By BRIDGET SCOTT
WHILE their training regimes remain slightly different, two Cranbourne fire-fighters have paired up again to smash last year’s record in a gruelling local challenge.
On Sunday 27 October, Denis Latchford and Adam Hanger will do the next best thing to completing the actual Kokoda track, when they trek through the difficult terrain of the 1000 steps in Ferntree Gully, and up to Kalorama in the Melbourne-based Kokoda challenge.
Team Firewalkers will compete for the third time this year, with hopes to finish in the top two after placing fifth the year before.
Mr Latchford explained that this event is held to raise awareness of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942, and funds raised help send youths to Papua New Guinea.
Training is well underway for both men, but 51-year-old Mr Latchford explained there was a slight discrepancy between his training compared to his 20-year-old partners.
“I attend fitness on the fields at Casey Fields twice a week and run 15 to 20 kilometres a week at Lysterfield Lake,” he said.
“Because Adam is so young his training is to stop eating his potato cake sandwich a week before this event, and he plays indoor cricket.”
Despite the age gap Mr Latchford said the pair’s passion for these types of events had brought them closer.
“Myself and Adam are fire-fighters from the Cranbourne CFA and there is a big age difference,” he said.
“But we have built a very strong friendship through events like this.”
While the challenge is physically demanding, the CFA volunteer explained it’s a very worthwhile cause to support.
“It’s a way to raise money for a worthy cause,” he said.
“Also to show a bit of respect and get a feel as to what they went through.”
Mr Latchford also mentioned personal reasons which inspired him to take part.
“My dad was in Papua New Guinea in 1942,” he said.
Excited for the upcoming event, Mr Latchford is eager to hit the track and show his support for the cause.
“We want to get there and show the public we aren’t just fire-fighters, we are community-minded people,” he said.
