Contacts

The Christmas Island Marathon has been an annual event since 1993. Its origins lie in Christmas Island folklore, which roughly translates to a wager over a couple of kegs. More specifically, a wager between a few island Hash House Harriers and some contractors to raise money for The 40 Hour Famine Appeal. Christmas Island HHH (Inc) remains the organising body to this day.

Since its inception, the internationally listed event has grown in popularity, its success attributed to voluntary island involvement at all levels. Moreover, the Make A Wish Foundation has been the fundraiser's sole beneficiary for the past 7 years, ensuring that support is always solid. The $15 entrance fee, along with all other monies raised on the day, go directly to Make A Wish. Last year almost $9000 was raised for the Foundation (not bad for a population of just over a thousand!) which granted Daniel Jordan, a 16 year old Perth boy diagnosed with a brain tumour, his wish to attend the World Surfing Championships in Hawaii last December.

$5000(AUD) is on offer to any individual runner who wins (1st across the line) the marathon in less than 3 hours. $1000(AUD) will be awarded to any individual runner who wins the marathon in a time better than the current record of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 38 seconds, set by Ross Parker in 1996. However, the marathon is also very popular as a team event - social and competitive. Participants can do half, 6 runners @ 7kms, etc hence its appeal to 'drinkers with a running problem'!

National Jet Systems (Qantas) a major sponsor of the event, is the airline servicing the island from Perth. They will be flying up a Make A Wish child/parent for the event. Community Air, an island-based company, provides flights out of Jakarta and Singapore. They too will be sponsoring a child/parent for the event, from Indonesia. Superb, affordable accommodation is available on the island and packages will be on offer. Also on offer is the chance to check out some of our 120 million jungle crabs!

Sense of community is strong in the Indian Ocean territories, so too is our link to mainland Australia and countries within the Asian region. The annual HHH Christmas Island Make A Wish Marathon is one way of demonstrating this link.

Why not fill in a registration form and be part of this exciting, challenging and unique fundraiser? Contact Brendan Murray (see Contact list) for more details.