Articles posted by smpadmin

Mackay Road Runners and Mackay’s only specialised running coaching store ”On the Run” joined forces in presenting the prestigious annual Benita Willis 10km handicap Trophy event from the Bluewater Lagoon parklands last Sunday afternoon. In perfect running conditions, over fifty runners contested the 5km and 10km options with the first placed 10km handicapped runner across the line deemed the 2018  Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy recipient.

“On The Run’s” Martin Lambert has been a huge supporter of running in the local and wider community for many years, with great results from many of his personally trained athletes.   Martin, himself, is a very experienced runner, tackling and conquering many longer distance endurance events including the Anzac Centenary 100km event in Sydney and the Mackay to Moranbah Trail to Triumph in honour of Tony Britton who passed away from mesothelioma cancer. Martin’s quality experiences and knowledge in running includes trail and road running over varying distances. Mackay Road Runners appreciates Martin’s support in presenting the coveted Benita Willis Trophy event.

Benita is one of Mackay’s most treasured icons, competing in four Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games and the holder of many Australian records. Benita was the sensational 2004 World Cross Country Champion where she blitzed a field of world class runners to take an unprecedented first place ahead of her more fancied rivals. Benita is a beautiful role model who still remains a country kid at heart, calling Mackay home, generously supporting our 10km event as well as being the BMA Mackay Marina Run race ambassador. We are very proud to have Benita share her time and experiences with the Mackay Road Runners where she still holds the Club’s  local Magic Mile race record.

The winner of this year’s event went to a very thrilled Simon Henderson who  snatched line honours based on his handicapped start ahead of a very fast finishing Dannelle Thompson and third placed Geoff Neale.  Simon, who is a teacher at Mackay North High School,  just so happens to be the same secondary school where Benita went, was stoked with the spectacular trophy.  His first thought upon winning was placing the enormous trophy in the High School’s main entrance in honour of their past student. Simon, who has been battling injury for some time,  was a very deserved winner of the majestic prize. Runners who ran extremely well to chase down the front markers included Tim Caddy, Stuart Sprott, June Bradley, Alan Zamparutti, Karla Hook, Peter Ellison,  Carl Pinkstone, Judy Zahn, Mitchell Thompson, Mark Takagaki, Scott McIntosh, Steve Oberg, Jose Short, Kylie Harbour, Carmel Mahon, Colin Hardy, Leon Ryan and David Isbister.

Junior runner, Will Morgan, ran a courageous race, challenging himself with the tough ten kilometre event, where he placed highly among his more experienced peers. Will is heading to Townsville this weekend to compete in Athletics North Queensland championships in  the 800 metres, 1500 metre and high jump.

In the five kilometre event, Darrin Pullen sprinted from his handicapped start, placing only seconds behind winner, Janelle Tilse.  Delightful comradery from third and fourth placed Paula Easton and Tam Wanstall as they crossed the line together ahead of the very speedy Nick Rewald.   Mark Walz timed his run to perfection crossing the line marginally ahead of Stacey Tresise, Peter Wright, Andrew Short, Carolyn Steginga, Jo Hughes, Craig McGahey and Ross Connor. Following in quick succession were Bill Morgan, Kim Saron,   Leanne Connor, Sandy Strong, Arthur Dick and Russell VanDenBosch.

Thank you once again to Martin for his support of the event and donating five x $50 random draw and competition prizes to lucky winners. One of the competition prize questions included a guess of  Benita’s long standing 3km Australian record which was won by David Isbister. He was one second off the sensational time of eight minutes 38 seconds……amazing time, no wonder it still stands!  The second prize winner, Karla Hook was ecstatic to have her birthday in May closest to Benita’s.  If you need running coaching guidelines, look no further than ‘On the Run’…maybe you can do a sub nine minute 3km!

