2017

Feb 19 2017

Last Sunday, approximately eighty runners delighted in the cloud covered 5km & 10km Martel Marina Sprint, named after Mackay Road Runners Club Life Member and running legend Charlie Martel. Club President, Tim Magoffin, welcomed the many new and returning runners to the second run on the formal 2017 Mackay Road Runners program, which goes from February to October.  The social 5km & 10km events commenced 5.30pm from the Harbour’s Old Mulherin Park/Marina boat ramp precincts in very humid conditions with imposing rain clouds on the horizon.

Ashlee Scott led a quality field of runners to take out the 10km event in the two 5km loop course in an exceptional personal best time of 39 minutes 12 seconds.  Ashlee has previously shown sensational form in the shorter distances, however since stepping up to the longer events, she has proven to be an outstanding, talented and versatile runner. Ashlee is looking forward to testing herself on many of the Mackay Road Runners’ weekly running events this year, which vary in distance from 1.6km to 30km. In the male section, Julian Picot continued his fine form to smash the ten kilometre run ahead of big improver, Carl Pinkstone.

Mackay Road Runners Timekeeper, Brendan Bishop had a tough job on his hands trialling the new computerised timing chip system, especially as the stormy conditions escalated with thunder, lightning and eventually, rain, as he, his family and several roadrunners were there until the final runner crossed the line.  Mackay Road Runners are very fortunate to have Brendan take over the arduous role of timekeeping from previous timekeeping guru, Andy List, therefore, all runners are requested to be patient and understanding as the new system is implemented.  Runners are also reminded to listen extremely carefully at every race briefing given by the Race Director, as there will be important notices and information that must be adhered to, including the new timing rules and regulations, course descriptions, volunteer rosters, road safety, hydration, upcoming events, etc…. Many thanks to all race day volunteers, including race setup/pack up, timekeeping, registrar, merchandising, course marking, etc….

Volunteers from the Park Run organisers, Mackay Road Runners and the Leukaemia Foundation’s BMA Mackay Marina Run Committee are hosting the weekly 5km Park Run from 7am at the Botanic Gardens, West Mackay.  All runners and walkers are welcome to participate in the no cost, social activity which is a great community event for everyone.  This event will be a great introduction in the lead up to the Mackay Marina Run’s Twilight Launch 5km run in the City Cinema City Centre on Friday 3rd March at 6pm.  The Mackay Marina Run Twilight launch run is an excellent opportunity to commence your fitness regime in time for the main event, the BMA Mackay Marina Run on 4th June. An unbelievable amount of time, planning and preparation goes into the event by the hardworking committee, who meet regularly during every month from June to June. Entrants and volunteers are asked to start getting involved and motivated now, as the event is one of the most successful regional events on the running calendar.  The BMA Mackay Marina Run committee are very grateful for the generous long term support of Event Sponsor, BMA, as well as various Race Sponsors and in kind sponsors…..there would not be an event without them!  The Leukaemia Foundation encourages as many people as possible to make their fundraising goals the biggest and best yet so that the Foundation’s valuable and costly work can continue to support the local community.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runner’s event will be the much anticipated annual Tilse Toddle 5/10km from 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay, commencing at 5pm.  Conditions have known to be variable from year to year, therefore, runners are advised to expect anything, ie heat/humidity/rain, after all it is summer and February!  Due to the large number of runners expected, runners are urgently requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to racing as the registration timing iPads will be strictly cut off ten minutes prior to race start, thus allowing our valuable volunteers to warm up for their run.  Runners are required to wear their race number on the front of themselves, as there is a GoPro camera at the finish line ie assists timekeeper should he experience any issues confirming runners’ finishing order.  Runners must be mindful of parking obligations as this is a residential suburban street with an awesome neighbourly reputation.

