Complimentary Session
Valued at $50
click here

Vanuatu Team Relay & Tropical Holiday

Take your place in the JUMP START team for the 2010 'Vanuatu Round Island Relay'.

This event is the highlight of our health and fitness program and you are invited to
join us for this unforgettable experience.

The Challenge
The relay is 140km around the island, divided into 10sections.
Each team has 10 participants who do one section each.
Sections range from 11.6km to 16km.
Relay day is Sunday 25th July, 2010

In 2001, JUMP START was the first International team ever to participate in this event, and since then we have taken part in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008.  The Round Island Relay (RIR) is part of the Independence Day celebrations for Vanuatu. It signifies the linking of the local people around the main island since their independence from the UK and France in 1980. So the way it works is - the first runner goes off and the rest of us hop in a mini-bus. We go ahead for a couple of kilometres, then as our runner comes past we cheer them on and give them water, then go ahead another few kilometres until our team mate comes past again. As a team, we stay together all day long to help and encourage and support each other, as we jog (or trot or walk) around the circumference of the island of Efate (the main island where Port Vila is). This goes on all day until we finish the relay and everyone has had their turn. Although it is quite competitive for the local teams, we never worry ourselves about trying to keep up with them. It is just so exciting to see them run past, often bare foot, and not even opening their mouths to breath! They are true, natural athletes. 2010 will see the 30th anniversary of Vanuatu's Independance and therefore they are planning extra special celebrations which will all be linked to Relay Day. It should be the best year yet!

Each of the villages we pass through has spent days preparing their little piece of paradise and making their part of the road beautiful with palm fronds, flowers and even tunnels of floral ‘irrigation’ for the runners to pass through. The Ni-Vanuatu line the roadside or perch themselves in trees calling out, singing, clapping and cheering us on (it makes us feel like we are part of the Olympic Torch Relay!) They set up stalls with local produce and gifts, and all the gorgeous, smiley kiddies are dressed in their Sunday best, ready to ‘high 5’ you as you go past.

The Vanuatu Round Island Relay is life-changing. In previous years, some of our team members had never jogged more than 1km before they put their deposit down, and then to go on and complete a section as part of our team is an incredible accomplishment.  So if you are looking to set yourself a fitness goal for 2010, this is the one for you. We will be taking 2 teams. One is a run team (for those who can run their whole section), and another fun team for those who can walk and/or trot their whole section.

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!   Don’t forget that this trip is not just about the Round Island Relay.  Don’t forget about the fantastic holiday we all have in an absolutely spectacular part of the world where you can do as much or as little as you like in a warm, relaxed, tropical paradise. The Ni-Vanuatu would have to be the warmest and friendliest people you could possibly meet. The resort we stay in (Iririki Island Resort) is the most beautiful in the archipelago, with fabulous views, a tropical paradise atmosphere, an excellent restaurant, luxurious pool area, and delicious Pina Colada's served in coconuts!!! Oh, and did I forget to mention that there is a new family section on the resort island, plus the original (and beautiful) child-free area – which means it is now suitable for everyone!

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Every year, we undertake lots of fund-raising before we leave Australia and arrive in Vanuatu with many thousands of dollars (and so far a cumulative 850kg of excess baggage) worth of numeracy and literacy resources and sporting equipment, which we donate to two small schools in the rural area who otherwise have very little.   The delight on the children’s (and teachers’!!) faces when we unpack these goods is a pleasure that is hard to beat!  And as a thanks back to us, we have been treated to concerts put on by the children, feasts of local produce, hand-made bags woven especially for us, and coconut milk from fresh coconuts supplied for us on relay day! The opportunity that we have to go into a village and see what goes on in the day-to-day life of these wonderful people is something that 'normal' tourists do not get the opportunity to do. Due to Heidi's special  link with Vanuatu and all the good work Jump Start has done over the last decade, ensures we have special permission from the Village Chief to do this.

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! In 2004, we also raised enough funds through the generous support of JUMP START clients, together with Northbridge and Pennant Hills Rotary Clubs to sponsor a team from one of the remote islands in the archipelago, called Tanna. We organised for the team of 10 to be flown to their capital city (these children would NEVER have the opportunity to leave their island normally), have 3 night’s food and board, plus participate in their national event. Not only was this a chance of a lifetime for these kids, but they also ended up winning their section of the event, so were able to take lots of dollars back to their island for the others at their school to share. It was a very proud moment for all of us, and their genuine thanks to us for the opportunity was heart-warming. When I went to visit the students in 2006, I asked them if they had been able to use all the resources we had given them. Their reply was, “We felt that we had been given so much by you already, that we distributed it all to other little schools on the island”!!! So again in 2008 we sponsored a team of 10 girls from this school, plus 2 teachers. These gorgous girls did us proud and ran their little legs off. They arrived back in Vila 3hrs before our Jump Start team, waited for us, then ran the last 1/2km with Ken to the finish line. It was fabulous, and they couldn't wait to show us their silver medals that they had won. In 2010, we have again committed to giving 10 girls this chance of a lifetime.

 

Please have a look at the attached package and let us know if you are interested. If you know anyone who does not come to JUMP START but would be interested in joining us, please forward this onto them. If you would like to read the memories of our past participants, click here to read what they had to say about the relay and the trip overall.