Having said that, this Sunday happens to be the Club’s 3km Club Championship event at 4pm from the Queens Park Rotunda via Goldsmith Street entrance.  Attempting a sub nine minute 3km at this time is not recommended…the eliteness of that spectacular time is certainly a tough goal. Our awesome new sponsors of the 3km will be Construct Health Physiotherapy who will be on hand generously supporting the event as well as offering professional assistance.  If you do decide to do an unrealistic wondrous personal best, they may be the first person you need to see post run!   Thank you Construct Physio for your sponsorship, it is so much appreciated

Mackay Road Runners warmly welcomed special guests, Bonny & John Claydon and Sharon & Jeff Stewart-Harris to the annual 5km & 12km Shields Stampede, hosted by Life Members Wendy & Merv Shields. Together with approximately fifty Mackay Road Runners, Bonny, John, Jeff and Sharon were on hand to collectively honour their son and brother and friend, Shawn Claydon, who passed away on 30th August. Life Member, Shawn was the Mackay Road Runners Treasurer for over 15 years and was also Mackay’s top male runner locally and interstate until his illness took hold. Club President, Tim Magoffin spoke of Shawn’s enormous contribution to the Club, his incredible work ethic, whether training or working and his humble and generous personality, which will leave an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who knew him. All runners and supporters wore Pancreatic Cancer purple ribbons in support of Shawn. Shawn’s amazing tenacity was evident throughout his treatment fight against one of the most aggressive cancers which was diagnosed only six months ago. Mackay Road Runners were very grateful to have Shawn in their ranks as a truly unconditional friend and club representative.

Over fifty runners and supporters bowed their heads for one minute’s respectful silence for Shawn prior to bolting from the start line at the Shields Stamped onto the 5km & 12km course. The scratch start race took runners out of the hilly Mt Pleasant suburb into Beaconsfield and Andergrove before heading back to the finish line. The extremely humid conditions tested runners to the limit as they traversed the meandering undulating northern suburbs. Five kilometre runners had a relatively flat track compared to the 12km competitors, however, all competitors relished the testing conditions and adjusting suitably to the weather and every incline they faced.

Paul Arvidson and Nick Rewald ran impressively to break the tape first and second consecutively, Craig McGahey was 3rd and Andrew Short 4th with newcomer, Leon Else cruising in next. First female, Ashlee Scott had a sensational welcome back run with Carolyn Steginga and Jose Short following in quick succession. Excellent running also came from Simon Henderson, Andrew Short, Molly Loosmore, Lauren Berts, Peter Wright, Jo Hughes, Jeanette Farrugia, Tam Wanstall, Craig McGahey, Jo Skinner, Kim Saron, Cilla Martland, Paula Easton and Arthur Dick.

Twelve kilometre runners really felt the sting in their stride in the later stages with many opting to sensibly take walk breaks. Carl Pinkstone was outstanding in the 12km despite the oppressive conditions. Talented long distance runner, Carl formed a huge gap on the rest of the field including second placed Scott McIntosh and legendary Charlie Martel. Great running was on display from Peter Ellison, Lindsey Wiggins, Tim Magoffin, Mark Takagaki, Alan Zamparutti and Stuart Sprott. First female, Carmel Mahon was in fine form on her return to racing, with evergreen Judy Zahn always a tough competitor and in the medal mix. Sterling performances also came from Karla Hook, Kylie Harbour, June Bradley, Carol Brown and Brenda Windsor.

Mackay Road Runners wishes to thank our hosts, Life Members Wendy & Merv for their usual awesome hospitality and scrumptious afternoon tea. Thanks also go to those who contributed to the smoke-o and commiserations to ALL Bronco fans 🙁

Race day volunteers also need to be congratulated on their exceptional work week in, week out in support of the club and to all runners – Tim Caddy, Lindsey Wiggins, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin, Paul Tilse, Peter Wright, Jo Skinner and Shane Barben. Please remember to thank them often.

