New Committee Meet
The first committee meeting prior to the 2012 running season was held recently at the G&S Engineering offices at Paget, courtesy of new Club President, Tim Magoffin. The committee engaged in proactive discussions relating to continuing the great work created by the outgoing 2011 committee, all with one thing in common, ie retaining the Club’s policy of being an all inclusive Club benefiting runners of all ages and abilities. A very big congratulations to the previous committee for an awesome job and a heartfelt thanks for passing on their precious knowledge and experience to the incoming committee. The formal 2012 season gets underway February through to October with social, no cost, group training sessions for varying distances all year round. Club fees for 2012 have slightly increased are due by 31st March – $50 Seniors, $25 Juniors, Family $100 with a weekly race fee of $2 for members and $5 for non-members. The club currently has a wide variety of racing distances on the Calendar ranging from 1.6km to 28km, although this also can be extended to include Marathon events (42.2km) where runners can set goals to run out of town events including, but not limited to the Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Burnie (Tas.), Boston, Zurich, England, etc… The Club invites input from all Members so that ideas can be discussed for approval at the monthly Committee Meetings (2nd Monday) – all members are most welcome to attend the monthly meetings.
For further information on any club events, check out www.mackayroadrunners.com.au; facebook or email roadrunnersmackay@gmail.com
Meanwhile, at last Sunday’s social 10km training run at the Mackay Harbour, champion runner and current Male Club Champion, Shawn Claydon set a very challenging, but beneficial course which included hills, sand dunes, beach running, situps,etc. The very humid, windy conditions prevailed for the entirie session, with the added incentive of thunder and lightning to speed the runners along. Several runners including Lisa Burns, Anthony and Cooper enjoyed the course, particularly the sandy bits.
The Annual General Meeting for the Mackay Road Runners will be held this Saturday at 11am at the Mackay Surf Club. The 2011 outgoing committee welcome anyone and everyone interested in assisting/promoting the club in any way, big or small to attend with any new ideas and suggestions up for discussion and approval going forward into 2012. As all executive positions are up for re-election, with several definite vacancies on offer due to the unavailability of retiring volunteers in key positions, those interested are invited to attend or send a proxy on their behalf. Refreshments are available for purchase with lunch provided to all attendees.
Jade Bidgood and Anthea Ford were the proud recipients of the 2011 Laura Pettifer Inspirational Award for winning the male and female junior Eungella King of the Mountain 3.2km race earlier this year. Female winner in the 6.4km (full distance event), Judy Zahn presented the trophies to the talented juniors on behalf of Laura’s family, who have donated the trophy to the winners of this race for the last three years. Laura, who was a top class triathlete and talented sportsperson in various sports such as soccer, running, swimming, etc. was the reigning Eungella Queen of the Mountain in 2008, but was tragically taken in an accident in December of the same year whilst on a training bike ride. Laura’s parents, who live interstate, have generously donated a beautiful perpetual Trophy for the Mackay Road Runners Club to retain, as well as awarding the junior winners with a trophy and a $100 Athlete’s Foot voucher. Although the proud winners of this year’s awards did not know the beautiful Laura and her tremendous zest for life and personal achievement, they certainly appreciated the legacy that she has bestowed upon them by way of the Inspirational Award. Jade and Anthea, who are both heavily involved in a variety of sports within their respective schools and externally, were very grateful for the generosity of the Pettifer family.
The Captain’s Table Function area at the prestigious Clarion Hotel was the venue for the 2011 annual Mackay Road Runners Awards evening last Saturday, which also included the 35th Anniversary of the Club. Master of Ceremonies and Club President, Jim Ford welcomed the eighty-five strong crown of avid road runners and their supporters to enjoy the impressive finale of a successful year. Life Member, Agnes Farmer spoke of the Club’s beginnings where, thirty-five years ago, she and her road running legend husband, Fred, were one of the first Members. Agnes, although not a runner, was officially the Club’s Timekeeping guru, a position, she still hold to this day. Before cutting the 35th Anniversary cake, Fred & Agnes thanked the Club’s past and current committees for their visions and hard work in having the Club grow to its current status.
Attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner prior to the announcement of the many coveted awards on offer, which were presented by Club Secretary Judy Zahn.
