(Photo:Friends of the Environment)

Rhonda Rocks!

Abaco resident Rhonda Claridge ran the 120 mile length of Abaco in an awesome show of grit and determination. The world class Bahamian runner was taking part in Friends of the Environment's 120 mile Challenge to raise funds and awareness of the plight of disappearing coral reefs. Rhonda ran non-stop for 22 hours and 45 minutes and even took nourishment on the run. Wow! The people of Abaco and second home owners, in typical community spirit, came together to cheer her on as she ran from Crown Haven in the north to Sandy Point in the south. It was her longest and hardest run. Crowds came out in every settlement of the island to wave signs and encourage their heroine. Long time visitor Chris Fitzpatrick rode her bike with Rhonda for almost 12 hours from Crown Haven to Marsh Harbour in a show of support. Work came to a standstill briefly at the Treasure Cay airport as agents and customs officers poured outside to applaud and an eleventh grade student ran from Marsh Harbour to Spring City alongside Rhonda barefoot! Others rode their bikes and ran distances up to 15 miles. Rhonda was moved to push her body to the limits after reading a report by University of Sydney professor Peter Sale, a top United Nations scientist, who has studied Abaco's Great Barrier Reef for decades. He predicted that today's children are likely to be the last generation to see coral reefs. “Having been born in a country that has the third-largest barrier reef in the world and that relies on coral reefs for both tourism and fishing and having a personal connection to the magical underwater world of reefs, I was stunned,” Rhonda says. Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty salutes you, Rhonda. What a woman! Abaco Listings

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