This Sunday’s prestigious annual event will be the Benita Willis Handicap 10km run from the Bluewater Lagoon. Runners in the 10km event will be competing for the honour of winning the spectacularly framed perpetual trophy of our local running icon and 4 x Olympic champion, Benita Willis. Racing will commence 4pm sharp with all runners starting on their official club handicap for 10km. Runners who do not start on their correct 10km handicap will not be in contention for the trophy. Runners are also reminded to wear their timing chip on their shoe and member # on the front of themselves. Runners are also advised there will be a 5km race option which is not included in the Trophy race and casual runners are most welcome for a small day runner fee of $10.

Mackay Road Runners incorporated its annual pre Father’s Day 5km run with the regular park runners 5k last Saturday morning. Over 180 runners united in fun and fitness to tackle the usual 5km parkrun course, with several runners challenging themselves with two loops of the meandering course which lead runners into the beautiful Botanic Gardens’ scenic trails and rainforests.

Many thanks to regular parkrun volunteers who instructed Mackay Road Runners volunteers on the parkrun procedures so that they could assist appropriately. Parkrun directors are a very organised group with a huge attendance of approximately 150 and more every Saturday morning. The local and head bodies of parkrun are to be congratulated on a successful concept which grows in stature on a weekly basis.

Several Mackay Road Runners assisted on the day including Tim Magoffin, Leanne & Ross Connor, Tam Wanstall, Carol Brown, Steve Oberg, Judy Zahn and Paul & Janelle Tilse. A great number of Mackay Road Runners were also in attendance, thoroughly enjoying the comradery of like-minded individuals.

Family and friends, the local, interstate and intrastate running scene and business associates are in mourning after the recent loss of one of its most treasured and inspirational identities…the legendary, Shawn Claydon. Shawn was and is a local icon, seen constantly running the streets and parks of Mackay in a bid to excel and improve his fitness, speed and agility in his favourite sport of running. Shawn was tragically diagnosed earlier this year with pancreatic cancer. His devoted family and friends rallied in hundreds in support of Shawn in his fight against the disease, which unfortunately claimed the outstanding son, brother, father, cousin, nephew, colleague and mate only six months later. Shawn’s legacy will continue in the hearts of so many of those he touched with his never give up, quiet, and humble persona. His fighting spirit will live on with a Mackay Road Runners Memorial run in his honour with generous support from his workplace where he was a Partner – Forsyth Accounting. The Forsyth Accounting 10km Club Championship event was one of many races where Shawn held first class championship honours for several years….watch this space for the inaugural event to be held early/mid 2019. Mackay Road Runners extend deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners event commences 4pm from 21 Karl Langer Crescent, Mt Pleasant. The Shields Stampede 5km & 12km will be generously hosted by Life Members, Wendy & Merv Shields. The annual run is a challenging event which includes some of the testing hills of Mt Pleasant. The scratch start race will commence at 4pm sharp, therefore, runners are expected to be registered with the timekeeper by 3:50pm with member number and timing chip attached to their shirt and shoe respectively.

Mackay Road Runners annual North Qld Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open and Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile was run and won in perfectly picturesque conditions from the start of beautiful Mackay Marina Breakwater. The Club’s Signature Club Championship event was sponsored by long term supportive sponsors – North Queensland Bulk Ports and Donald Orr’s Podiatry Mackay.

Elite champion runner, Julian Picot broke the tape first after over thirty runners sprinted from the gun start towards the halfway turnaround point, approximately 804 metres onto the Breakwater from the entry point. Julian took out maximum overall Club Championship and age category points ahead of Nick Rewald, junior sprinter Will Morgan and Carl Pinkstone. First female, Kylie Harbour showed her awesome sprinting style over the tough distance which can be more challenging than the longer distances. Karla Hook claim second with Dannelle Thompson taking out the final podium place. Many thanks to NQBP’s Acting CEO Brendan Webb and Amanda Blines for presenting the prizes from NQBP and local Mackay Marina Businesses for the Open race.

