Tourist Info Centre 10km
Dec 29 2013
Approximately thirty Mackay Road Runners met at the Tourist Information Centre last Sunday in very oppressively humid conditions to tackle the University/Botanic Gardens 10km. Sweltering temperatures certainly slowed the participants to a sensible pace as they cruised from the City Gates towards the Central Queensland University Grounds before backtracking for an additional 5km loop of the Botanic Gardens. Top end runners, Shawn Claydon, Liam Mumford and Ashlee Scott led the social group through the meandering pathways and roads to the finish line whereupon all runners were then treated to some welcome post-race refreshing fruit.
With the Christmas pudding only just settled, runners are now looking forward to the first New Year social 5km run from the Bluewater Quay on Wednesday, 1st January 2014. New and existing runners of all ages and abilities, who either have or have not over indulged the night before, are most welcome to initiate their first fitness activity towards their New Year’s resolutions.
This Sunday’s social off season 10km event will commence 5.30pm from the southern end of Diesel Drive, Paget with varying distance options. Course Director Jim Ford will issue course instructions on the day, whereby runners will be treated to his usual unique style…..just to make life interesting!
For further information on Mackay Road Runners and their full list of events for 2014, check the calendar; ph the Secretary 0403 344 289; Publicity Officer, Janelle 0400 99 7432
Approximately thirty Mackay Road Runners enjoyed the last social run before Christmas from Hibiscus Shopping Centre, Bucasia, with a little help from Santa and his helpers. Race Day co-ordinator, Shawn Claydon directed runners through the quiet streets of Bucasia before heading onto the foreshore of the beach towards Shoal Point. Runners then met at the Shoal Point Park for a quick regroup before making the decision to return to the start via the same route instead of the usual undulating Shoal Point Road. The warm conditions prevailed throughout the entire course, however, the cooling sea breezes made for excellent running. Participants happily welcomed the post-race recovery treats of fruit and Christmas cake. Many thanks to Noel Barnett for taking on responsibility of Keyholder, his concern and weekly commitment is very much appreciated! Thanks also to Carmel Mahon for leading a couple of disorientated runners up the garden path, there was never any doubt it was the correct way!
At this month’s BMA Mackay Marina Run 2014 planning meeting, committee representative, Barry Comben, was on hand to present Mackay Surf Club’s Mick Wilson a cheque for $1,000 for their awesome support of the 2013 event, which was held in June. The Mackay Surf Club and their members have generously supplied volunteers and supported the event since its inception several years ago and 2013 was no exception. The local branch of the Mackay Leukaemia Foundation and Mackay Road Runners as well as the community at large are very grateful for their continued support.
Sensational results from local junior runner, Liam Mumford at the Australian All Schools Championships in Townsville over the weekend. Liam proved his class by placing fourth in the 3000 metre event behind Tasmanian, Kale Adams, fellow Queenslander, Louis McAfee and New South Welshman, Charlie Hunter. Liam was very happy with his performance, although running nine minutes and seven seconds was not a personal best time, he was still well pleased with his race and ecstatic to place 4th in Australia in the tough, windy conditions at the Townsville Sports Reserve Track. Liam, who has just finished year 12 at Mackay High, is looking forward to several sporting options interstate and overseas in 2014.
Mackay Road Runners’ Vice President, Jim Ford held yet another uniquely devised social concept for nearly forty runners who were grouped into four teams to run for approximately one hour, averaging out to about 12km each. The off season social run commenced 5.30pm from the Blacks Beach Tavern car park precincts, whereupon runners literally headed for the hills, which included the very undulating streets of Slater Avenue, Camilleri Street, Admiral and Ian Wood Drives before a two to three kilometre stint on the very windy shores of Blacks Beach. The humid, blustery conditions prevailed, but thankfully the rain held off through the entire event.
Over thirty runners braved the very humid, hot conditions last Sunday to challenge themselves in the Iluka Park ‘Catch & Count’ run, devised by the Club’s Vice President, Jim Ford. Ford’s unique concept was for participants to run from Iluka Park towards Evan Street, loop back along Hoey, Shakespeare, Goldsmith, East Gordon and Chain Streets to Sandfly Creek Path, then wherever each runner was at the twenty-seven minute mark, they had to run back the same way to the start line. Runners scored points for every runner they passed on the return half of the course, ie the runner with the most points was the deserved winner.
