Radio 1RPH volunteer readers and presenters joined guides and runners from the Achilles Running Club to walk or run around Lake Burley Griffin on Canberra Day. It was a sterling effort for some of the Achilles runners who had backed up from the Orange Running Festival the day before, some of them sporting some bright red sunburn but looking stunning in their sunflower tights.

Funds raised from the registration fees all went into the pot for Hands Across Canberra to be distributed to the 101 participating charities as either matching funds or to be given as grants later in the year. Peter Ralston OAM gave instructions on how to guide a vision impaired walker using a tether for the 2.5km walk to first timers from the ranks of 1RPH readers, while experienced guides accompanied their low vision runners in the 5km and 10km run.

It was a beautiful Canberra autumn morning, and the threatened rain was nowhere in sight. The crowd of about 960 runners and walkers were enthusiastic and joined in the warm ups to boom box music compared by Mix 106.3. ABC Radio Canberra were broadcasting and Saskia interviewed our President, Robert Altamore, after his walk of 2.5km.

Thanks to our generous donors, Radio 1RPH has surpassed its $10,000 target. Further donations are most welcome up to the closing of the Canberra Day appeal on 20 March. You can donate at the following link https://canberraday.org.au/radio-1-rph