Under eighteen male winner, Will Morgan, ran superbly to claim the title in his age division and third overall in the open division. Simba Walz also had a great outing scoring silver in the under eighteen male section.

First female in the under thirteen years, Millie Bishop was ecstatic with her placing and prize from Junior race sponsor, Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr. Sam Riggs was also elated with his race, staking a gold claim over the under thirteen boys and more experienced senior runners. All junior runners are now heading away this week towards representative duties in their pet events.

Excellent running came from North Queensland Bulk Ports Acting CEO, Brendan Webb who sprinted alongside Mackay Marina resident, Leon Else. Wayne McMurtrie, Stuart Sprott, Mitchell Thompson, Gaven Porter, Rodney Yates, Allan Zamparutti, Ross Connor, Ricky Parker, Geoff Neale, Scott McIntosh, Simon Henderson, Jan Smith, Cilla Martland, Kim Saron and Leanne Connor were also in fine form over the sixteen hundred and nine metre event.

The coveted Magic Mile Milo Award was this year taken out by birthday girl, Kim Saron. Kim was stoked to be presented with the large tin of Milo, which will no doubt be a welcome boost to her training and racing regime.

Congratulations to all local runners who were competing in the many other events on offer on the same day as the Magic Mile including the Run The Whitsunday Great Walk at Airlie Beach.

Many thanks to North Queensland Bulk Ports, Podiatry Mackay, Mackay Road Runners President Tim Magoffin, Race Day Director, Andrew Short, Time Keepers Peter Wright and Mark Walz and photographer, Jo Hughes.

This Sunday’s Club event promises a few challenging sections as runners look forward to the Activ8 Bonson’s Scrub 6km & 12km undulating race. Activ8’s Nikki Giles has supported this event over the last few years with a prize for the best improved time by an individual at this event, in either the 6 or 12km event. Many thanks to Nikki and her Activ8 Team. Runners are requested to meet at the Coningsby Primary School carpark by 3.30 to carpool as the race start does not cater for a lot of vehicle space.

Mackay Road Runners hosted the annual Eimeo Pacific Hotel 5 & 14km hilly run at 4pm from the beautiful precincts of the Eimeo Pacific Hotel carpark. The warm conditions were very extreme for this time of year, with all runners in both events tested on not only the humidity, but the very hilly terrain.
Over fifty runners challenged themselves and conquered their individual events as they were sent from the starter’s hands on a handicap start. Many thanks to timekeepers Lindsey Wiggins and Peter Wright, Registrar Paul Tilse and race day volunteers Tim Caddy, Di Morgan, Suzie Silvestri, Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short.

Five kilometre runners did extremely well as they sped down the initial hill to the flat Mango Avenue tree lined parade on their way to the Dolphin Heads Resort turnaround. The extremely technical course was so well marked that it only tricked up two runners ie one told the other the wrong way….sorry Teegs! Excellent running by Rachel Silvestri who is only two weeks out from representing Queensland at the National Secondary School Cross Country Titles in Maleny. Will Morgan also showed a clean pair of heels as he easily completed the course in his usual speedy style. Welcome back again to Jeanette Farrugia who also excelled in the 5km race alongside Charlie Bone, Carolyn Steginga, Tam Wanstall, Arthur Dick, Darrin Pullen, Sarah Jensen, Kim Saron, Leanne Connor, Jan Smith, Bill Morgan, Ross Connor,Mark Takagaki, Tim Caddy, Cilla Martland and Glynis Forse.

