2017

Jan 1 2018

New Year’s Eve’s late afternoon saw over twenty dedicated Mackay Road Runners meet at the Mackay Base Hospital carpark for a 6km or 10km run in very steamy conditions. Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford very thoughtfully warned runners of the extreme conditions, reminding them to back off their pace and use all water taps at regular intervals rehydrating at every opportunity. The course, which had runners depart the carpark towards the old Hospital Bridge, proceeded onto the meandering Bluewater Trail, thus providing runners with awesome scenic river vistas whilst challenging themselves in the testing weather.

Local running champion and current Eungella King of the Mountain titleholder, Liam Mumford, found the warm conditions slightly suffocating whilst home on his University winter break from Virginia, USA, although he still managed to blitz the field in his usual sprint style. Liam will remain in Mackay until mid-January just in time to celebrate his twenty-second birthday with his family and friends before heading back overseas to complete his studies.

Congratulations to all runners in completing their respective distance option especially after enjoying their Christmas spoils and prior to peaking towards their New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many thanks once again to Jim Ford and Alana Ford for organising the event and post-race refreshments amid their own busy festive break.

This Sunday’s off season casual social run will commence 5.30pm from the Mackay Harbour boat ramp carpark precincts (Old Mulherin Park) for a gentle jog up and down Mt Bassett. All Club members and non-members are very welcome with only a gold coin donation towards post-race fruit, etc….

Intending Mackay Road Runners members are reminded of the upcoming Calendar and Annual General Meetings – all input gratefully considered and volunteers most valuably accepted.

Dec 27 2017

Mackay Road Runners President, Tim Magoffin congratulates Podiatry Mackay’s Rebecca Baird for over 15 years support and sponsorship to the Club. Proprietor, Donald Orr was unfortunately absent for the presentation but has been a proud and integral member of the Mackay community since 1990. As a part of their commitment to complete patient-focused treatments, they offer appointments outside of our normal business hours upon request. Podiatry Mackay has been a major contributor to the Club, specifically, ongoing support to the junior ranks, including sponsoring Athletics North Qld Junior Cross Country races, the Eungella Junior King of the Mountain and the Junior Magic Mile. Donald has been a humble and generous supporter throughout the fifteen year association with the Club and Mackay Road Runners look forward to another fifteen years together. Mackay Road Runners congratulates Donald, Bec, Julie and staff on their move from their long term base in Carlyle Street to their new Clinic at the Gasworks Complex, Shakespeare Street, Mackay.

Dec 27 2017

Last Sunday Mackay Road Runners welcomed over thirty runners and special guest, Leonie Featherstone (Author and Leader of a Blue Diamond Team Of Wellness Advocates for DoTerra Essential Oils) to their Christmas Eve Run from the Tourist Information Centre, Ram Chandra Place, City Gates.

Club Captain, Jim Ford, announced the course description for the 6km short and 10km long courses which took the dedicated runners through the South and West Mackay precincts before the final stretch through the beautiful Botanic Garden scenic meandering pathways to the finish line where Leonie imparting a wealth of information on DoTerra products which were based on the athlete and their ongoing health, recovery and performance maintenance. Leonie also generously donated specialised products for random draw prizes as well as free samples and valuable consultation advice.

The club also welcomed runners home on holidays, Anthea Ford from Cairns and Liam Mumford from the United States. Anthea has been studying and working in the far north for approximately five years, whilst Liam has been based at Charleston University, Virginia through a US based academic and athletic sponsorship over the past three years. Also great to see the return of Peter Ford, although he does live locally!

Runners who performed extremely well in the very humid December conditions included Mark Takagaki, Bill Morgan, Kim Saron, Jose Short, Carolyn Steginga, Carmel Mahon, Craig McGahey, Jo Skinner, Colin Hardy, June Bradley, Will Morgan, Ross Connor and Russell VandenBosch.