The highly successful BMA Mackay Marina Run held on 5th June, 2011 has organisers already planning next year’s event, which promises to be bigger and better. Race Director, Mackay Road Runners, Sandy Strong and his committee have wasted no time in liaising with the relevant parties since the 2011 race finished to ensure that the 2012 event’s logistical bases are all covered thus ensuring the smooth running of the region’s largest running event.
With the last official run on the 2011 running program complete, Mackay Road Runners members, their families and friends are looking forward to the Annual Awards Evening to be held on Saturday, 22nd October at Latitude 21 at the Clarion. The prestigious night congratulates all runners and will formally recognise outstanding achievements throughout the 2011 running season. Those attending need to RSVP and forward payment to Cilla Martland by 17th October to ensure they do not miss out on the festivities, which will also include the celebration of the Club’s 35th birthday.
The last handicap points race on the official 2011 running program was held last Sunday morning in perfect running conditions. The 3km Club Championship race was also the last chance for approximately fifty runners to score valuable open and age category club championship points.
Marathon runner, Sandy Strong, who completed the Sydney 42.2km race a couple of weeks ago, has qualified and been officially accepted to race in the Boston Marathon next April. Strong was ecstatic with the official notification received this week from the race organisers, so there will be (should be) plenty of abstaining in the coming months for him. Strong will have great training support from several fellow marathoners, including Terry O’Connor who is heading to the Melbourne Marathon this weekend, as is Karen Baker who will be competing in the 10km.
Congratulations to all 150 competitors who recently took part in the 28km Run the Whitsunday Great Walk on Sept 18 and to two Mackay Runners who were among over 35,000 runners at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on the same day.
With most of these competitors having completed the Whitsunday 28km the previous weekend, runners are to be congratulated on their amazing efforts and recovery after the very arduous hilly terrain of the Conway National Park. Congratulations to the Whitsunday’s race organising commitee of Alison & Murray Friswell, Nickie King, Martin Lambert, Judy Zahn, Andy List, Narelle Bamford and Will Higham on the huge success of the internationally renowned race which started in 2006 after a group of local Mackay Road Runners including Higham decided to show Australia and overseas the uniqueness of the Whitsundays and the beautiful trail running National Park.
The 6/12km Bonson’s Scrub/Ian Reddacliffe Roads run at The Leap was a great final hitout for runners heading to Airlie Beach for this Sunday’s ‘Run the Whitsunday Great Walk’ 28km race.
Race leader in the 12km event, Andy List (57 min 54 sec) had his work cut out for him with Mark McFadzen snapping at his heels for most of the race, although List was able to hold on to snatch a win from McFadzen by two seconds. Mark Woodward (1hr 59 sec) made a welcome return to racing claiming third ahead of Darren Binstead (1hr 1 min 35 sec) and Tim Magoffin (1hr 3 min 35 sec). Talented female veteran runner, Judy Zahn ran a sensational race to place sixth overall and first female in 1hr 4min 13 seconds, three minutes clear of second placed Alison Friswell and Lisa Burns. Janelle Tilse was a further two minutes behind in 1hr 9min ahead of Robyn Richards (1hr 15 min 32 sec).
The Podiatry Mackay and Mackay Road Runners Magic Mile was a huge success as approximately eighty competitors took part in last Sunday’s sprint distance event of 1609 metres (1.6km). In the oppressively humid conditions runners pounded the streets of Lamberts Beach from the start line on the beautiful Pacific Esplanade precincts near The Seabreeze Resort Motel.
Under eighteen female runner, Gabby DeBoni (5:34:09) was the first female overall and subsequent winner of her age division in a classy field of female runners including Ashlee Scott (2nd – 5:42:27) and Chelsey Thompson (3rd – 5:49:40). Open female winner, Hannah Hillman (6:15:53) was 18th overall ahead of veteran legend, Judy Zahn (6:31:26) and big improver, Lisa Burns (6:38:91).
Many thanks to very supportive sponsor, Donald Orr from Podiatry Mackay for assisting the junior athletes with cash prizes, as he has done for many years through several Mackay Road Runners’ events including the Eungella King of the Mountain and the Athletics North Qld Cross Country races.