Jo Ashford was in great form as she led the handicapped field to the first water stop, ahead of Carol Brown, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister, Peter Ellison, Anna Walsh, Alan Zamparutti, Karla Hook, Simon Henderson, Lauren Dunne, Kylie Harbour, Stephen Oberg and Martin Lambert. Martin was also the generous gift giver of running buffs via his ‘On the Run’ training group. Martin was happy to demonstrate the multitude of ways the buff can be worn whilst running in a variety of hot/cold conditions. Scott McIntosh, Leon Ryan, Jose Short, Andy List, Julian Picot and Carl Pinkstone blitzed their way through the tough course, crossing the finish line in superb form after one final ascent at the Pacific Hotel to test their weary legs.

From one long event to the shortest race on the Mackay Road Runners Program, the club together with North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and Podiatry Mackay, will host the Mackay Magic Mile this Sunday morning at 8am. The 1.6km race will commence from the Mackay Harbour Marina Breakwater entry where runners will race in senior and junior divisions for the chance to win prizes and the famous Magic Mile Milo Award. NQBP have generously closed a specific section of the Breakwater for the event to be run and won.

Mackay Road Runners hosted its annual trail running 5km & 9km Club Championship event from the spectacular parkland precincts of the Cape Hillsborough National Park. The weather conditions were perfect as approximately forty runners bolted from the start onto the beach for several hundred metres before hitting the undulating trails behind the Cape Hillsborough Resort. Club President, Tim Magoffin, thanked Race Directors, Martin Lambert, Leon Ryan and Tim Caddy, awesome race day volunteers, Andrew Short and Peter Wright as well as BBQ Chef/photographer Glynis Forse for their exceptional assistance. The annual Cape Hillsborough event, which has been an integral part of the Mackay Road Runners calendar for many years, is highly anticipated among the junior and senior members in accruing vital open and age category club championship points.

Junior running sensation, Rachel Silvestri, continued her excellent form from the previous weekend’s Secondary School Cross Country Championships, where she placed second in Queensland in her pet event, the very challenging 4km. Rachel took out the 5km Cape Hillsborough junior club championship race in awesome style, followed by close friend and training buddy, Layla Sanders. Will Morgan bolted from the gun, streeting the field in the early stages before hitting the slight uphill section from the beach onto the gravel carpark section.

Carl Pinkstone also continued his outstanding success on and off the road with a resounding win in the 9km two loop race ahead of a very fast finishing Leon Ryan. Carl and Leon have been in great form, both improving significantly with every outing. New Mackay Road Runner but obviously not a novice runner, friendly Irishman, Peter Ledwidge, showed a very clean pair of heels as he displayed excellent running skills to sprint through the very technical course, which included varying terrains from the beach to the rainforest and back. Ainslie Heinke led a strong contingent of female runners in the 9km course, easily skimming over the tough course to take gold ahead of a very fast finishing Kylie Harbour, Jo Skinner, Judy Zahn, June Bradley and Karla Hook. Excellent running also came from Scott McIntosh, Derek Woods, Stephen Oberg, Tim Caddy, Mark Takagaki, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Short, Bill Morgan, Ross Connor, Tim Caddy, Leanne Connor and Martin Lambert. Many thanks to the friends and family who supported runners as well as staying for the post run refreshments and random draws.

This weekend has a feast of awesome running/walking opportunities including the Mackay Road Runners Sunday social 5/10km at the Bluewater Quay commencing 4pm, the Mackay Mountain run/cycle event at Eungella this Saturday and Sunday and the Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis Fun Run on Sunday morning. So get moving, have fun, enjoy whatever options you choose.

Mackay Road Runners, Mackay Cycling and Mackay Triathlon Clubs hosted the M-Test Mackay and Torque Tyres and Trailer Parts Eungella King of the Mountain last Sunday morning in perfect running and cycling conditions. The 8am start from the small rural township of Netherdale, 6.4km from the Eungella summit and finish line, was extremely cool as athletes, supporters and organisers gathered from 6am in readiness for the morning’s racing.