Mackay Road Runners will continue to meet regularly in the off season for a serious of casual social group training sessions, whether a Club Member or not – Wednesday 6pm Bluewater Quay, Sunday 5.30pm – check out the website for varying locations throughout the city.
Many thanks once again to Alana Ford and Jim Ford for the Race Directing and post run refreshments organisation…..so much appreciated.

Dec 17 2017

Mackay Road Runners indulged into the Christmas spirit at last Sunday’s second last Sunday afternoon run before Christmas, happily and generously donating a huge array of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Organiser of the hamper donations, Club Secretary, Alana Ford, was ecstatic with the response from Club members and local businesses over the past month with a huge quantity of items to be presented to the worthy charity this week. Among the generous sponsors was IGA Supermarket, South Mackay and Ricky Parker Painting. Ricky also donated six random draw Christmas gifts to the generous Club runners, with all winners very excited with their prizes. Ricky is always very supportive of the Mackay Road Runners, donating impressive cash prizes at the Mackay Marina Run as well as random draw prizes throughout the year at various running events.

Meanwhile, the Bucasia event hosted by Mackay Road Runners’ Race Director, Jim Ford, who as usual, organised a great 6km & 10km course from Bucasia Shopping Centre to Shoal Point via the beautiful Bucasia shoreline with a return trip via Shoal Point Road. With over thirty keen runners, Jim split the field into two teams based on what side the bridge runners resided, with all runners competing for THE major prize. The Northside Team marginally defeated the Southside Team, although the run was on the Northside, therefore the handicap weighting will be reviewed in future! Northside Team Captain, Steve Oberg, gratefully accepted and shared the coveted prize with his team and their Southside rivals. Jim congratulated all participants on a great run with all competitors enjoying the very social and casual nature of the Club organiser’s antics. Congratulations to new runner, Carmel O’Shea who came along with her Mackay Road Runners friend, Brenda Windsor from Koumala as well as regular runners Leanne Connor, David Isbister, Noel Barnett, Tim Caddy, Alana Ford, Carmel Mahon, Karla Hook, Jose Short, Ross Connor, Mark Takagaki, Carolyn Steginga, Ricky Parker, Jo Skinner, June Bradley, Glynis Forse and Peter Ford.

Although runners are now looking forward to Christmas, Mackay Road Runners will still hold its regular Sunday social run at 5.30pm from the Tourist Information Centre, Ram Chandra Place, City Gates. The Christmas Eve casual run will have a special guest in Leonie Featherstone who is an Author and Leader of a Blue Diamond Team Of Wellness Advocates and DoTerra Essential Oils. Leonie will bring along some samples of her products for the athletes to try and a quick spiel on how and why she is so passionate about the product line.

Many thanks once again to Jim Ford and Alana Ford for organising post-race refreshments, prizes, course and marshalling….very much appreciated!

Dec 10 2017

Mackay Road Runners casual social off season training group met at the Mackay Surf Club to tackle a challenging 5.5km & 11km run South along East Point Road and return via the sandy shore line and Breakwater wall.

Approximately twenty runners enjoyed the very cooling sea breezes as they set off at 5.30pm toward the river mouth before returning via the testing angled 3km beach stretch at full tide. The soft sand did nothing to deter runners enjoying the awesome conditions and well earned post run refreshments.
Despite riding from South Mackay to the Harbour and slotting in a short ‘run’ before the ‘run’, Carl Pinkstone easily lead the field from the gun to complete the 11km run course in style. Matt Graves was a close second, although he was distracted near the finish line whilst his young family cheered him on. Excellent running also came from Carmel Mahon, Mitchell Thompson, Carol Steginga, Rod Yates, Peter Ellison, Stephen Oberg, Kelly Bebendorf, Alan Zamparutti, Dave Isbister, Tim Caddy, Mark Takagaki, Lindsey Wiggins and Jenene Mclellan.