For further information, visit Mackay Road Runners online and register now to become a Member for a very reasonable fee ($57 seniors – 18yrs to whatever!; $24 juniors – 12-18yrs).  Unfortunately, as in past years, there is no Family membership fee, just individual fees, due to new guidelines handed down as per our affiliation with Athletics North Qld. Becoming a Member by 28th February entitles you immediately to Handicap and Club Championship points which go towards coveted end of year open and age category trophies. Join now!

Feb 12 2017

Mackay Road Runners’ first formal run on the 2017 program was held in oppressively humid heatwave conditions from the Mackay Marina Lighthouse. Approximately seventy runners enjoyed the social 5km run onto the Breakwater wall’s outer perimeter from the Marina boat ramp parkland precincts. Club Captain, Jim Ford was on hand to welcome many new and returning runners prior to the race start.  He advised members to register online before the end of February and to sign in on race day on at least 10/15 minutes prior to the race start, otherwise their time and points will not be registered on the formal results once the handicap point’s races commence in a few weeks’ time.   Runners are urgently reminded to ensure their hydration and refuel intake prior and post-race is an important element of their training schedules. Whether runners are fast/slow/serious/casual, this is vital to their performance and recovery, not just on training/race days but for future body healing.

New runners who showed some excellent form included Mark Takagaki, Matthew Smith, Wayne McMurtrie, Jenny Smith, James Wortley, Madeline Price and Carolyn Steginga as well as returning runners, Peter Wright, Anthony Blines, Erin Safe, Joshua Bornman, Kristian Safe, Scott McIntosh, Alana Ford, Jose Short, Judy Zahn, Stuart Sprott, June Bradley, Anna Walsh, Derek Woods, Carl Pinkstone, Julian Picot, Leon Barben, Jo Skinner, Andrew Wallace, Paul Arvidson, Andrew Short, Ashlee Scott, Rachel Silvestri, John Rodden, Robyn Madill, Hayden Connor, Sarah Jensen and Charlie Bone.

This Sunday’s 5/10km social run commences 5.30pm from the same location ie Old Mulherin Park at the Marina Harbour boat ramp carpark precincts.  All runners are urged to arrive at least thirty minutes prior to the scratch start so they can sign on and warm up in plenty of time for the volunteers to do likewise, as the cut-off time will be strictly ten minutes before the gun.  Please note to bring your own hydration requirements, however, water is available at the start/finish.

Many thanks to all the Mackay Road Runners who volunteered at the hugely successful Mackay Regional Council’s Sports Expo and Sign on earlier in the day, especially Paul and Ryan Tilse who set up the day before and early on Expo day, as well as packing up after the event in the heat of the day.  The heat was a massive barrier for them and Mackay Regional Council’s Ken Furdek and Mark Sleeman as they hauled several very weighty sandbags to ground the unmissable Mackay Road Runners blow-up arch anchored for the day at the Expo entry. Congratulations to Mackay Regional Council’s staff including Ken, Mark, Karen Young, Linda Single, Donna Spada and Robert Ryan for organising another special event for the Community.

Feb 5 2017

The Mackay Road Runners hosted its last summer off season social run last Sunday prior to the commencement of the 2017 formal program this weekend. A very successful and variable three month program was organised by Race Directors Jim Ford and Alana Ford with runners enjoying the unusual weekly course concepts, together with the very casual post run social aspect which included awesome hydration and refuelling treats. As always, Jim explains the course in great detail so that all runners have the opportunity to do whichever option they choose and hopefully not get lost.  The ever prepared Jim, had a risk assessment plan in place for himself by wearing a t-shirt with ‘Ford’ on the front, just in case in forgot his name!

The Boomerang Team Distance/Time Challenge was a unique event where all runners lined up via their dates of birth and were separated into teams after every fourth runner.  The challenge was for all runners, whatever distance they chose from the various kilometre options, to add the distance ran as well as the time taken by each individual, with the winning team gaining the coveted prize, ie bragging rights!