There has been an overwhelming expression of interest in being part of this very special cultural and exercise experience for 2010, hence why we are taking 2 teams. If time allows you to come with us, I can guarantee you will have an exceptional holiday as well as feeling completely satisfied at completing such a challenging (but fun) event. We already have 7 committed runners for the run team, 7 committed trotters & walkers for the fun team, 3 supporters, and 5 kids - it is going to be incredible! I am sooooooooooooo excited about this years trip. Firstly because it has been 2yrs since going to my favourite place; secondly because of the great bunch of people who have already indicated they will be coming this year; and thirdly because we are again sponsoring the team of girls to come over from Tanna to participate in the relay, which I know is so incredibly special for them.

Have a read of some of our past participants thoughts

This is something I will remember forever. Best thing I have ever done. What an experience I now share with 18 other Sydney-siders. Thanks Heidi. Thanks Eva. Thanks team. Until next year.  Can't wait to do it again but 20 minutes faster.
Ron Gardner, Cammeray, IT Specialist.

“The Vanuatu RIR 2002 was a fantastic experience.  For me it was a personal goal and achievement to be able to run and participate in a team event.  As I now say to my friends and family, I am an “International Race Participant”. Once the race was over there was definitely a new bond with all the participants.  We all experienced a unique team event, one that we will all be able remember and reminisce, right up until I do it again next year!”
Mandy Judd, Neutral Bay, IT Specialist.

“I never would have thought I could have run as long as I did (even with my spassy feet!!!!!), or even competing in a “international run”.  This really has been a HUGE personal achievement and journey. I now feel like I have more confidence just being me and knowing what I can achieve. When I have a challenging day at work (which I have many in my profession), I think about the holiday and everything slips back into perspective. “
Sal Crennan, Bondi, Human Resources Manager.

"Who would have thought 6 ½ years ago when I started at Jumpstart that I would be running in Vanuatu.    Certainly not me! For someone who doesn’t like the heat, not a beach fan, gets stressed about new situations, never run before, it was certainly a long way from my comfort zone…..but it was fantastic and the most amazing experience!

I remember one year there were 2 teams that went to Vanuatu – a ‘serious’ and a ‘fun’ team.  I wondered if I might be able to one day  and be in the ‘fun’ team.   A wake up call from my GP with ongong high BP, increasing weight and I was advised to lose a substantial amount of weight, and increase my exercise in an attempt to drop my BP without medication.    So I did!   And to give me something to aim for, I surprised everyone and committed to Vanuatu….about 12 months in advance.

The all of a sudden relay day was here!!!!   The Jump Start team were great - it just seemed to be the right combination of company, cheering, joking, and serious consideration for everyone’s needs.   It is impossible to describe in words, pictures help, but the feeling and atmosphere is unlike anything I have ever experienced.   I learnt a lot from watching the other runners race their sections, the other teams and how everyone coped differently.  

Then I was off……changeover went smoothly and I was on my way. I knew I would have 10 min or so before the bus came past with water so I tried to concentrate and get my pace settled. It was cloudy, not too hot compared to the rest of the day, but it didn’t take me long to feel really hot and tired. It was now after 5pm and 12 hours since the start of the race.    I couldn’t get my pace settled and the road ahead seemed to loom on forever. One of the French runners passed me relatively early and we waved and wished each other luck as she passed. My calves and shins were holding up Ok so far, but my ankles were killing me – they were burning. Thankfully the bus came past and a cheer from the team and some water distracted me for a while. I gave up any thoughts of running the whole lot ( I had still thought that maybe I could miraculously achieve the goal I had set myself) and stopped for a short walk to drink and collect myself. Off again as the bus drove ahead.

The scenery was fairly similar for most of the section, although I found it hard to look around and take it in – I was concentrating on keeping running. I had a lovely coastal breeze from my left and made the most of it when I could. By about 4km everything was hurting and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make it…..mentally I was shot! I really thought that I wouldn’t be able to go on.  

Some more water, a short walk and I managed to get myself going again. I had one of the team run a little with me around the 6km mark to keep me going which was a godsend. Once I got through 7km, I found my pace and knew I would be OK. I wasn’t going fast, but about 6:30 pace I think. Some more water and the team were telling me that the lights ahead were the changeover……I didn’t believe them, I couldn’t be there already. Mind you, I had been running for nearly 90 minutes and my Nike + said 11.8km or something (my section was 13km). I couldn’t reconcile the numbers in my head and thought that they must be just trying to keep me going. Then they said they were going ahead and see me at changeover…….it was true! I could hear another bus behind and wasn’t sure if it was another team or just someone on the road. It was too dark to tell. Then I thought I could head someone running behind me, but wasn’t sure. I could see the team ahead at changeover and they were all cheering me on. I put on a last minute sprint and flew through changeover and managed to hold off the runner that had been behind me.

I was finished ! I had done it! 1hr 33 by my watch.  The relief was amazing and the realisation of what I had achieved hit me all at once. Words can’t describe it.

I had achieved my goal – it wasn’t about running it non stop – it was about being there, doing it and doing the best I could.   From non runner, to 13km in an International relay race  - DONE!!!"

Cathie Wiltshire, Five Dock, Lecturer and Mother to Charlotte

	Your Steps for Action Write your name on the notice board in the JUMP START office. A non-refundable $500 per person deposit is required by 30 March to guarantee a spot on the JUMP START teams, and to hold your flight and accommodation booking. You will need to fill in the booking sheet when paying the deposit. Full payment is required no later than 30 June. Payment to Millenium Travel is by cash, direct deposit or cheque. Payment by credit card is possible but with a 2% service fee.
	Where Iririki Island Resort, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu and Tanna Island for 3 day option.
	When Leaving Thursday 22 July, 2010 for 4, 6, 7, or 9 night packages.
	Cost Starts from $1464pp

 

If you have any questions please call me on
9904 1201, or email me at info@jumpstartoutdoor.com