Their job is to inspire others to push through the pain barrier but Cronulla Sharks Head Trainer Trent Elkin and NRL Referees Head Trainer Klinton Hoare will be the ones testing their limits when they run more than 200 kilometres in 24 hours for charity.
While most teams participating in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life are content to take turns walking, Elkin and Hoare have set themselves one of the most gruelling challenges possible as they raise money for men’s cancer research.
Hoare will start his 12-hour leg of the relay at the Sylvania Waters Athletics Track at 10am on Saturday, May 2, and will continue until 10pm.
Elkin, meanwhile, will literally run from Toyota Stadium after the Round 8 NRL clash between the Sharks and Roosters to take over from Hoare and will continue until the completion of the relay at 10am on Sunday, May 3.
Under the team banner of ‘Call To Arms’, the pair will attempt to run 200kms in just 24 hours – the equivalent of running from Toyota Stadium in the Shire to Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle.
Rugby League Immortal Graeme Langlands, former Sharks and Kangaroo representative Jason Stevens, NRL referee coach Bill Harrigan, South Sydney great Mario Fenech and other sporting identities will also join the duo at different stages to show their support as Rugby League tackles a disease that affects one in two Australian men by the age of 85.
“It’s going to be a challenge but that’s what it makes it worthwhile,” Elkin said.
“It’s an important cause and Klinton and I wanted to do something that showed how much it meant to us.
“We’ve got some great personalities joining us through the run and anyone is welcome to come down and join us.
“I am sure plenty of the Sharks boys and the referees will be down there reminding us how hard we pushed them during pre-season training.”
To show their support for Elkin and Hoare and their ‘Call To Arms’ team, Sharks players will wear yellow armbands when they play the Roosters in Round 8 at Toyota Stadium starting at 5.30pm.
Sharks players will also visit the relay venue on Sunday, May 3, at 9am as part of their team recovery session.
The fundraiser is part of the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life, an event where teams of 10 to 15 people take turns walking or running around a local oval to raise funds for cancer research, education, support services and advocacy.
WHO: Trent Elkin, Head Trainer, Cronulla Sharks / Klinton Hoare, Head Trainer, NRL Referees
WHAT: Running for 24 hours for charity
WHEN: 10am Saturday, May 2, until 10am Sunday, May 3
WHERE: Sylvania Waters Athletic Track, Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters
WEBSITE DONATIONS: To make donations to Klinton and Trent’s fundraising efforts visit: http://www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/?2009/sutherlandshire2009/calltoarms/