Last Sunday approximately thirty runners enjoyed Mackay Road Runners Vice President Jim Ford’s sensational 3km loop course through the Lamberts Beach Sand Dunes. Runners were given the option of doing one, two or three loops, however, with failing light in the final loop, the current Male Club Champion, Shawn Claydon volunteered to do a solo run to collect the race markers, whilst several runners warmed down with a 2km beach run which included a very steep sand dune, compliments once again of the coursemarker, Jim Ford.
Mackay Road Runners also conducted their Annual General Meeting last weekend, where committee members were duly elected to positions for the very busy 2014 season. Committee Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, with all members very welcome to attend.
Last Saturday’s annual Awards evening was a resounding success with approximately one hundred runners and their families and friends enjoying the prestigious occasion, hosted by Mackay Road Runners at the Clarion Hotel, Mackay Marina.
Club Patron Col Meng presented his Col Meng Family Club Person of the Year award to the very worthy Andy List for his outstanding services to the club throughout the year.
Congratulations to club stalwart, Jan Smith, who was celebrating a special birthday and was duly presented with a yummy mud cake of her own, possibly to share with her husband Gary.
Mackay Road Runners celebrated its last run on the official 2013 program – a social 7.5km, three loop course around the Gooseponds, finishing with a sausage sizzle and sweets, which included Ricky Parker’s home-made yummy caramel tarts – thankyou Ricky. Approximately sixty runners, families and their friends were treated to Karlee Hayden’s awesome BBQ cooking skills and were very appreciative to Sandy Strong and Andrew Short for the ice/drinks post-race – very much appreciated in the warm, windy conditions.
An excellent flat 2.5km loop circuit, set by course marker, Graham Robinson, was an awesome course for anyone looking for a fast, personal best 5km time. In very warm, humid conditions, over forty competitors enjoyed the second last event on the Mackay Road Runners 2013 formal program.
Best wishes to a bevy of local runners travelling to compete in the Melbourne Marathon and Half Marathon this Sunday.
Mackay Road Runners hosted the final Handicap points and Club Championship race of the season last Sunday morning. Approximately thirty runners contested the 3km event, which was held in very warm conditions from Queens Park.
Mackay Road Runners hosted the running of the seventh annual Run the Whitsunday Great Walk 28km last Sunday in the beautiful tropical surroundings of Airlie Beach and Conway National Park. One hundred and thirty competitors were couriered to the start of the 28km Whitsunday Great Walk trail at Brandy Creek, where they were treated to an entertaining course briefing by the race originator, Will Higham. Major supporters of the event, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, did a great job in preparing and maintaining the track so runners could enjoy tough, but perfect trail racing conditions. Many thanks to the Whitsunday SES for their enormous assistance throughout the entire event, all runners were most appreciative of their awesome hydration stations and presence throughout the race.
The undulating, varying terrain was anything but easy, with seriously steep ascents and descents that were treacherous underfoot with surfaces including several kilometres of loose rocks, dry loose powdery shaly dirt, exposed roots, slippery rocks, leaves, etc….everything that you would expect of a rainforest trail run and more. For runner’s to remain on their feet, they had to be focussed for the entire course, as they negotiated tricky twists and turns, especially testing on tired legs towards the later part of the race.
The prestigious second annual Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy race was held from the precincts of the beautiful Bluewater Lagoon last Sunday morning. The perfectly warm spring weather saw approximately thirty five runners enjoy the warm conditions and scenic course along the Bluewater Trail. Mackay’s own four time Olympian, road, cross country and track racing champion, Benita Willis, is proud to support the event and has graciously donated some personally signed Olympic uniform apparel, photos and autographs cards for the winner of this year’s event. Before heading off to Alaska for a cross-country event, the very humble athlete stated this week how proud she was to be associated with the event. Benita indicated she may return to Australia in the very near future to launch her own running coaching business, which she currently does in Boulder, Colorado. With the Club’s annual presentation night only weeks away, the committee and its members are very excited at the prospect of benefiting from the local legend’s coaching expertise and possible attendance.
Members, family, friends, sponsors and supporters are very welcome to attend the 2013 Annual Awards night to be held 6.30pm on 19th October at the beautiful Mackay Marina’s Clarion Hotel. To reserve your seat, tickets of $55 per person are to be prepaid via the Club’s bank account with RSVP by contacting Paula on 
Last Sunday afternoon, approximately thirty-five runners bravely endured the testing hills of Ian Reddcliffe Drive via Bonson’s Scrub Road, The Leap. The annual 6km and 12km road run was a great lead up to the 28km Run the Whitsunday Great Walk in two weeks at Airlie Beach, where Mackay Road Runners will once again host the awesome trail run through Conway National Park.
