team photo together, that final loo stop and then the procession in ready - waiting for the countdown, signaling the start of the event.

A hearty greeting from Executive Director of Focus on the Family, Colin Bunnett, and then a heart-felt message of encouragement from the very courageous Ellen Modra - a prayer of protection over all those assembled, and we're off.

Today we will all go the extra mile together - walkers, runners, volunteers and organisers.

Welcome to Go the Extra Mile's Melbourne Day Walk 2012

Go the Extra Mile's 50km walk saw more than 350 walkers take part in this year's event - our biggest so far. The beautiful morning promised a great day's weather to follow (17c and partial cloud cover). Unfortunately, the conditions deteriorated during the afternoon with low cloud engulfing the mountain bringing with it drenching rains and cold temperatures. The change, however, did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of our walkers and many described walking in the rain as 'beautiful' - much to our amazement.

The cold and wet created some concern for the organisers with reports starting to filter in that a number of walkers were unprepared for the plummeting mountain temperatures. As a consequence, a number of walkers were extracted from the trail (including one shivering runner who was wearing nothing but shorts, socks and runners when he twisted his ankle).

The organisers were also kept busy fixing problems created by the tampering of trail markers - around 2kms of markers were completely removed from section 4 which created issues for the lead runners and walkers as they tried to negotiate the twists and turns. Fortunately, our repair crews were quickly onto the problem installing fresh markers guiding the bulk of the walkers comfortably through the area.

Without question, section 3 of the trail (which we in the office affectionately refer to as 'The Punisher') continues to be the section that proves the most difficult to traverse. It is a long section replete with a creek crossing, and numerous challenging descents and ascents (some of which require ropes to negotiate). Many who make it through section 3 are then faced with the dreaded 1000 steps. For some, the steps are where the walk finishes and we had a number of retirements at Pitstop 3. Those that pressed on would find that the journeying after the steps is mostly easy walking with the last 5kms a loop within the beautiful Sherbrook Forest. Walkers tell us that knowing the finish is so tantalisingly close is tormenting - as is the music and announcements that can be heard drifting across the forest during the last 60 minutes.

The last 1km is on the restored Tan track that runs along Sherbrook Rd - and then through the Ferny Creek reserve gates and you've done it - you conquered the 50km trail. We welcomed 251 walkers across the finishing line where they were greeted with hearty applause, a warmed hall, hot food and massage and medical staff at the ready. 

As most soon discovered - it's a tough trail. But that's what going the extra mile is all about - going beyond yourself for another, expending yourself for the benefit of another. The very philosophy behind Go the Extra Mile is straight from the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:41) - he explained to His followers that going beyond that which we are called to do, forces us into a giving, sacrificial posture - and it's the way we should live our lives.

Did you hug a Volley?

Walkers were greeted at various trail and road crossings by around 30 marshals who braced themselves against the cold, and huddled under makeshift shelters and umbrellas. Brave bunch these marshals! They continued throughout the day to greet walkers and offering directions, encouragement and, in some cases, gel snakes!

We had over 80 volunteers working on the event: manning the pit stops; serving food and beverages; directing cars; photographing and videoing the event; marking trails; massaging and medicating walkers; cleaning venues; and packing up and pulling down the pit stops. We love our volunteers and they work exceptionally hard on the event - many went around the clock without sleep (the last got to bed at 4am on Sunday!). Needless to say, an event rides on the back of its volunteer workforce and the Go the Extra Mile is no different.

It's Great to Finish

The eventual gap between the first across the finishing line to the last was in the order of some 8.5 hours. We sometimes forget to celebrate the last walkers across the line, but the reality is that they have spent the most time on the trail slugging it out, fighting off pain, blisters and that incessant voice telling them to stop. We make a point of holding off the main packup of the finish until that team comes in. This year it was walkers Terry and Radmila who crossed the line at 10:40pm. They were surprised and delighted to be greeted by our massage volunteer who had remained at the Finish specifically to work on them both. What a reward!

Walking for Another

Physical challenges of any form tend to be very selfish in nature - we generally secure a PB (personal best), bag a summit, lift a weight - and we are personally satisfied when we achieve the goal - and that's often where it ends. Go the Extra Mile events couple together the challenge and the cause (Teenage Suicide prevention). By attempting to achieve one, you directly impact the other.

We have watched many folks choking up when they cross the finish line, or when being applauded by a volunteer on approaching a pitstop. No doubt it is a mix of exhaustion and relief, but it is also something more significant than that. I think we are designed by God to love and serve others and when we act that out, it touches the deepest part of us. I think our hearts yearn to see justice for the needy, for the poor, for those afflicted and crushed, both near and far. And it moves us - sometimes to tears.

This year's walk was very personal to many - the yellow ribbons and balloons were testimony to that. The sense of loss and grief that the suicide death of a loved one brings, remains very real and raw for those who live on. And so, many walked this event to honour the lives of those lost, and to draw strength that together we can believe that it is possible to make a difference to a struggling life. It does not have to end with suicide.

Thanks for going the extra mile for our teens - we trust you enjoyed the day as much as we did in putting it on. Whether or not you achieved your goal, we hope you come back next year and give it another go!