The heat and humidity played a big part in individual performances, however, teams were still very competitive, whilst enjoying the social nature of the event. Upon completion of the event, runners including Jo Skinner, Jo Hughes, Simon Henderson, Ashlee Scott, Carl Pinkstone, Bernadine McKinnon, Hayden Connor, Lindsey Wiggins, Will Morgan, Mitchell Kelly, Leanne Connor, Stephen Oberg, Tim Caddy, Martin Lambert, Layla Sanders, June Bradley, Jamie Sanders, Rachel Silvestri, Shane Barben, Andrew Short, Karla Hook, Anna Walsh and Jose Short enjoyed a grand finale off season celebration of the usual fruits and post-race hydration fluids as well as nutritious pumpkin and banana cakes, etc…

This Sunday will be a huge day for Mackay Road Runners with the Mackay Regional Sports Expo and Sign on at the MECC from 9am to 1pm followed by the first run on the formal 2017 Calendar at the Mackay Harbour boat ramp carpark/parkland precincts.  Many thanks to the volunteers at the Expo and all the weekly race days, it’s YOU that make the Mackay Road Runners a very successful and enjoyable club to be associated with. Intending Members are encouraged to register asap.

Thank you to all those who attended and gave valuable input at the Annual General Meeting  last Monday and to those who volunteered themselves into the very significant and various roles required to run the Club.  Executive positions – Club President Tim Magoffin, Vice President/Publicity Officer Janelle Tilse, Treasurer/Handicaper Shawn Claydon and Secretary Alana Ford have accepted their roles with the vital supportive assistance of outgoing Secretary, Sandra Henderson, who’s outstanding insight and knowledge in her three year term very highly valued and regarded by the Committee and it Club Members.

Outgoing Registrar Karen Baker and course marker, Glenn Baker will sadly be leaving the Club with a transfer to Brisbane in the next couple of weeks, therefore, a social run/walk has been organised by Julie Whibley this Saturday from the Shamrock Hotel at 5.30pm for those wishing to catch up and pass on their best wishes.  The Bakers have been an integral part of the club since they have been involved with both doing various time consuming roles on the Committee…..their valuable input, support and friendship will be missed!

Jan 29 2017

The Mackay Harbour North Wall was the place to be late last Sunday afternoon with the awesome sea breezes allowing runners a welcome reprieve from the stifling humidity throughout the weekend. Club Captain/Race Director, Jim Ford was in his usual good form, creating a challenging run course that contained a multitude of variety to suit all abilities, with the usual options for shorter and longer distances up to ten kilometres. Runners left from the beach precincts in front of the Harbour’s North wall tracking up the coastline towards Lamberts Beach Lookout via the hilly sand dunes and meandering bush trails before the homeward journey into a tough headwind.

Runners who enjoyed the challenging course included Julian Picot, Shawn Claydon, Carl Pinkstone, Ashlee Scott, Jo Skinner, Craig McGahey, June Bradley, Carmel Mahon, Tim Caddy, Paul Tilse, Stephen Oberg, Andrew Short, Robyn Richards, Emma Goodman-Jones, Robyn Madill, John Rodden, Peter Ford, Shane Barben, Leon Barben, Ryan Barben, Alana Ford, Karen Low and Jose Short.

With the 2017 formal Mackay Road Running program to commence in two weeks, Jim’s off season summer social program has been a great asset to runners in retaining their fitness over the three month formal Club break from November to February.  The last summer off season run will be held this Sunday at 5.30pm from the Boomerang Hotel carpark precincts, with post run celebratory treats  for runners and their supporters. Many thanks once again to Jim and Alana Ford for organising the events and post run refreshments……so much appreciated!

The Annual General Meeting was held 30th January at The Grove, Andergrove Road, Andergrove with the formal committee still to be confirmed. The formal 2017 Calendar has been approved however, technical difficulties have been experienced and will be on the website soon.  Members can now register online with 2017 fees once again kept to a minimum, therefore, very reasonable for individuals and families. Mackay Road Runners are a very inclusive club and welcome all new and existing runners/volunteers to join in their weekly events.