The Mackay Road Runners Signature Club Championship event had awesome prizes on offer from M-Test Mackay, Podiatry Mackay and the coveted Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy. Mackay Road Runners have been conducting the prestigious event for thirty-five years and in conjunction with the cycle race since 2014. The tenth anniversary Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy donated by Veronica Pettifer, supports the Junior 3.2km male and female running champions with a perpetual trophy and sports voucher for the deserved recipients. Approximately forty runners and sixty cyclists held one minute’s silence in respect of Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in December, 2018 whilst on a hilly cycling training session. The memory of Laura will continue with the support of her Mum, Veronica and the local triathlon and running communities who will never forget her endearing and generous persona.

Talented trail and mountain running champion, Carl Pinkstone was crowned King of the Mountain in a star studded field of talent including second placed, local, now international runner, Liam Mumford, third placed Julian Picot and Rod LeCoz (4th). Carl’s excellent time of thirty minutes 13 seconds was just over two minutes shy of the 1991 race record set by Eungella King of Mountain legend, thirteen time winner, Charlie Martel.

Queen of the Mountain, Alyce Garth was just two seconds off the 1991 female race record of 34 minutes 55 seconds. Alyce’s sensational race placed her fourth overall and three seconds in deficit from collecting the $500 race record cash prize. Alyce has been in top form this year, also taking out the recent BMA Mackay Marina 8km run in sizzling style. Ainslie Heinke (41:25), also clocked a spectacular time to score the silver medal ahead of third placed Kyle Harbour (42:40) and Alana Ford, fourth in 43 minutes and eight seconds.

There was sensational racing across the board but none more so than eight year old, Max Scotton who challenged himself by taking on the 6.4km senior race in lieu of the 3.2km junior distance. His fifty minutes twenty-four seconds placed him mid field and the winner of the Junior King of the Mountain. Max’s Dad, Daniel was ecstatic (miffed) to be left in his wake, just seeing the back of his son’s bright orange shirt fading into the distance. Max’s name will be recorded as this year’s Junior male King of the Mountain on the Laura Pettifer Inspirational Perpetual Trophy. He also won the Podiatry Mackay cash prize as well as the $100 sports voucher from Veronica Pettifer.

Excellent performances also came from seventy-two and seventy-four year old, Mackay Road Running stalwarts, David Isbister and Stuart Sprott. Unbeknown to these humble gentlemen, their younger peers are embarrassed that Stuart and David are pretty tough to beat, however, are respectfully in awe of their excellent running resumes. Veteran female runner and former ten time Queen of the Mountain champion, Judy Zahn, was also in scintillating form as the sixty-seven year old (sorry Jude!) smashed the course in her usual non-stop pace. Judy’s Eungella winning hiatus covered an unprecedented 20 year span from 1994 to 2013 with her best time being 38 minutes 17 seconds. Judy is a Life Member of the Mackay Road Runners and also an excellent inspiration to its members and the wider community. Visiting New Zealand runner, sixty-five year old Diane Oxley also had a standout run, easily taking in the cool and hilly conditions in her stride.

Judy, Diane, David and Stuart’s awesome running feats were well supported by fellow competitors, Leon Ryan, Mitchell Thompson, Scott McIntosh, Doug Bettington, Steve Oberg, Andrew Short, Jose Short, Alix Ryman, Luke Schatkowski, Bianca Black, Dannelle Thompson, Tim Dalton, Mark Takagaki, Peter Ford, Shane Barben, Janelle Tilse, Andrew Wotherspoon, Jim Ford, Karla Hook, Leanne Franklin and Arthur Dick.

Many thanks to the Eungella Community Development Committee who had sumptuous brekky options on offer for the athletes and their supporters. Ian, Maz, Joan and crew are an excellent support to the various sporting groups, now offering 24/7 showers/toilets in their beautifully renovated hall. A hearty thank you to race day sponsors and supporters, M-Test Mackay, Torque Tyre & Trailer Parts, Podiatry Mackay, Finch Hatton Police and the Tri, Cycle and Mackay Road Runners Clubs.