Last Sunday Mackay Road Runners staged another hilly run in preparation for the upcoming 28km Run the Whitsunday Great Walk at Airlie Beach next month. This will also add strength to the runners’ training regime, which will hold them in good stead for this weekend’s Mackay Road Runners and Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile from the Lamberts Beach Esplanade. Nominations of $5 per person will be accepted up to 3.30pm, with racing to commence 4pm sharp. All club members and the general public are invited to participate in the sprint distance with cash prizes for the first three male and female competitors in the senior race, under 13 and under 18 junior age divisions, as well as staying post race for the many random draw prizes on offer. Many junior runners will be expected to perform well in the short distance, due to the various primary and secondary school cross country races that have been held over the last couple of months. The senior race will be wide open with several male and female runners lining up to stretch the ‘hammys’ and quads after their Marathon commitments.
Windy conditions prevailed for the Rural View 5/10km run, which tested approximately forty-five runners as they completed the arduous task of summiting several hills in the ever expanding suburb. Prior to reaching the highest point, the hardy runners tackled the varying undulations along the streets of George Fordyce, Marzan and Sologinkin in a bid to ready themselves for the toughest ascent which looped around the top of the impressive height of Rural View Drive.
Many thanks to a well marked course by Stuart Sprott & Jeanette Farrugia, timekeeping by Jan Smith & Stacey Eggleston, Stuart Bartholomew (water stop) and Robyn Madill (photographer) thus allowing other runners to run – made possible only by our many weekly volunteers 🙂
Last Sunday forty runners took part in the very challenging 5/10km Robbo’s Roundabout from Magpies Sporting complex, which included every hill in every nook and cranny that Graham Robinson could find. Sandy Strong, who revelled in the tough course, surged on the many hills in the Glenella suburb, scored a win in the 10km event in a sensational time of 46 minutes 33 seconds. Strong took an early lead and held onto pole position for the entire race place ahead of Matt Stevens (47:34) and Chris Ward (49:16).
The 5km race was a hotly contested event, where Nixon Rodden claimed the female section in 23 minutes 26 seconds ahead of Anthea Ford (27:20), Jo Hughes (28:57) and Robyn Madill (29:29). Greg Coulson sprinted the 5km to be the first male in 24 minutes 59 seconds, marginally ahead of Paul Arvidson (25:41), David Munnings (27:37) and Shane Barben (28:26). The Rath boys, Anthony and Cooper, found themselves in a tightly contested race with Cooper being the eventual victor by five seconds.
Mackay Road Runners Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain champions, Liam Mumford and Judy Zahn were ecstatic with their respective wins at last Sunday’s prestigious annual 6.4km event. Judy’s amazing victory in 41 minutes 26 seconds, whilst not a personal best time, was her ninth title since 1994. The veteran runner stormed to an early lead from the gun and was not troubled by the much younger field of female runners. Melissa Gaviglio’s first attempt of the Mountain (other than in a car/bike) scored her a sensational second place in 42 minutes 40 seconds ahead of previous four time winner, Janelle Tilse (46:05) and Robyn Richards (47:24).
A special mention to several first time athletes who challenged themselves and conquered the 6.4km course from Netherdale to Eungella, ie Arthur Dick, Carmel Mahon, Karla Hook, Shane Barben, Kristi Irelandes, Nixon Rodden, Hannah Hillman, Casey Cummings and David Munnings.
Podiatry Mackay’s (Donald Orr) Junior King and Queen of the Mountain titles were presented to Jade Bidgood (Male) and Anthea Ford (Female). The pair also shared the Laura Pettifer Memorial Award donated by Laura’s family after losing their daughter in a cycling accident. Laura was a former Queen of the Mountain (2008) and a very talented all round athlete in whatever sport she pursued. In addition to gratefully acknowledging Donald Orr’s support of the juniors, Donald also supplied ‘feet’ lollies to all runners as they reached the finish line – a timely reminder to look after our feet as well as everything else.
Nearly sixty runners filled the Andergrove Tavern car park prior to the running of the annual 10km Handicap Trophy and 5km handicap events. The 10km Handicap Trophy goes to the first club member, male or female to cross the line based on their individual handicapped start time. Relatively new runner, Shane Barben stormed home to take the prestigious prize after continually showing massive improvements in his running with every outing. Regaining some of his previous form was David Isbister, who placed second ahead of Tim Caddy, Liam Mumford, Mark Pashalis, Lisa Burns and Sanri Blom.