After a well earned recovery, Carol Brown had a sensational run after completing the Blackall 50 Ultra Marathon a few weeks go. Carol enjoyed the Blackall 50 event so much, she was still glowing in her praise for the event organisers. Carol collected a bronze medal in her age category, which was an unexpected reward for all her hard training. Carol quoted the conditions as being extremely tough, especially towards the later stages of the race when bad weather set in, making the final 10km very challenging. Although, Carol did experience some mentally testing moments throughout the race, as you do in Ultra’s, the pre race inspirational words given to the competitors by an Aboriginal Elder played a major part in getting her to the finish line…..Congratulations, Carol, on your awesome achievement……great to see how uplifting running is to you…..keep sparkling!

Meanwhile, locally, many thanks to race day marshalls Andrew Short and Jo Hughes who assisted the fill in Race Director, Janelle Tilse, whilst the ‘real’ Race Director, Jim Ford, was out of town. Thanks heaps to the many generous runners and their families who have supported the Club’s charity food hamper by donating non-perishable items to be distributed via the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal by the Club Secretary, Alana Ford. Final donations will be collected at this Sunday’s run at the Hibiscus Shopping Centre, Bucasia so that items can be handed out to worthy recipients before Christmas…..thank you Alana for your initiative in getting this organised.

Dec 3 2017

Mackay Road Runners endured extremely humid and oppressively stormy conditions at last Sunday’s ‘guess the distance’ event commencing 5.30pm from the Memorial Pool, Milton Street. Nearly thirty runners bravely challenged themselves to tackle the tough headwind on the outward journey on the Bluewater Trail, however, the expected much anticipated tailwind was nowhere to be felt on the return trip.

Depending on the distance chosen, runners enjoyed the out and back course which included the beautiful scenic vistas of the meandering Bluewater Trail, Bluewater Quay, Sandfly Creek Trail and beyond to the Town Beach Esplanade. Excellent running by Carl Pinkstone who easily completed the long distance course followed by an avid array of talented runners, including Katie Bebendorf, Rickie Parker, June Bradley, Noel Barnett, Carolyn Steginga, Tim Caddy, Craig McGahey, Dee McMurtrie, David Isbister, Jose Short, Glenys Forse, Lisa Davis, Jo Skinner, Brenda Windsor and Carmel Mahon.

Congratulations to June Bradley for winning the coveted prize for being the closest to her pre-race estimate of the course distance. In addition, many thanks to Club Captain, Jim Ford for organising the prizes, the event as well as supplying post run fruit/lollies.

A hearty congratulations to New York Marathoners and Mackay Road Runners Club Members, Di Clulee and Jenny Harmer who successfully competed in the largest Marathon in the World. Both girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they completed the 42.2km course with ease as well as celebrity spotting at the same time….as you do!!!

This Sunday’s social off season training run commences 5.30pm from the Harbour Surf Club. The course promises some testing surfaces as runners head south down East Point Road to the mouth of the river before tackling the Harbour Beach and Breakwater on the return. Runners are requested to ensure they are fully hydrating throughout the week and on race day so that they can enjoy the social event in the predictably warm conditions.

Non-members and members are most welcome to attend any of the off season, casual and very social training sessions with a gold coin donation at Sunday’s run to go towards post-race refreshments. Mackay Road Runners also meet at the Bluewater Quay at 6pm every Wednesday.

Nov 19 2017

Mackay Road Runners latest event was the very unique odd/even 10km Team event commencing 5.30pm from Town Beach. Over forty runners enjoyed Club Captain Jim Ford’s course description, whereby runners split into two teams based on the odd or even date of their birth. Teams then separated to discuss tactics as per Jim’s guidelines, before each team ran in the opposite direction in an endeavour to cross the finish line as a team within the nominated time. The ‘Odd’ team lead by Alan Zamparutti, Peter Ford and Russell VanDenBosch ran south along the Town Beach Esplanade whilst the ‘Even’ team took on the Sandfly Creek trail headed by Shawn Claydon, Will Morgan, Martin Lambert, Jose Short and Andrew Wallace.