Meanwhile, in international running news, Tim Magoffin enjoyed a family homestay swap break in Colorado over the Christmas break which involved many icey activities including the high altitude Denver 10km Polar Prowl run.  The minimum temperature was minus 16 warming up to a mild high of minus 13, however, Tim’s usual organised self, had prepared the specialised running gear required in advance.   He was absolutely startled to see the eventual winner of the 10km start the event in shorts!

The community is reminded that Mackay Road Runners will be at the Mackay Regional Council’s Sporting Expo and Sign-on at the MECC on 12th February from 9am to 1pm……all invited to visit them through the unmissable massive Mackay Road Runners blow up start/finish arch.

Congratulations to the Mackay Regional Council’s (MRC) Australia Day committees for their awesome management of celebrations throughout the region including the spectacular Australia Day Awards Evening on Wednesday, 25th January, which had a record audience attendance of five hundred and forty, and was organised and hosted by MRC’s Corporate Communication & Marketing Manager, Ken Furdek and his amazing staff. The MRC Mayor, Greg Williamson united on stage with Ken to present the coveted awards to the eventual winners.  Congratulations to the many nominees and to those who nominated them.

Jan 22 2017

The humid conditions did not deter over thirty Mackay Road Runners at their social summer Magpies 57 Minute challenge from Magpies Sporting Complex last Sunday afternoon.  The Jim Ford designed course had runners tackle the meandering roads and walkways of the Glenella and North Mackay suburbs towards Harbour Road. As usual, Jim considers and caters for a variance of running abilities, therefore, there were many options offered from 5km to 10km.

Over thirty runners sprinted from the gun in a bid to reach the crucial turnaround point before they turned for the finish line in a bid to clock a time closest to the fifty-seven minute barrier. Runners performed extremely well in the challenging conditions including junior talented runners Jamie Sanders, Rachel Silvestri and Layla Sanders amongst the more experienced competitors of Julian Picot, Tim Caddy, Jim Ford, Ross Connor, Carl Pinkstone, Lindsey Wiggens, Stephen Oberg, Carmel Mahon, Andrew Short, John Rodden, Emma Goodman-Jones, Robyn Madill, Alana Ford, Jo Hughes, Sandra Henderson, Cath Riggs, Melissa Harris and Peter Ford. Many thanks to Jim Ford and Alana Ford for their sensational work setting the course, post-race refreshments and prizes.

Mackay Road Runners remind all runners, members and their supporters that the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held Monday 30th January from 5.30pm at The Grove, Andergrove Rd. Please give serious consideration to any assistance in the ongoing success of maintaining the Mackay Road Runners Club’s awesome reputation and standing as one of the most respected sporting clubs in the community and wider region.

Member registration is now open – please register via the registration page on the website.
Website will soon be updated with current information for 2017 including the formal weekly 2017 Program of events:-
Annual Membership Fees for 2017 – $57 for Senior Member (18 years and over); $24 for a junior Member (12 – 17 years); Volunteer Member – no cost but please register.

Please note Wednesday social 5km runs are back to 6pm at Blue Water Quay; 5am Saturdays are continuing from Parkside Plaza, followed, of course, by coffee!!

Interested new/existing runners are advised that Mackay Road Runners will be once again on full display at the Mackay Regional Council’s Sports Expo and Sign-on at the MECC on 12 February from 9am to 1pm. The unmissable Mackay Road Runners Start/Finish blow up arch/flags will be in full view…..all invited to have a chat to the friendly Mackay Road Runners group, as they look forward to YOU including them in any of your health, fitness or possibly a voluntary support role for 2017.