The newest club member and fresh from representative honours, junior talent Gabrielle DeBoni blitzed the 6km field to finish two and half minutes clear of fellow rep juniors Nixon Rodden and Aderline West, with Robyn Madill, Jo Hughes and Annette Burridge closing in fast. Cooper Rath put in a superb performance to steal victory from Dad, Anthony Rath, John Rodden, Ryan Barben and Arthur Dick. Cooper may have had the upper hand in the 5km, but we’ll see if he gets fed at the dinner table tonight.
Racing for runners and cyclists will commence at 8am sharp from Netherdale, therefore competitors are required to be nominated by 7.45am at the latest. The road will be closed by Police for one hour only, so for those wanting to arrange vehicles to be taken to the finish precincts need to make arrangements early.
Shawn Claydon lead approximately fifty runners and held on by one minute to claim gold in the Male 16km Slade Point Club Championship race ahead of fast finishing Mark McFadzen and Andy List. Claydon’s one hour twenty-seven seconds was a tough fought race in humid conditions for the first 10km, then turning cool and windy in the final 6km loop towards Lamberts Beach. A superb race by Jack Simpson to finish fourth, less than one minute behind List, with Moranbah runner, Gary Jenkinson and Darren Binstead securing fifth and sixth consecutively. Finishing three minutes later was Sandy Strong, who has made a successful return to racing after a long injury stint, with Martin Lambert, Danny Windle and Tim Caddy closing out the top ten male finishers.
Next Sunday’s Andergrove Tavern 10km (and 5km option) Handicap Trophy race commences from the Andergrove Tavern car park at 4pm. All 10km runners will be sent off on their individual handicap and the trophy winner will then go to the first runner to cross the line, male or female. The style of race allows the slower runner to have the opportunity to win a race and also one of the major trophies which will be presented at the prestigious awards night at the end of the year (October). It would be much appreciated if entrants could register by 3.45pm thus allowing volunteer race officials to do their own race warm-up preparation in readiness for a 4pm start.
Last Sunday’s 5km from the Seabreeze Resort Motel Lamberts Beach was a relatively short race for some after training and competing in recent local and intrastate marathon events. Although, just as special for quite a few runners, the 5km is a significant milestone, especially for the newer runners and those making a comeback to running. Several of those athletes ran extremely well to attain the coveted distance at today’s event – congratulations go to Trudi Barben, Rebecca Dempster, Arthur Dick, Anthony Rath, Ryan Barben, Annette Burridge, Harry Ward, Mel Rich and Sanri Bloom. A big welcome back from the Club Handicapper to Josh Eisemann upon his return to running after a significant tapering session – great to see he was in his usual fine form.
Many local runners and their families converged on the Gold Coast last weekend for several running events including the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and smaller distances – there was a race to suit everyone, with everyone having their own personal goals to attain, from their first marathon to personal best times over their favourite distances to running with their training partner or family member – all are to be congratulated on their efforts. Major highlights came from Andy List who did a personal best time of 2hrs 58min in the Marathon, where getting under three hours is a significant milestone; Graeme Railton, James Kearney and Kylie Binstead stepping up in their first ever marathon, Jim Ford running the half marathon with his daughter, Alanna, while his other daughter, Anthea did the 10k race the day before, and the whole Ward family, Chris, Jacqueline, Harry and Patrick competing in various events over the weekend. Outstanding performances came from relatively new runners, Linda McFadzen and Stacey Eggleston who competed in very respectable times in the 10k and 5km over the two day festival.
Meanwhile, locally, the Mackay Road Runners staged a social 4/9km run from the Mt Pleasant Tavern, where over forty runners enjoyed the perfect running conditions over varying terrains through the slight undulations surrounding the Mt Pleasant, Gooseponds and Pioneer River precincts. Several junior runners stormed over the short course in sensational style, as well as many senior runners who sprinted the 4km distance, including Ashlee Scott,Tracey McRae, Jo Hughes, Melissa Rich, Robyn Madill, Steven Vincent, Cooper Rath and Ryan Barben.
Over fifty runners converged on the Catherine Freeman Oval at Slade Point last Sunday to tackle the 5/10km loop course in the very breezy, cool conditions which surprisingly held a high degree of humidity. The Stuart Sprott marked 2.5km loop course had the runners trailing through the streets parallel to the Oval toward Slade Point Road and returning via Slade Point School.
