Fran and Dave have been permanent fixtures of The Great Wall Marathon since 2002. The first year, Thomas Thomsen from the Danish Athletic Association was responsible for presentation and execution of the technical meeting two days before the marathon. In those days, the marathon was a purely Danish affair, and Thomas was able to do the job in a competent and professional fashion in his own language. In 2001, however, the marathon became more international, and the information meeting was led by New Zealander Rob Dixon, a former elite runner. Rob proved two days later that he had not lost his ability to run, being the first to cross the line in the first Great Wall Half Marathon.

 

 

In his capacity as vice president of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races – AIMS for short – Dave has received the runners at Yin and Yang Square every year since then to tell them about the special pleasures, challenges, rules, dangers and other things that participants need to be wary of in connection with this very special run. Fran has assisted him, among other things, by showing in a noble and purely physical fashion how the runners cross the square several times and to the applause of those present, demonstrating the end of The Great Wall Marathon.

 

On marathon days, Fran and Dave are comperes, both at the start of the race and throughout the day at Yin and Yang Square. When the runners cross the line happy and tired, Fran and Dave welcome them over the loudspeakers. At the gala party after the race, it is customary for Dave to be the compere while Fran honours those runners, who for some reason or the other, deserve special mention.

 

Fran and Dave are from Australia and sport has played a major role in both their lives. Fran played basketball in her youth, later becoming an able 400-metre runner. One of the most memorable moments in her life was when she was selected for the torch relay of the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000. Before finding her dream job as traveller in sports travel, Fran had a career in the IT industry.

 

 

Dave’s active marathon career has brought with it many impressive results. He is the longest-standing run director in the world, and he lives and breathes for his work. Long-distance running is particularly close to his heart. One of his life’s greatest assignments was as director of the marathon at the Sydney Olympics. In addition to running, Dave has also worked in athletics for many years.

 

Fran and Dave run Cundy Sports Marketing and Run Fun Travel, and together they have travelled the world organising marathons and other spectacular runs. The Great Wall Marathon is one of their regular annual fixtures.

 

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