Many thanks to visiting international physiotherapist Hayley Young, who was on hand to offer vital advice to runners with varying running injuries and ailments. Active Physiotherapy Mackay have acquired her valuable services for six weeks and with only three weeks left in Australia, runners were rapt to have had the opportunity to take advantage of her knowledge and experience. Hayley, who is an athlete herself, was very in tune with understanding runners’ obsessions and their continuance to run whilst not fully recovered from injury or sickness. In fact, several runners were very guilty of that on the day!!!
Approximately thirty-five keen Mackay Road Runners enjoyed the awesome weather conditions last Sunday morning for the running of the inaugural Repco Father’s Day Fun Run. Megan Sellars from Repco was a standout champion sponsoring the event and generously suppling excellent random draw prizes for the participants and volunteers.
The Seabreeze Resort Motel Open & Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile Club Championship (1609 metres) held from Pacific Esplanade, Lamberts Beach was a huge success with approximately sixty runners competing for club championship points, cash prizes, vouchers and heaps of random draw prizes donated by long time generous sponsors and supporters of the Mackay Road Runners Club.
Nixon Rodden ran an awesome race, placing 2nd female overall and first in the Podiatry Mackay under eighteen event ahead of Georgia Swinbourne and Rylea Giles.
Over forty local road running enthusiasts united in a mark of respect for Life Member and talented marathon runner of the 80’s, Fred Farmer, who passed away just two weeks ago. Many thanks to his widow, Agnes, who brought a replica of Fred, which was held high in his honour prior to the commencement of racing.
Mackay Road Runners Treasurer, Shawn Claydon, presented a donation to the “Smiling for Smiddy” campaign, where this year, over one hundred cyclists will ride 1600km from Brisbane to Home Hill in honour of the talented young Triathlete, who passed away from an aggressive melanoma cancer in 2006 at the tender age of just 26 years. Champion Triathlete and former Queensland University coach of Adam Smiddy, Mark “Sharky” Smoothy, focussed on Adam’s unlived dream to one day do a 1600km credit card bike ride to his parents’ house at Home Hill. From the 2006 humble beginnings of three riders, including Mackay’s former champion Ironman Triathlete, Ron Steel (pictured), Mark has indeed activated Adam’s dream in completing the 1600km ride and raising much needed funds towards cancer as a wonderful legacy for the special youngster. To date, the ride and many other “Smiddy” events have raised well over $3 million and they are hoping to raise another $1 million this year. The ‘Smiling for Smiddy’ ride has astounded Mark’s expectations of the generosity and friendships that have been borne throughout the last seven years, with over 100 hundred cyclists joining this year’s event. Riders will leave Brisbane on 7th September and arrive at Adam’s parents’ in Home Hill on 14th September. To find out more information on this incredible journey of Adam’s legacy and to donate, visit the 
The 2013 Mackay Marina Run was run and won only two months ago, however, the hardworking committee gathered early last week to get the wheels in motion for the 2014 event on 1st June. The committee’s goals of raising much needed funds for Leukaemia, promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle and promoting the beautiful Mackay region has been rewarded with a highly successful 2013 outcome, with approximately $50,000 raised for Leukaemia and a record number of over 2600 runners and walkers.
Perfectly beautiful sunny and cool conditions greeted approximately eighty runners and their families at Cape Hillsborough last Sunday morning. After one minute silence for Mackay Road Runners Life Member, Fred Farmer, who passed away last week, over sixty runners bolted from the Cape Hillsborough National Park precincts onto the spectacular beach to race the annual junior 4.5km and 9km senior Club Championship. After approximately 800 metres of sand, runners made their way into the Hidden Valley trail behind the Cape Hillsborough Resort to tackle some serious unsealed undulations and winding rainforest trails.
Legendary, veteran runner and recent Eungella Queen of the Mountain, Judy Zahn gained a hard fought win by only seven seconds over marathon runner and huge improver, Carmel Mahon. Triathlete, Nikki Giles backed up well after a duathlon the previous day and an early morning ride to the race to score third over Janelle Tilse and Karen Baker.
Character building was the order of the day for the running of the 30th Senior & Junior 2013 Eungella King & Queen of the Mountain last Sunday morning. With conditions worsening as the race progressed, approximately fifty runners were tackling one of the toughest races on the Mackay Road Runners calendar. Wet and windy conditions prevailed for the entire race as runners were set off by Melissa Harris and Club Captain, Jim Ford. Timekeepers, Melissa Harris, Alastair Piper, Stuart Sprott, Jo Hughes, Jess Harris and Sammy Woods together with waterstop attendants, Wendy Shields and Gordon Zahn were awesome in their resilience in the wet, cold and blustery surroundings, where they were buffeted by the elements for well over ninety minutes for the good of all runners and walkers.