Clearly improving with every race, Melissa Gaviglio took out the women’s 10km event in 46 min 30 sec ahead of training partner, Karen Baker (48:03) and Lisa Burns (49:46). Emily Bartolo (50:50) was closing in fast ahead of Liz Hamilton (51:12) and Kristie Irelandes (51:40). Many new runners enjoyed the event, including Annette Burridge, Katrina Coulson, Stacey Eggleston; Harry Ward, Cooper Rath, Jacqueline Ward, Jess Rath and Grady Hamilton, who continue to take chunks off their previous times with each week’s outing.
Last Sunday’s very cool conditions did not deter approximately fifty runners from competing in the 5/12k Shields Stampede, which was held from legendary Mackay Road Runners Life Members’ residence, Wendy & Merv Shields. Wendy & Merv have been an integral part of the Club from its inception thirty-five years ago, with both of them collecting many awards and accolades for their running performances. They have graciously hosted the Shields Stampede race for several years, where runners and supporters are deservedly treated to an array of yummy post race treats.
The handicap start in the 12km event saw Jane Hebdon secure maximum club handicap points followed closely by Shane Barben, Stacey Eggleston and Sandy Marchetti. Gold Coast Marathon competitors, Donna Rath, Martin Lambert, Stuart Bartholomew, Sandy Strong, and Tim Magoffin easily completed the 12km course which took in many seriously undulating hills of Mt Pleasant, Beaconsfield and Andergrove. Visiting runners and ex locals, Peter Ford and Warren Eggleston cruised the 12km event, as did Anthea Ford & Jenna Bugeja, who once again challenged themselves by stepping up to successfully complete the longer course.
Approximately forty-five runners took part in last Sunday’s social Shoal Point Park 6/10km, which was held in perfectly cool running conditions, a big improvement on the previous day’s atrociously cold and rainy conditions. With all runners bolting from a scratch start, Tracey McRae took out the 5km ahead of Jennifer Pel, Robyn Madill, Lainie Tilse, Shannan Ralph, Nixon Rodden, Stacey Egglestone, Regina Coxon, Kelli Windle, Sharon Windle and Sian Summerville. In the male 5km event, young Ben Vella showed a clean pair of heels from the start to retain his lead throughout, finishing first ahead of John Rodden and Jarrid Kennedy.
In perfect running conditions, approximately sixty competitors took on the 5/11km Slade Point Saunter from the beautiful precincts of the Catherine Freeman Oval.
First home on handicap in the 11km with a great run by new club member, Liz Hamilton with a fast finishing Tim Magoffin claiming second ahead of Mark Woodward, Dean Malone, Paul Tilse and Stuart Bartholomew. Liz then had female company as Danielle Cahill and Karla Hook followed the men to finish inside the top ten handicap placings.
Approximately seventy runners conquered last Sunday’s 5/11km Mt Bassett run, which started with cool, drizzly rain from the New Mulherin Park precincts at the Mackay Harbour. Agnes Farmer, Kylie and Darren Binstead had the unenviable job of timekeeping in the uncomfortable conditions, but still had big smiles for every runner as they crossed the line.
With several runners clocking up huge kilometres the previous day, the performance from many of the competitors was nothing short of sensational, with Shawn Claydon claiming gold in the male 11km ahead of Andy List, Jack Simpson, Mark McFadzen, Terry O’Connor, Martin Lambert and Tim Magoffin. The same scenario could be said for the female contingent, with Melissa Gaviglio crossing the line first ahead of Karen Baker, Alison Friswell, Donna Rath and Janelle Tilse. The 11km race, which included two ascents of Mt Bassett, was handled extremely well by the entrants in particular, Jim Ford and Alison who love the challenge of a hill or two, whilst jostling for race position.
Perfectly cool, breezy conditions set the scene for the running of the Sea Eagles Resort 5km Fun Run and 28km Sarina to Salonika Club Championship race last Sunday morning. Timekeepers, Sandy Strong, John Atkinson and Teresa Robinson sent runners on their way from Brewers Park, Sarina at 6.30am for the one way 28km trip to the beautiful Sea Eagles Resort at Salonika Beach via the undulating country roads of Cliftonville, Alligator Creek, Timberlands, Hay Point and Half Tide Beach to the very welcoming finish line.