There were some exceptional performances from several runners in both teams as well as from the overall winning team where the ‘Odd’ Team claimed gold – Lisa Davis, Julie Kliese, Jenene McLellan, Glenys Forse, Carmel Mahon, Stephen Oberg, June Bradley, Jo Skinner, Chris Skinner, Simon Henderson, Ashley Davies, Bill Morgan, Lauren Morgan, Ross Connor and Greame Harris with cycling backup by Jess Harris and marshalling by Andrew Short.

Many thanks to Jim Ford who once again organised a great event which always includes varying options for all runners/walker’s abilities as well as a big thank you to Russell VanDenBosch for bringing the post run refreshments…..so much appreciated!

Runners are now looking forward to this Sunday’s challenging Blacks Beach Tavern 5/10km which promises inclusions of testing terrains, possibly ‘some’ sand and hills……yeah! Runners will meet at the Blacks Beach Tavern carpark with racing to commence 5.30pm…..all welcome, members and non-members, to stay for post run refreshments.

Congratulations to local runners, Kristian and Erin Safe who successfully completed the Queenstown Marathon in New Zealand at the weekend in an impressive four hours and 46 minutes. Another local endurance runner, Martin Lambert will be travelling to Tasmania this week to join Australian Mountain Running Champion, Hanny Allston in a 67km ultramarathon trail running event in the beautiful Apple Isle.

Nov 12 2017

Mackay Road Runners continue to enjoy their running with the Club’s very social off season training program designed and hosted by Mackay Road Runners Club Captain, Jim Ford. Jim’s enjoyment was clear as he explained the very technical course to approximately forty runners as they listened as intently as they could despite being a Sunday afternoon…. and surprisingly enough, everyone got it right and no one got lost!

The rules of the run were that runners meandered through the Mackay City Centre streets however, there was to be no jay walking/running at the traffic lights as points would be deducted. To accrue points, runners had to run in groups, ie minimum of two and also count one point for each street they completed as they wound their way from the Bluewater Quay towards the furthest point ie Peel Street, near Canelands. The first couple/group to be back with the most points within the allotted time of between fifty-five and sixty minutes would be the winner and claim the coveted ‘surprise’ prize. As always, runners enjoyed Jim’s course concept whereby he ensures is specifically suitable for a wide range of running abilities ie new and existing, slow to fast, so that all runners benefit from the sessions depending on their current abilities and stages of fitness. The idea also creates an opportunity to meet, chat and support your co-runner, which is a major contributor to the inclusive atmosphere that Mackay Road Runners strives to provide and appeal to all participants.

Mackay Road Runners welcome young German visitor, Kelly Bebendorf, who is in Australia visiting her Dad, Ross for twelve months prior to travelling south to Melbourne and Adelaide to further her study options. Talented Kelly was one of the fastest runners in the field as she easily accounted for the tricky ten kilometre track. Kelly has been enjoying running with the Club this year at a multitude of events including the formal Club program which ended early October, the Wednesday 5km social runs and the Sunday afternoon sessions. Her co-runners will be sorry to see her leave Mackay at the end of the year, but not as much as her Dad!

There was also some excellent and skilled running on display with Russell VandenBosch, Peter Ford & Stephen Oberg rivalling Shawn Claydon and Carl Pinkstone as possible team winners, however, final results were not to hand before the writer/photographer departed. Exceptional running also by Ashley Davies who was on hand to collect her Mackay Road Runners Age Category Club Championship bronze medal trophy. Erin Safe enjoyed a very relaxed low key run prior to heading to New Zealand to race in the Queenstown Marathon this weekend….best wishes to her, husband Kristian and several locals who will also be attending the same event. Excellent performances continued with Jo Skinner, Jenene McLellan, Lisa Davis, Leon Ryan, Simon Henderson, June Bradley, Robyn Madill, Alan Zamparutti, Mark Walz, Mark Pashalis, Tim Caddy, Alex Andersen, Marie Muscat, Jose Short, Karla Hook, Carmel Mahon, Carolyn Steginga, Leo Walz, Scott McIntosh, Simba Walz, Matt Graves and Emma Goodman-Jones.

