Jane McGrath Classic - Australia Day 2008

Jock Athletic, on behalf of the McGrath Foundation, would like to say a very BIG thank you to all those who came down to Cronulla Beach on Australia Day to take part in the 2nd Annual Jane McGrath Classic and congratulations to everyone on a tops effort!

It was perfect conditions for the event with the sun shining and everyone in great spirits, from those with prams and pets doing the walk event to the many contestants who competed in both the 3km walk and the 800m beach run. The day was a huge success with over 170 participants taking place and helping to raise much-needed funds for the McGrath Foundation.

The Final of the Beach Run was a great contest. Youngster, Nick Fox of Cronulla (pictured here), completed the run in an amazing 2 mins and 48 secs setting a newrace record! Last year’s winner, Scott Murphy of Sutherland, took out second place, with last years female winner, Annaliese McCauley, who at just 11 years old, again took out first place in the women’s category, coming in 3rd overall.

The celebrity event was also hotly contested, with celebrity chef ‘Jason Roberts’, tackling cricket legend Glenn McGrath over the finish line to controversially take out first place.

Thanks to the following people for all their help and hard work on the day and who made the event possible:

• Tim Fong and Debbie Abbott from the Cultural Planning & Events Dept of Sutherland Shire Council who made this happen for us;
• Brad Whittaker & his team from Beach Operations, for cleaning the beach at 4am in the morning and creating our fabulous sandhill;
• The McGrath Foundation, in particular Glenn McGrath, who was our ambassador on the day, and Tracy Bevan for her wonderful work at the McGrath Foundation and support of our event;
• Robert Stanley-Jones & of Northies Cronulla Hotel, for their generous support and donations;
• Frances Johnson, managing director at Pink Beverages, www.drinkpink.com.au, for providing participants with much needed bottled water;
• PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, in particular Grant Pyne, for their generous donation;
• Christine Gilfeather of Southern Sports & Health Massage, for kindly donating 3 Massage Gift Vouchers for our event winners;
• Grant’s Engraving, Caringbah, for our wonderful Winner’s Trophy;
• Jules & Loz of Kiss the Sky Graphic Design, www.kissthesky.com.au, for the wonderful fliers;
• MBE Business Service Centres, for their printing support;
• Local retailers Zink Bar & Café and Grind Espresso, for helping us raise funds with their Donation Tins;
• Our wonderful celebrities, including Jason Roberts, Celebrity Chef; Ben Ross, Paul Gallen, Kevin Kingston, Fraser Anderson & Ben Pommeroy of the Cronulla Sharks; Zane Campbell, Australian Bobsled Team hopeful; former Sharks legends Nick Graham and Brett Howland, and of course the one and only Glenn McGrath (all pictured here with the Jock Athletic Team)!
• Our fabulous MC, Mark Hadfield, air-guitar champion from way back – awesome job;
• And of course, all of our fabulous Volunteers!

All monies raised by this event will go to The McGrath Foundation. You can also make online donations at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.

See you all for next year’s Jane McGrath Classic!