Minister for Defence Richard Marles got a chance to pound the pavement with troops serving in the Middle East, ahead of his trip to Türkiye for Anzac Day commemorations.
Mr Marles met ADF personnel and government officials at Camp Baird, Australia’s main base in the region, which is home to Headquarters Middle East, where the ADF supports operations and activities under Operation Accordion.
Speaking about the strategic importance of Camp Baird and the recent National Defence Strategy, he said it was an honour to visit Australian personnel serving there in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
Mr Marles led a group of about 20 on an early morning run around the base’s unofficial Parkrun loop.
Middle East region safety and security adviser Captain Callum Chapman was responsible for setting the pace at about six minutes a kilometre.
“Mr Marles did great. He was jetlagged, not acclimatised, and it was about 30 degrees at six in the morning,” Captain Chapman said.
“I wanted to know how he handles the jetlag, travelling to so many locations and time zones.
“He said he moves with the sun. When the sun is up, he’s up and when it’s down he’s down.”
Mr Marles was given a Camp Baird Parkrun shirt, usually reserved for people who complete 10 Friday morning runs.