Gabrielle DeBoni (24:20) was outstanding and in perfect race form to take gold in the junior female King of the Mountain, with little dynamo, Zoe Bidgood taking second ahead of Rylea Giles and Georgia Swinbourne.
Congratulations to the “The Grove” Handicap Trophy 10km Champion for 2013, Paula Easton! Paula ran very well to score a convincing win ahead of over forty competitors to take out the coveted trophy which bears the names of some illustrious Mackay Road Running Members over the last twenty years. The handicap start race last Sunday, commenced at 4pm from the precincts of “The Grove” Tavern, Andergrove, where runners of all abilities, male & female are capable of taking home the top prize in the 10k event. Paula held perfect form to break the tape first ahead of fast finishing John Atkinson and Simon Henderson.
Over fifty Mackay Road Runners also competed very well in the inaugural Whitsunday Running Festival at Airlie Beach last Sunday morning, with most backing up to compete locally in the afternoon. Shawn Claydon took out 2nd place in the 10km event, mere seconds behind the international race winner. Mark McFadzen ran well to place just outside the podium, finishing 4th in the Half Marathon event.
Congratulations to all competitors in the 5 & 16km Slade Point Club Championship race held last Sunday morning in very cool and wet conditions. Although, the most amazing performances of all were the volunteer course marker, timekeepers and water stop attendants, Graham Robinson, Stuart Sprott, Melissa Harris, Jackson Harris and Jessica Harris who braved unsavoury conditions from the race start until the last runner was in. Many thanks for their support from all the runners…..much appreciated!
Daren Galea, Karen Low, Karlee Hayden, Andrew Short, Trevor Hodgson, Merv Shields, Scott McIntosh, Ulrika Widdowson, Tanya Davenport and Jo Hughes revelled in the cool conditions, whilst it was great to see Michelle Bofinger & Teresa Robinson make a welcome return to racing to feature highly in the placings.
The Mackay Road Runners Magpies Meander 5 & 10k run held from Magpies Sporting Club car park was held over a very technical course last Sunday afternoon, which included several hills. The testing undulations started from the outset, with runners initially tackling a steady climb up a grassy slope towards the Bruce Highway, before descending toward the meandering hills throughout the Glenella suburb behind Magpies Sporting Club.
The handicap start 10km race was won by Alex Anderson, who was in top form to easily hit the tape first ahead of Paula Easton, Steve Vincent, Anthea Ford, John Atkinson and Donna Rath. Excellent performances also came from junior runner, Samat Widdup and Bree Hutchinson who both recently stepped up to the longer distance, as well as seasoned runners, David Forsyth, Stuart Sprott, Greg Coulson, Karen Low, Cathy Jones-Trifelly, David Vincent, Erin Safe, Darren Binstead, Jim Ford, Shawn Claydon, Martin Lambert, Andy List, Derek Woods, Tim Caddy, Steve Vincent, Liam Mumford and Ulrika Widdowson.
Last Sunday morning’s Mackay Road Runners K Mart Loop social 5km & 13km run from The Gordon White Library was attended by nearly 40 runners across both events. Ross Connor continued to perform well by taking out the 5km event, which included the testing hills of Bona Vista Drive, Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets. Just home on university holidays, Anthea Ford was in top form to take out the female 5km, where several new runners attended, including Jasmin Priestly and Jill Van Der Westhuren.
Approximately 20,000 runners took to the Seattle streets in the biggest running event since the Boston Marathon tragedy in April. Among them were two Mackay runners, Chris Ward and Tim Magoffin, who soaked up the atmosphere of the awesome event. As one of the race organisers of Mackay’s Marina Half Marathon which was held early this month, Tim Magoffin will be bringing home a few tips for next year’s Mackay Marina Run, including the idea of a free beer tag on entrants’ race bibs, which was supplied from one of the race’s major sponsors, Michelob. Although, he may modify it to a free coffee tag from one of Mackay’s sponsors. Magoffin thoroughly enjoyed the experience “great scenic course, heaps of music, loads of support on the course, plenty of entertainment including bands, cheer girls, etc…”.