In regional running news over the weekend, several Mackay Road Runners competed successfully at the Airlie Beach Running Festival, specifically Ricky Parker taking gold in the 5km. Mackay runners were also well represented by marathoners Mark McFadzen and Brenda Windsor, half marathoners, Lindsey Wiggins, Joe Grech, Martin Lambert, Janine Bella, Jo Skinner, Julie Whibley, Andy Steane and June Bradley and 10km competitors Peter Shuttlewood, Marie Muscat, Alex Anderson and Tim Caddy.

Junior running sensation, Rachel Silvestri performed extremely well at the Secondary School under 17 State Cross Country Championships scoring a silver medal for Queensland. Rachel was ecstatic with her result over the 4km testing cross country course at Maroochydore. Rachel will now compete in the relay event on Monday 23rd July, hopefully adding another medal to her haul. After her successful outing, Rachel will head to the National Titles in four weeks to be held in Queensland’s hilly region of Maleny. Congratulations to her and Mackay Road Running buddies, Layla Sanders, Simba Walz

Mackay Road Runners enjoyed a very social 5/8/10km run from the beautiful precincts of the Bluewater Quay last Sunday afternoon at 4pm. With the sun thankfully still shining, the cool conditions were perfect for running in Mackay’s unique winter wonderland. Over thirty runners had various options to choose from including a 10km run to the testing Mt Bassett where they could view sensational late afternoon vistas from the summit.

Excellent running came from several runners including Shane Barben, who was first in the 5km despite a nagging calf injury, Tim Caddy, who made a welcome return to the pavement after a series of testing ultra-marathon trail events and Ashlee Scott who also performed extremely well after a couple of injury setbacks. Peter Wright took a break from timekeeping duties to give his injury a work out by walking the 5km, as did Craig McGahey, who partnered Peter in the 5km event as part of his ongoing physio rehabilitation stint. Junior runners, Rachel Silvestri and Simba Walz were in awesome form leading their senior counterparts, Alana Ford, Mark Walz, Jo Hughes, Jo Skinner, Andrew Short, Colin Hardy, Darrin Pullen and Carolyn Steginga to the finish line. Ten kilometre runners, Jason McCord, Wayne McMurtrie, Peter Ford, Kylie Harbour, Mark Takagaki, Fernanda DeLima, Anna Walsh, David Isbister, Jo Ashford, Geoff Neale, Carol Brown and June Bradley had an excellent outing to successfully complete the Harbour Road/Mt Bassett run in excellent times. Many thanks to the Club’s awesome Andrew Short for his race day assistance – his usual weekly workload was severely reduced to the social concept.

Runners are now tapering in readiness for this weekend’s annual Mackay Road Runners Signature event, the tough historic Eungella King of the Mountain. The 6.4km senior race is sponsored by long-time supporters, Torque Tyre &Trailer Parts (Roy Rosier) and M-test’s Wendy & Merv Shields. Wendy & Merv Shields are Life Members of the Mackay Road Runners and have continued their generous support once again together with the renamed Torque Tyre & Trailer Parts (old Mackay Tyrepower in Shakespeare St). Roy, Wendy & Merv sponsor the combined perpetual cycle/run event trophy which has been a coveted trophy since 2004, although the running event has been a must do event for over thirty years on the Mackay Road Runners calendar.

The Junior King of the Mountain 3.2km Laura Pettifer Inspirational/Podiatry Mackay event has also been a staple event on the Mackay Road Runners Calendar as well. Even though the junior event has been staged for over thirty years, this year will be presentation of the 10th annual Laura Pettifer Inspirational perpetual award. Laura, who was an excellent athlete and former winner of the 2018 Senior Queen of the Mountain, was an inspirational person among her family, friends, sporting, work and social peers. Her tragic passing on a cycling training event December 2018 will never be forgotten. Many thanks to her Mum, Veronica for her support of the junior event which will continue Laura’s legacy into the future. Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr has been supporting the event for approximately twenty years as well as being an integral part of the Mackay Road Runners Club supporting this event in addition to another of the Club’s Signature events, the junior Magic Mile, which will be held 19th August, hosted in conjunction with the North Qld Bulk Ports.

