Baw Baw Variety Bash Ultra Marathon Fundraiser
James, REDfusion Studios’ principal cinematographer, is part of this year’s Variety Vic Red Dirt to Reef Bash’s official media team, providing daily video coverage of the event. In an attempt to raise awareness and fundraise as much as possible in the lead up to the event, James ran his first Marathon and, ultimately, Ultra Marathon, on 3rd August 2024.
To spice things up, James ran the entire event, aptly titled ‘Baw Baw Bash’, while strapped into his own Land Rover Series III mini-bash cardboard car, created by himself and wife (REDfusion editor), Jordan.
In his six years living in the Baw Baw community, James has increasingly challenged himself with running and cycling in the beautiful environs of the region. Through these ventures, many friendships have been forged and shared adventures experienced, not to mention a range of injuries sustained.
By doing something of this magnitude and personally knowing the encouraging (albeit competitive) predispositions of Baw Baw Runners, and participants in parkrun, Hallora Marathon and Rokeby Twilight Trail Run, great support throughout the gruelling day was guaranteed.
The day started at Drouin Civic Park just before the dark was cracked by the advancing dawn. Seven great sports, including REDfusion’s Chris, ran the first leg with James, along the Two Towns Trail to Warragul parkrun. Chris went on to complete 30km – a record distance for him and incredible encouragement to James. Bev and Garry in their ‘Cat in the Hat’ Bash car joined in the fun roadside, setting a tone of expectation and excitement for the day ahead.
The parkrun was another milestone for James, marking his 160th! Variety and the Baw Baw Bash were given a huge callout and illumination as to why a mini Land Rover was completing the course. As anticipated, there was a great deal of community encouragement and support, with Frankie keeping James at a steady pace throughout.
A squad of six next headed north to Rokeby, at Camp Hill encountering the first of many challenging climbs. Running in Baw Baw is guaranteed to have its ups and downs! The leg from Camp Hill to Rokeby involved perilously running on busy roads, and so Bash entrant ‘Lillibet’ (‘Dragon Wagon’) acted as escort and ‘Cat in the Hat’ was the rear guard, effectively making a safety barrier for the runners.
To the bewilderment of road users, James in his trusty cardboard Land Rover, hung a left at the Brandy Creek Road roundabout, whilst Neerim South Police Officers, Sergeant Murray Brown and Senior Constable Stephen Cranston gleefully made sure it was safe for him to do so. With lights flashing, the police vehicle now led the escort to Rokeby, stopping traffic so that the runners and Bash support crews could safely pull into Rokeby Recreational Reserve.
S.C. Cranston took it upon himself to ensure that James was not driving whilst under the influence, pulling out a random breath testing kit. After testing the waters and receiving a raised eyebrow and stern stance from the police officer, James thought better of refusing and subjected himself willingly to the test. Phew!! All clear for continuing on in the Land Rover. What a hoot – there was no shortage of spectators crying with laughter!
Running the Rail Trail from Rokeby to Neerim is hugely special for the Baw Baw Runners community; it is so close to their hearts.
As the runners emerged from a particularly steep incline, our favourite photographer, Frank Amato (also part of the Red Dirt to Reef media team), came into focus with a telephoto lens trained on the now languishing group. With a burst of energy dug from the depths of their sweaty shoes, the runners put on a show for the camera.
Ten runners, committed to seeing James endure, conquered the most demanding 14.5km leg of the day, Neerim to the Noojee Trestle Bridge, taking in the beautiful views of the Tarago Reservoir along the way.
The hills were absolutely unrelenting and were starting to take their toll! Amy from Baw Baw Runners was instrumental in keeping James at an endurable pace. From the Trestle Bridge to the finish line at the Noojee Hotel (Nooj Pub), approximately 20 more joined in the last stretch, including a surprise appearance from cousin/friend/brother from another mother, Joel, who had earlier completed parkrun.
The finish line at the awesome Nooj Pub was just incredible with a huge turnout of family, old friends and new friends, with a kind person instantly passing James an ice cold beverage. Jordan had made sure that James was supplied with food and water throughout the day, meeting the runners at key spots and inspiring everyone with her infectious laughter. Another surprise was to get a bear-hug from Chris, Jordan’s brother, who said he just had to be there at the finish line for his bro.
Putting aside his little Land Rover, and ignoring calories and carbohydrates, James tucked into a Nooj Pub Smokey Bandit Parma and a big side of fries to celebrate his own milestone run.
A very special mention has to be made of Gabe, who ran the entire 63.8km, alongside James. Until the Baw Baw Bash, Gabe and James were merely parkrun faces to each other but now a firm friendship has been forged through the fires of an Ultra Marathon tribulation.
Nooj Pub owners, Rosie & Simon, aka the Duck Family, were the biggest sponsors of the fundraising event. Their generosity in supporting the Variety Vic Bash is well-known; as well as getting behind and in Bash vehicles and Saturday’s fun, their annual ‘Duck Race and Family Fun Day’ raised a whopping $32,356 in 2024.
James is very humbled and grateful for all who supported the event in so many ways and extends heartfelt thanks to absolutely everyone! The Red Dirt to Reef Bash will be a tremendous, memory-packed ten days, with many stories and exploits to be shared.
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