Jan 15 2017

Mackay Road Runners’ Club Captain, Jim Ford’s annual Plant Paget 10km course was once again a very technical event, where runners formed teams of three from differing age decades.  They then had to run towards well known landmarks in the Paget Industrial area where a specific symbol was marked.  The teams could designate individuals to split up and search for the nominated symbol, then regroup to note the symbol on their Captain’s check sheet, with the team having all the correct symbols and back in the fastest time deemed the winner.  The fastest runners would not necessarily be the winning team, just whoever could organise themselves to find the symbols and be back to the finish line first, therefore, knowing the Paget area would be a distinct advantage. Teams were very excited and quite competitive as they sprinted onto the course to seek out the specific locations, endeavouring to be back first and within the hour to claim the coveted prize.

Julian Picot’s team of Jose Short and Nikki Giles displayed some excellent navigational skills, with Nikki using her adventure racing experience to track down landmarks as well as staying on course and motivating the team.  Teams to do well included but were not limited to:- Carmel Mahon, Niamh Buckley, Brenda Windsor, Shawn Claydon, June Bradley, Tim Caddy, Stephen Oberg, Ross Connor, Melissa Harris, Karen Baker, Alana Ford, Ashlee Scott, Peter Ford, Robyn Madill, Andrew Short, Simon Henderson, Russell Van den Bosch, Glenn Baker, Bernadine McKinnon, Lindsey Wiggins, Carl Pinkstone, Ashlee Scott, John Rodden and Ulrika Widdowson.

Many thanks once again to Race Director, Jim Ford for setting up this particular time consuming course, where landmarks had to be noted and then any leftovers collected afterwards.   Jim spends an enormous amount of time constructing the innovative summer offseason events so that runners can enjoy a variance of concepts each week. His assistant, Alana Ford has also been amazing supplying prizes and post run refreshments each week with the gold coin donations by runners. Alana also proudly displayed the sensational new Mackay Road Runners towel which was organised by the Club’s awesome Merchandising Co-ordinator, Ulrika Widdowson. The towels will be available for purchase for approx $40 and will be available in two colour choices (blue and black) by the start of the 2017 formal running program, therefore, those interested in purchasing can show their interest and order by emailing the Secretary at roadrunnersmackay@gmail.com.  Thank you Ulrika…..you have done a spectacular job!

Mackay Road Runners Annual General Meeting will be held Monday, 30th January at 5.30pm at The Grove Tavern, Andergrove. Intending Members, their family, friends and supporters are encouraged to attend and support the Club. All Committee positions are formally vacated and need to be refilled to ensure a successful 2017 season of running fun and comradery…..ALL welcome!!!!!

Member registration is now open – please register via the registration page.
Website will soon be undated with current information for 2017 including:-
Annual Membership Fees for 2017 – $57 for Senior Member (18 years and over); $24 for a junior Member (12 – 17 years); Volunteer Member – no cost but please register.

Please note Wednesday social 5km runs are back to 6pm at Blue Water Quay; 5am Saturdays are continuing from Parkside Plaza (followed, of course, by coffee) and the 2017 Calendar will soon be available on the website – look out for some exciting news re the King of the Mountain!

Jan 8 2017

Approximately forty Mackay Road Runners eagerly took on the Mackay Harbour to Mt Bassett 5 & 10km event which included several repeats of the challenging Mt Bassett ascent and all without one drop of rain!

Before advising race instructions, Race Director, Alana Ford congratulated Ashlee Scott on her previous week’s race organisation in the absence of Jim Ford and herself. The Mackay Harbour to Mt Bassett course included a one kilometre warm up run to the bottom of Mt Bassett and one ascent/descent to the peak before regrouping at the base for a series of hill sprint repeats. The lead runner, Liam Mumford, who was the formal ‘whistleblower’ (of a different kind), was in charge of sounding the alarm once he and the other lead runners, completed one lap of Mt Bassett. Upon hearing the whistle, all runners then stopped at whatever point they were on the hill for a thirty second rest. Once Liam blew the whistle to signal the end of the thirty seconds, runners returned to the pinnacle and back towards the start line for another thirty second rest.  Due to the variance of every runners’ abilities, the course could be repeated four times or less depending of fitness levels, etc…. with runners then able to individually challenge themselves as hard/steady as they wanted, as the nature of the Summer Off Season Program is of a very social, casual nature.