The Eungella King of the Mountain event commences 8am this Sunday, 22nd July from Netherdale which is at the base of Eungella, 6.4km from the Eungella township. Runners and cyclists can nominate on the day by 7.45am with each competitor seeking out their own club to pay their registration fee and sign on. As this is a point to point event, competitors and their supporters will need to arrive at least one hour prior to the start to organise transport to the finish line or back to the start as the road will be closed by the Finch Hatton Police for an hour duration of the event. The Eungella Community Development Committee has generously allowed us the use of their sensational hall’s covered open area for the joint cyclist/run post event presentation with yummy breakfasts for purchase from the Committee’s volunteers. Please bring cash as per menu and race flyer already distributed by the run, cycle and triathlon clubs. The Committee’s hall now has toilet/showers facilities available for a $2 gold coin donation, BYO towels, etc…. Please note this facility is now open 24/7 for those wanting to clean themselves up whilst in the area, cycling, running, camping, etc… Thank you to the Eungella Community Development Committee who are always generous in their support.

Mackay Road Runners hosted the very testing Robbo’s 61 Steps 5km & 10km from the Gordon White Library carpark precincts last Sunday afternoon at 4pm in sunny, but cool and breezy conditions. Approximately fifty runners enjoyed perfect running conditions as they traversed the undulating course which took in the Mt Pleasant suburban streets including Charles Hodge and Annie Wood Avenues before tackling the treacherous Pollock and High Streets. The two loop course successfully ensured 10km runners would not get lost if they got the first 5km right. Many thanks to timekeepers, Lindsey Wiggins, Craig McGahey, Peter Wright and Tim Caddy who did an awesome job starting runners on their individual handicap start times, culminating in a steady flow of runners crossing the finish line in consistent regulation.

In a welcome return to local racing after a short stint in Canada, Julian Picot finished a classy second place marginally behind a fast finishing Leon Ryan. Leon has been having a great year, substantially improving with every outing on the pavement. Leon’s first place was a sensational finish ahead of Julian with Liam Mumford settling for third place, mere seconds in deficit. First 10km female on handicap was a very focused and determined Kylie Harbour, who ran a spectacular race to take female honours ahead of Anna Walsh and Danielle Thompson. Congratulations to Bill and Will Morgan who stepped up to the longer distance, easily excelling in their debut 10km.

Darrin Pullen clocked an impressive time in the 5km as well as taking out the event from his handicap start ahead of a very fast finishing Rachel Silvestri and Andrew Short. Layla Sanders had an awesome race as well, relegated to fourth by Andrew just before the finish line. Additional competitors across both events who performed extremely well included Jose Short, Lauren Dunne, Alan Zamparutti, Stephen Oberg, Anthony Blines, Mark Walz, Ross Connor, Simon Henderson, Karla Hook, Teegan Philpott, Carol Brown, Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith, Leanne Connor, Sandra Henderson, Arthur Dick, David Isbister, Mitchell Thompson, Jo Skinner, Mark Takagaki, Peter Ellison, June Bradley, Bernadine McKinnon, Judy Zahn, Shane Barben, Fernanda DeLima and Wayne McMurtrie. Congratulations to Brenda Windsor who backed up with an easy 5km after her awesome efforts in the Bravehearts seven marathons in seven days in seven states.

Mackay Road Runners are now focusing on this weekend’s social 5km & 10km event commencing 4pm from the Bluewater Quay at the junction of Brisbane and River Streets. The social run will be a gentle outing in the lead up to one the Club’s annual Signature events, the M-Test/Torque Tyres and Trailer Parts Eungella King of the Mountain on Sunday 22nd July.