The annual Shields Stampede 5km & 12km race from Mackay Road Runners Life Members’ Mount Pleasant residence, Merv & Wendy Shields, was a huge success with over sixty runners hitting the streets, which included the seriously steep inclines of Norris Road, James Croker and Annie Wood Avenues. The cool conditions were perfect for running, as timekeepers, Karen Baker & Greg Coulsen sent the runners on their way.
Congratulations to Shawn Claydon, who competed in the inaugural 14km Brisbane Times City2South run last weekend, where he scored a sensational 32nd overall place among approx 7000 runners. His time of 51.30 was only six minutes clear of the winning time. Claydon, who was sitting 26th overall at the 10km mark rated the run as a ‘tough little course with lots of gradual rises that took it’s toll in the final stages’.
Last Sunday’s cool windy weather for the 5km & 11km Mt Bassett run was a perfect final hit out for most runners before this weekend’s BMA Mackay Marina Run.
In the female 11km, Nikki Giles, Judy Zahn, Karen Baker, Karen Low, Vicki Vickers, Donna Rath, Majella Sammut, Chris Banney, Marie Muscat, Jo Hughes and Paula Easton ran excellent races based on their handicap. Nickie King did exceptionally well based on her handicap of a double pram with toddler and baby aboard!
Perfect running conditions saw champion runner, Shawn Claydon blaze over the 30k Club Championship course, which commenced at 6am from the precincts of Northview Park, Glenella. The course, which meandered through the scenic back roads and rolling hills of Richmond & Glenella towards the Bruce Highway, looped back to the finish line via Farleigh, Habana, Nindarooo and Richmond. Shawn, who was well clear of his closest rivals, clocked one hour fifty minutes, which was a personal best by four minutes from the inaugural 2012 run. Middlemount runner, Luke Dimech split the local runners to claim second ahead of adventure racer, Mark McFadzen and Andy List. Shane Donnollan ran a sensational 30k to place 5th ahead of Darren Binstead and Niahl Ivory. Excellent running by Moranbah’s Gary Jenkinson, Jack Simpson, Greame Harris, Andrew Short, Brendan Bishop, Kristian Safe and Will Higham. Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon competitors, Sandy Strong and Martin Lambert cruised the course whilst discussing their Hamilton Island recovery techniques!
Saturday morning’s Unwined Pre Mothers’ Day Mackay Road Runners 6 & 12km race was enjoyed by approximately 80 competitors. The conditions were perfectly cool after the previous night’s rain, which led to some very speedy times from runners over both distances.
Many runners backed up well from the Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon the previous weekend, as well as the Moranbah Labour Day Fun Run. Many local runners recorded amazing personal best times at both events, including big improvers, Carmel Mahon and Karla Hook at the Moranbah event, where they placed 2nd and 3rd consecutively in the prestigious open 10km race.
Anzac Day was a significant day for Mackay Road Runners, whereupon several runners included Jubilee Park Dawn Parade in their early morning run, as well as a prequel to the Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon ie one/two ascents of Ian Reddacliffe Dr, The Leap in the afternoon.
The Forsyths Accountants 10km Queens Park Club Championship race was an outstanding success with nearly 80 runners vying for valuable Club Championship points in the open and age category sections. With weather conditions still a little warm for this time of year, there were some exceptional running performances from competitors in the 5km & 10km events.
Gabrielle DeBoni found the warm conditins to her liking, sprinting the 5km course to snare 1st place in 19min 58sec, ahead of other talented juniors Nixon Rodden (20:34) and Chelsey Thompson (24:07). Zoe Bidgood, Charlotte Fordyce, Montana Saron, Sharon Doyle, Louise Corry, Rachel Bidgood and Kim Saron ran well in their 5km with some recording personal best times.
Over seventy runners revelled in the sunny, warm conditions at last Sunday’s Robbo’s Roundabout 5km & 10km hilly road run. Course marker, Graham Robinson once again did not disappoint when setting the arduous course which involved many, if not every hill, in the suburb of Mt Pleasant. The challenging, undulating course was a great hit out for runners wanting to improve their running leg strength, including those who are tackling the Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon on 5th May and the BMA Mackay Marina Run on 2nd June.
Several Mackay athletes are tapering this week, after months of arduous training, in the lead up to The Canberra Times Canberra Marathon and Ultra Marathon this Sunday 14th April.
The Easter long weekend was no excuse not to run for many dedicated Mackay Roadrunners. The options included a social scenic trail run from the beautiful Broken River precincts, offering a 12km and 20km rainforest run on Saturday afternoon, where approximately forty runners and their families enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. Many thanks to coordinators Matt Stevens and Martin Lambert.