Runners are now looking forward to next Sunday’s social group training session at 5.30pm from Town Beach Esplanade, ie beach end of East Gordon Street. All new and existing runners are very welcome to attend, no need to be a Mackay Road Runners member.

Oct 29 2017

Mackay Road Runners Club Captain, Jim Ford, was once again integral in the organising of the off season social training run through the Lamberts Beach sandy nature reserve trails. Jim’s very extensive running experience has always been a very important part of the Club’s leadership team, especially as the ideas man for the Club’s off season training sessions. Jim, who has been with the club for over ten years, always finds a unique concept to introduce to runners, which makes for very enjoyable, no pressure running. Despite the official season ending in early October, Mackay Road Runners will continue to host weekly off season events every Sunday afternoon at 5.30pm at varying locations throughout the city….check the Club’s website for details….. mackayroadrunners.com.au

Over fifteen runners enjoyed the 2/3/4 loop course which, as usual, is always up to the discretion of the individual’s own decision on their current ability and fitness as to what distance they prefer to do. The humidity was abundantly obvious as runners trekked through the challenging terrain, however, all runners were delighted with their efforts as they returned to the starting point for a cool down.

Julian (Winx) Picot continued his excellent form from the formal season to lead runners out onto the course before taking in four loops of the testing terrain. Lindsey Wiggins was second out of the blocks followed closely by Adam Knesevic, Alana Ford and Steve Oberg. Carmel Mahon, Karla Hook, Mark Pashalis and Tim Caddy totally enjoyed the social outing as they easily chatted throughout the entire course…how do they do it! Excellent running also came from Bill Morgan, Carolyn Steginga, David Isbister, Simon Henderson and Daniel Stampa. Many Thanks to Jim Ford, Alana Ford and Andrew Short for organising a great course, bringing post run refreshments and on course safety marshalling.

Runners are advised due to the extreme temperatures heading our way already, that it is very important to be fully hydrated prior, during and post event, no matter what the training activity. It is also advisable to be conscious of your own safety whilst training of the roads, including high visibility clothing, etc…

This Sunday’s run will commence at 5.30pm from The Bluewater Lagoon…..check mackayroadrunners.com.au for the course map.

Oct 15 2017

Mackay Road Runners celebrated in awesome style at their annual Presentation/Awards Evening last Saturday Night at the beautiful Breakwater Bar & Restaurant. The venue was amazing inside and out, making it a very special and memorable night for runners, their families and friends. Well over one hundred trophies and random draw prizes were on offer to the deserved recipients. The President’s annual Report congratulated and thanked the many runners, sponsors, volunteers and supporters of the club where its existence would not be possible without them.

President, Tim Magoffin, once again was the congenial, comical and sincere host for the evening, starting off with the Junior Awards whereby several of the Club’s younger set had a very successful year locally and intrastate. In fact, many of the juniors were not able to attend due to Capricornia Representation in Brisbane at the State Titles. Results to hand at time of printing from some of the athletes were commendable results from Benji Binney, Rachel Silvestri and Tahlia Campbell who made the finals but unlucky to not podium finish. Thirteen year old Benji scored a personal best time of four minutes 35 seconds in his pet event, the 1500 metres. Jamie Sanders was first in his age group in the very tough 3km steeplechase, with sister, Layla 6th in her steeplchase event. Jamie placed 6th in the 800m, Rachel Silvestri 7th in the 800 metres and made the final in the 800 and 1500 metres on Sunday, however, just falling short of a podium place. All the kids did extremely well despite other sporting and academic commitments on their playing card. The 2017 Mackay Road Runners Junior Club Champions Rachel Silvestri and Will Morgan were two such athletes who were absent, however, Will’s sister, Lauren gladly accepted his and her own trophies in front of her Mum and Dad, and her Uncle who was from out of town. Hunter McGovern was the recipient of the annual Grove 10km Handicap Trophy which was an outstanding effort as he had to compete against every other club member, junior and senior, based on his handicap.