In the female event, Judy Zahn lead the entire race until the final water stop at 25km, where Janelle Tilse saw a slight opening to surge ahead and retain the lead to claim gold in 2 hours 19 minutes 25 seconds with Judy finishing strongly to take silver in 2:20:19 ahead of Gold Coast Marathoner Donna Rath (2:23:40). Relatively new runner, Melissa Gaviglio had a sensational race in her first outing in this event to score fourth (2:26:27) in front of Kylie Binstead (2:38:01), Jeanette Farrugia (2:40:30), Karla Hook (2:45:38) and Jane Hebdon (3:02:00).
Congratulations to all runners for completing the tough 28km run in commendable times, including Terry O’Connor, David Perkins, Matt Stevens, Chris Ward, Derek Woods, Shane Donnollan, Greg Coulsen, Stuart Sprott and Paul Tilse. Congratulations also go to the 5km competitors who travelled a very long way to compete in their event. Results:- Female 5km – Robyn Madill (1st), Kelly Lambert (2nd) and Charlotte Lambert (3rd); Male 5km winner, John Atkinson amazingly backed up after arriving to timekeep at 6am to finish first in the 5km at 7.30am ahead of John Rodden.
Approximately seventy runners ran the 6k & 11k Cafe La De Da pre-Mothers Day run last Saturday morning at 6am from the Cafe precincts in Wood Street. A cool early morning downpour of rain did not deter the eager runners at the start line, and as the starter’s gun fired, they shot off towards the Boardwalk on River Street to loop back onto Victoria Street before heading towards Goldsmith Street, Queens Park. The 6km runners turned at the junction on East Gordon Street lead by past Australian Athletic champion, Chris Colwill, with junior runner, Liam Mumford hot on his heels. The pair held their positions to the finish line, with Ryan Borg finishing four seconds later in third place. Robyn Madill claimed gold for the female 6km event, with Jennifer Pel closing in fast for second place by two seconds, ahead of new runner, Jo Hughes, who was ecstatic with her early morning run, finishing two minutes in deficit.
The Handicap Points April Monthly Medal Trophy saw a very tight finish with Kristi Irelandes snatching the Trophy by one point from Karen Baker. Both girls are relatively new to the road running scene and have been making significant improvements in their running since they started. They have been increasing their weekly kilometre mileage in readiness for the Mackay Marina Half Marathon event on 5th June and with their current form, they are both looking towards a very successful outing come race day.
Next Sunday morning’s 28km commences from Brewers Park, Sarina, although runners are to meet at the Sea Eagles Resort at Salonika Beach for the 5.30am bus trip to the start at Brewers Park. There will be an inaugural 5km run from the Resort whilst the 28km race is in progress. All runners and their supporters are welcome to stay post-race for Presentations and enjoy the hospitality of Sea Eagles Hosts, Jenny & Len, where breakfast can be purchased and enjoyed in the beautiful surroundings of the Resort.
A special run at 5pm on Anzac Day for the Mackay Road Runners was the Rats of Tobruk 4/8km commencing from The Rats of Tobruk Memorial in Queens Park. Approximately seventy-five runners took a moment prior to the run to remember the meaning of Anzac Day, while Club President, Jim Ford respectfully quoted the Anzac Ode. Most runners were feeling a little weary having had a very big day out with Anzac Day Celebrations from the Dawn Service in the country areas to the mid morning parade in town.
Second placed behind Claydon was Mark McFadzen, who also has a big commitment coming up this weekend on Hamilton Island, where he will be competing in his third Hilly Half Marathon. His first placing last year was a sensational effort, and with a second placing the previous year, he will definitely be hot favourite to take out the event again. Third placed male in the 8km was Derek Woods, who has been training and racing very well, just claiming the bronze position ahead of well credentialed runners Jack Simpson, Andy List, Mark Woodward and Ryan Borg.
Over sixty competitors contested The Balance Podiatry 5/10km Club Championship race last Sunday in perfect conditions at 5pm from Queens Park. In addition to the prestigious event, the Club conducted its first novice race where junior runners sprinted two laps of Queens Park.
Judy Zahn continued her winning ways, to take out the female 10km race in 46 minutes 04 seconds, ahead of fast finishing Jeanette Farrugia (47:23) and third placed Janelle Tilse (47:29). Karen Baker continued her run of personal best times to sneak under fifty minutes by 17 seconds for the 10km.