In addition to the challenge of sprinting the hills, Daren Galea made the track look easy as he pushed his nearly one year old son, Kane in the off-road pram beside his very supportive wife Karlee, who was happy to allow him the privilege of the extra bundle of joy.

Liam Mumford enjoyed his final run for several months with Mackay Road Runners before his 21st Birthday this week and his return to University in the United States on Saturday. Liam, once again excelled in the field of runners ahead of fellow talented runners, Shawn Claydon, Josh Bornman, Ashlee Scott, Lindsey Wiggins, Paige Stolberg, Nikki Giles, Carmel Mahon, Stephen Oberg, Wayne Zahra, Niamh Buckley and Alana Ford. Many thanks once again to Alana for her awesome efforts in supplying post-race treats/prizes with the gold coin runners donate each week, as well as being a great inclusive ambassador of Mackay Road Runners.

Congratulations to Mackay Road Runners junior runner, Mitchell Kelly who took out third in the Mackay Junior Sportsperson of the Year. Mitchell will now head to Brisbane this year to attend University and running full time.

This Sunday’s social Summer program 5/10km event commences 5.30pm from the Railway Station carpark precincts, Connors Road, Paget.  The writer’s images of this event last year was of extremely windy and very wet conditions, not dissimilar to the recent January conditions Mackay has been experiencing. Therefore, all runners are advised to take extra caution whilst sharing the roads with other traffic. Mackay Road Runners will utilise the Mackay Regional Council’s awesome walking paths as much as possible to ensure the safety of all participants, however it is your responsibility to GIVE WAY to ALL traffic at ALL times.

Mackay Road Runners advise their Annual General Meeting will be held 30th January at The Grove Tavern at 5.30pm with all positions up for re-election.  Several positions have been notified as being vacant due to commitments known already, therefore, the Club would deeply appreciate those wishing to take on a formal role, big or small…..you will be very welcome and your interest/ideas will be greatly respected.

Mackay Road Runners intending Members will be able to register for the 2017 season online very soon.

Jan 1 2017

Mackay Road Runners were raring to run on the first day of 2017 with a 5/10km social run from the Base Hospital carpark precincts. Approximately thirty runners braved the very humid conditions by utilising Mackay’s unique Pioneer River views via the Bluewater Trail, Riverside Drive and the Ron Camm Bridge in a bid to start the running year off on a high.

In the absence of Race Directors, Jim Ford and Alana Ford, Ashlee Scott and Carmel Mahon did a great job explaining the 5/10km distances with options to vary the distance if they chose.  The offseason social runs are of a very social nature, therefore runners can opt to walk/run their desired distances within the designated course.

The running ‘Mumford Sons’ were in full force at the event with Liam, Ryan and Travis all taking part, but not a word was sung without the presence of the Mumford ‘Dad’ who was nowhere to be seen.

Ashlee Scott and Liam Mumford lead a quality field of runners including Greame Harris, Carmel Mahon, Stephen Oberg, Tim Caddy, Shane Barben, David Isbister, Jo Skinner, Craig McGahey, Brenda Windsor, Jo Hughes, Karen Baker, John Rodden, David Isbister and Robyn Madill.

Mackay Road Runners’ junior athlete, Mitchell Kelly has been nominated for the Mackay Regional Council’s Australia Day Sports Awards, therefore, we wish him all the best among a bevy of worthy nominees which will make the Judging Panel’s job very difficult.

This Sunday’s social run commences 5.30pm from the Mackay Harbour boat ramp carpark precincts and will include a meandering, flat one kilometre warmup, with the reward of some awesome ocean vistas after some minor ascent (Mt Bassett hill) repeats….ALL welcome, see you there…. for further info, see the calendar.