In addition to the presentation of coveted awards, Tim presented a very ‘big’ cheque of $20,000 raised earlier this year at the BMA Mackay Marina Run to the Publicity Officer, Barry Comben of the Mackay Branch of The Leukaemia Foundation who had to take it home in his ‘big’car! The Leukaemia Foundation is the major beneficiary of the BMA Mackay Marina Run, with over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars being raised since the Event’s conception. Barry’s wife Chris who is Secretary of the Mackay Branch was unable to attend the presentation due to ill health, however, Barry was on hand to accept on behalf of their very worthy organisation. Barry was also of great assistance, presenting the awardees with the trophies in front of the Club’s awesome new media banner and the sixty strong crowd.

The Overall Handicap points Champion was also announced by Timekeeper and Results Co-ordinator, Brendan Bishop, who was very thankful to his very supportive team of Tim Magoffin, Shawn Claydon and Lindsey Wiggins. Brendan counted down the top twenty handicap point’s scores to the podium finishers – Carmel Mahon (1st), Stuart Sprott (2nd) and Judy Zahn (3rd). The trio proved very consistent throughout the year which was evident in their superb performances. The 2016 winner, Stuart Sprott was ecstatic to feature in the top three once again and with good friends, Judy and Carmel.

Carmel also took home second in the Open Female Club Championship behind the very talented Ashlee Scott. Ashlee had a great year, enjoying the challenge of stepping up to the longer distances where she featured prominently. Third placed female club champion, Alana Ford, actually scored the same points as second, however, was relegated to the bronze award via countback. All girls are extremely high end athletes as well an excellent support to each other and their peers.

The 2017 Male Club Championship was awarded to a very thrilled Mark McFadzen, who had a great year after persevering with many podium finishes to finally clinch the major title ahead of previous champion, Shawn Claydon and young up and coming, Carl Pinkstone. The three runners are long standing Members of the Club, although Carl was away at Uni for a few years, however, he was hastily back running with the Club upon his return to continue his winning ways.

The Club also awarded eight monthly medals which go to the highest handicap points scored in a four week period of handicap races – Hunter McGovern, Finn Zamparutti, Jared Spence, Matt Graves, Leon Ryan, Judy Zahn (August and September) and Scott McIntosh.

The Benita Willis 10km Handicap winner was collected by the ecstatic Rebecca Woods who, for twelve months, is the caretaker of the impressive Benita Willis autographed Olympic framed shirt Perpetual Trophy as well as a smaller framed version for her to keep going forward.

Other highlights of the evening included the Encouragement awards – Sarah Jensen and Charlie Bone; Most Improved – Leon Ryan and the Col & Rhonda Meng Club Person of the Year for the third time – Andrew Short. There were also forty age category plaques presented to the top three male and female in ages ranging from under eighteen to over seventy……full list of results attached.

The Club continued its tradition of random draw prizes as the evening’s finale, proving to be a very popular and spirited affair this year, as winners had to answer a very easy question before selecting their prize. Paul Tilse took home the excellent eSafe Fitness door prize valued at over $200 dollars with his better half, very lucky to win a night’s accommodation at the Eungella Chalet cabins…..wonder who she’ll take?

Club Captain, Jim Ford and his lovely assistant, Alana Ford, were on board again this year to host the weekly off season training sessions on Sunday afternoons – check out mackayroadrunners.com.au for the events program!