Last Sunday’s 5/16km Farmers Gallop has been a regular event on the Mackay Road Runners Calendar for nearly three decades. Club Life Members, Fred and Agnes Farmer have been heavily involved in the local running community from the Club’s inception thirty-five years ago, where Fred was the Marathon Champion of the Eighties.
Ashlee Scott continued her sizzling form to place third overall in the 5km and first female in 19 min 26 sec. Second placed, Holly Anderson took silver ahead of Jenna Bugeja, Aderline West and Kristi Zaeza.
Podiatry Mackay Athletics North Queensland Cross Country races last Sunday afternoon. The event that was scheduled to be run from the Botanic Gardens was moved to a safer route at the start of Sandfly Creek Path, at Iluka Park, Town Beach. Over seventy-five runners competed in age categories ranging from under nine to over sixty across distances of 2, 3, 4 & 6km. The youngest competitor was seven year old Harry Ward, who ran well to take out the gold medal in the under nine category.
4km 14/15 yrs boys – Liam Mumford (1st); Ben Townsend (2nd); David Barker (3rd)
As runners headed into the rainforest trail there was nervous thoughts of what was install. The rain drenched trail soon had us weaving and stomping through mud and water.
Tim, Terry and Darren (Surge) showed us how mountain climbing was done. A small stretch of level terrain and Sandy Strong and Dave Perkins demonstrated what endurance running was all about.
Congratulation to approximately thirty runners who successfully completed their individual training run in the very humid conditions last Saturday morning. The current training run options varied depending on the ability of each runner, whereby they could choose their own distance, ranging from 10km to 28km. The longest run group commenced at 4.45am at Cafe La de Da, Wood Street, then joined back up with the 20km group at 5.30am for a huge loop around the City via The Boardwalk, The Catherine Freeman Walk to the City Gates before proceeding down Archibald Street and Bridge Road towards Sandfly Creek Path for the final few kilometres.
Over 100 runners lined up for the 5/10km Martel Marina Sprint from the Harbour boat ramp car park precincts last Sunday afternoon. Liam Mumford was in blistering form to lead the 5km event ahead of approximately fifty runners in the 5km event, whilst a further fifty runners were sent off on a handicap start for the 10km event. Mumford put his foot on the accelerator in the early stages of the 5km race to take a hefty lead before the first bend. He finished two minutes clear of the first female and 2nd overall in the 5km, Ashlee Scott. Young Ben Townsend finished third overall and was the 2nd male competitor in the 5km in an awesome time of 22min 06sec, ahead of Mark Pashalis and Matt Townsend. Jenna Bugeja ran a top race to take out second place in 23min 04sec, with Anthea Ford only eleven seconds behind, claiming third for the girls. Congratulations to all the juniors who are running exceptionally well and going from strength to strength each week in the lead up to their respective primary School cross country events.
Over one hundred runners literally bolted from the gun at last Sunday’s 4/8km Mackay Road Runners Meng’s Cross Country event from the Tourist Information Centre. Mackay Road Runners was proud to have Club Patron and Mayor, Col Meng and his lovely wife, Rhonda send the record crowd of 101 eager runners off with a bang for the first handicap race on the 2011 running program. In attendance and running the shorter course option, was the race origin’s namesake and brother of Col, Warren Meng, who used to set a horrendous cross country course from its inception approximately ten years ago. Even though Warren suffers a few knee injury issues, he gladly backed up after competing in the Sarina Beach Triathlon bike leg the previous day to sprint the 4km at today’s event. Many thanks to the Mengs for their support of the Club; much appreciated.
A huge congratulations to Mackay Road Runners’ hardworking volunteers at last Sundays social 5/10/15km Tilse Toddle, getting approximately 85 runners numbered, registered and briefed for a 5.30pm race start. Club Registrar Donna Rath and her assistants Teresa Robinson, Cooper Rath and Agnes Farmer did an awesome job with many new and existing Members signing up for the 2011 running season. Many thanks also go to all the eager youngsters handing our water to the desperately thirsty runners as they took on the intense humidity in completing their respective events. All runners were treated to some well deserved post race treats and energy drinks courtesy of Race Co-ordinator, Paul Tilse.