News & Events

Blacktown City Council's Economic and Development Officer and former tri-athlete, Ben Artup has set the challenge for himself to run for 24 hours non-stop as part of the Blacktown Relay for Life over the weekend of 27 - 28 October, 2007.

Billed as a 'Team Event to Fight Cancer', Relay for Life involves teams of 10 to 15 people taking turns to walk laps around their local oval. Relay for Life is an overnight event - enabling walkers to come and go as they please, or pitch a tent next to the track and stay the night. The event, which is open to people of all ages, focuses on remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have been touched by cancer, while raising funds for cancer research, education and support services.

Ben is no stranger to ultra endurance events, being a former tri- athlete, competing in; an Ironman Triathlon under nine hours, ten marathons (winning his debut Marathon) Ben also ran third in the Inaugural Westlink M7 Marathon in 2006. Earlier this month, Ben won the first race of the 'Kathmandu Adventure Series' (a race held in the deep canyons and valleys of his training backyard the Blue Mountains) by over 20 minutes.

"I intend to use the Relay for Life event to see what I am capable of over a full 24hrs, perhaps as a lead up to similar events next year" Ben Artup said.

Ben is also one of three who have run the entire length of the Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains in one day.

"That was a tough day, it took me exactly 15 hours 21 minutes and 14 seconds, memories of which I will endeavour to keep out of my head on October 27" said Artup.

"Distance running is a mental challenge, as long as you can control the demons of fatigue, exhaustion, self doubt, cramps, sleep deprivation, heat stroke, sun burn, dehydration, total metabolic collapse and glycogen depletion, and deal with them properly before they take control, it's rather simple. I just watch warning signs, and make sure my vitals stay within an acceptable and manageable range" said Artup.

Ben has been preparing for the event in recent months in the remote wilderness of the Wollemi National Park, with training runs ranging from five days to smaller "sprint" runs of 48 hours. These have been tough, and at times dangerous trips, where Ben adds, "the added trials of hypothermia, dehydration and snake attack have all had their go at me, and lost".

When questioned as to the mind numbing nature of running around a 400 metre track non-stop for 24 hours at the Blacktown Relay for Life, Ben's reply is insightful as to the mentality of a distance runner.

"Its only mind numbing if you look at it from that perspective, running is just a different perspective on life. When you go beyond what you have done before, that's really when you emerge with an untold clarity and awareness of exactly who you are, and what you are capable of doing - "Bring on the 27^th I say", said Artup.

Ben is looking for people and organisations to sponsor his enduring challenge on October 27 and 28 as part of the 2007 Blacktown Relay for Life at Blacktown Olympic Park's Athletics Precinct (Eastern Road, Rooty Hill), those who are interested should contact Ben Artup at Council on 9839 6000.

Blacktown City residents are also invited out to the Blacktown Relay for Life for a FREE Community Celebration on Saturday, October 27 between 10am - 11.30pm. The celebration is for the entire community - even if you are not taking part in the Relay, and will be jam packed with; stalls, roving entertainment, live bands and dance performances from Steve Fogarty, Jazzaroo, St Andrews College Show Band, North Walk and more, fireworks and bingo.

Kicking off at 10am with performances by bands and dance groups (see attached program), including Humphrey B Bear at 10.15am, there will be over 40 stalls, roving entertainment, egg and spoon races, and heaps of activities for people of all ages - even if they are not taking part in the Relay!

The highlight of the Community Celebration will be at 7pm when a Candle Ceremony is held, the ceremony will see a lone bag-piper playing as visitors and participants place candles in a paper bag around the edge of the walking track. Each bag will contain messages of love, support and thoughts to those who have died to cancer or battling cancer. The ceremony will include a minutes silence and a special lap of honour. Candles and paper bags will be available for a gold coin donation on the night to participants and visitors.

A huge fireworks spectacular will then take over the night's sky at 7.30pm and kick off the evening celebrations of Bingo (8.30pm) and performances by Anthems of Oz, Saurekraut Stompers and North Walk until 11.30pm!

Visit Council's website www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au for further details.

Blacktown City Relay for Life - Community Day Schedule of Events