RUNNING FOR BRETT
Marathon effort by friends and colleagues
RUNNING in full kit is nothing new for Toowoomba police officer Geordie Horn.
After all, as a policeman Senior Constable Horn has on occasion had to run down fleeing would-be fugitives.
However, those foot chases are normally short sprints - not a half marathon as Snr Const. Horn did yesterday.
As a tribute to his fallen colleague and friend Brett Forte, Senior Constable Horn ran the half-marathon in the annual Roger Guard Toowoomba Marathon day in full police uniform and kit including utility belt complete with gun and taser.
Obviously, his work vehicle - a bicycle with the Toowoomba police bike squad - helps in preparation for such arduous running tasks and when he spoke to the media just minutes after completing the marathon course yesterday, Snr Const. Horn literally wouldn’t have blown out a candle.
“It (utility belt) weighs about seven or 8kg which makes it a little harder running,” he said.
“It tends to rub a bit so it’s not that pleasant.
“But I enjoyed it and it’s for a good cause.
“I’m really happy with the time I got.
“Everything has gone to plan.”
All money raised through this year’s Roger Guard Toowoomba Marathon went to the Brett Forte Foundation in honour and remembrance of the fallen Toowoomba policeman who was killed in the line of duty on May 29.
“The Toowoomba Roadrunners have been so generous in donating all the proceeds,” Snr Const. Horn said.
Senior Constable Forte’s widow Susan was among eight police officers to run in yesterday’s event.
“Suzi had a run too, she had a great time,” Snr Const.
Horn said.
“She’s quite an accomplished runner.”
A total of 226 runners took part made up of 33 runners who did the full marathon, 73 in the half-marathon, 18 in the three-quarter run and 92 who completed the 10km course.
Matt Macdonald was first to cross the finish line at the University of Southern Queensland among the full marathon runners.