This Sunday’s Bluewater Lagoon Lope Along 5/10km commences 6.30am from the parkland/boardwalk near the Lagoon. All Members and non-members are very welcome to attend.
Just under one hundred runners challenged themselves at the 5 & 10km Rural View Run last Sunday at 4pm in very hot and steamy conditions. The undulating course through the Rural View suburb included the testing ascent of the Rural View lookout. Runners in the 10km event were rewarded with two views from the lookout pinnacle, as they completed two loops of the 5km course, with some admitting that the same hill was higher and longer the second time around. All runners need to be congratulated on their respective events, as the weather and course conditions were particularly extreme at that time.
A literally scorching effort in the 5km saw Ashlee Scott eclipse the field ahead of Jenna Bugeja, Nixon Rodden, Chelsea Thompson, Aderline West, Zoe Bidgood, Dempsey Rodden, Cooper Rodden, Hayden Connor, Aidan Donnollan, Kimberly Porsche, Robyn Madill and Tom Henderson. Relative new runners, Samat Widdup, Bree McFadzen and Rylea Giles put in top efforts to complete their respective races.
Approximately one hundred runners converged on Quota Park, near Ocean International for the St Patricks Day Mackay Road Runners 4km & 8km handicap race. The very warm conditions had many sweating it out over the 8km course which took runners to the extremities of Sandfly Creek Path and for those who sensibly chose the 4km, followed the same course, but were lucky enough to turn at the well-marked 2km point on Town Beach Esplanade.
An outstanding contingent of one hundred and twelve athletes contested the Mackay Road Runners prestigious Rock n Road 5km Club Championship held last Sunday from Queens Park. The weather conditions were a little kinder at today’s event, with rain holding off until well after the last person crossed the finish line.
Many thanks to volunteers Karen Baker, Agnes Farmer, Melissa Harris, David Bellamy, Matt Perkins, Derek Woods and our wonderful long time sponsor, Ron Steel from Rock n Road Cycles, Wood Street.
Major rainfall and blustering breezes on the Harbour Breakwater late Sunday afternoon did nothing to deter nearly 100 runners competing in the 5/10km Martel Marina Sprint. The testing 5km loop course was a very character building experience, but all runners endured the conditions to compete successfully in their individual events. The handicap start 10km event had top backmarkers, Shawn Claydon, Karel Viligipuu, Andy List, Darren Binstead, Mark McFadzen and Liam Mumford battling for line honours. Although seventeen year old Mumford did not feature for long in the top group, he is to be congratulated on his open third placing that morning in Townsville’s 4.7km Athlete’s Foot Dash for Cash, where hundreds of runners turned out for the annual event. In the female 10km event, the handicap start made it tough to see whose time would be the fastest, but with regular runners, Lisa Burns, Nicky Giles, Judy Zahn, Karen Baker, Karen Low, Karla Hook, Carmel Mahon, Teresa Robinson and Janelle Tilse, the Handicapper will have his work cut out for him collating the results.
Many thanks to Timekeepers, Agnes Farmer and Melissa Harris for withstanding the atrocious conditions…..where would all the runners be without you!!
The first handicap run on the Mackay Road Runners 2013 program was held last Sunday morning at Rowallan Park, Farleigh in very wet, humid conditions. In a bid to get to the finish line upright, over seventy runners tacked the 2km loop course to complete the 4km and 8km events across varying terrain including grassy expanses, exposed tree roots, slippery muddy and rocky undulating surfaces.
Approximately sixty runners were not deterred by the teaming rain at the commencement of the annual 5/10km Tilse Toddle held last Sunday. The social 5k loop course was a great option for those wishing to extend their race to 10km, ie two loops and even three loops in some cases.
Extremely humid conditions did not deter over one hundred runners at the first official run on the 2013 Mackay Road Runners Program. Club President, Tim Magoffin, welcomed new and existing runners to stay post-race for a sausage sizzle, fruit, drinks etc….and to enjoy the camaraderie that the club is proud to offer.
The Mackay Road Running fraterntiy will be out in force this Sunday, 9th February at 5.30pm from the Lighthouse boat ramp carpark at the Mackay Marina for the first official event on the 2013 program. The Club will also be at the Sports Expo and Sign on from 10am to 2pm at the MECC this Sunday.
Mackay Road Runners social, no cost, off season training session from Town Beach last Sunday was well attended with over forty new and existing runners enjoying the very hot and challenging conditions.