2018

Whilst the Mackay Road Runners had a rest weekend from racing, over twenty Mackay Road Runners registered a strong contingent of talented runners at Australia’s largest marathon event, the 41st Medibank Melbourne Marathon at the weekend. Among nearly thirty-five thousand competitors across all events, excellent results in the Marathon saw Carl Pinkstone clock an impressive 2 hours 57 minutes (20th in his age) in the testing 42.2km event with injury ridden Julian Picot scoring well to place seventh in his age in three hours and eight minutes. Melbourne is a favourite racing destination for many locals, including Martin Lambert (3hrs 45min), Jose Short (3hrs 47 min), Jenny Harmer (4hrs 34min) and June Bradley (4hrs 15min). Congratulations to first time marathoners, Bronwyn Overall and Erin Crowley who ran in sync supporting each other the entire distance to cross the line in five hours and three minutes. Excellent results were also posted by half marathon runners, Matt Stevens, Tim Magoffin, Natasja Steenkamp, Robyn Devantier and Vicki Connole.

Glynis Forse had an outstanding and beautiful experience in the Marathon as she pushed a paraplegic in a wheelchair so that they could both enjoy the spoils of racing 42.2km. The marathon effort was a very emotional and uplifting time for both athletes as they traversed the course together in six hours twenty-seven minutes…congratulations!

Meanwhile locally, Mackay Road Runners are gearing up for their prestigious annual Awards evening to be held this Saturday night at the Mackay Surf Club. All runners, their families and supporters are looking forward to celebrating a very special year with like-minded individuals. The year has brought forward many new challenges for all runners, new and old, with the introduction of many new faces and sadly, the departure of some. The Presentation night will commence with Junior Club Championship awards to Mackay’s talented runners before proceeding to the presentation of the senior accolades. Many thanks to Club Patron, Col Meng, who will be in attendance to present trophies including the Col & Rhonda Meng Club Person of the Year.

Mackay Road Runners will continue to run off season in a bid to retain fitness through the silly season, therefore, as usual, Club Captain, Jim Ford has set a very social Shawn’s Summer Series of unique running concepts and events. Shawn’s Summer Series will commence this Sunday afternoon from the Lamberts Beach Tavern precincts. Jim is to be congratulated on his thoughtfully planned format which offers a variety of options for runners’ abilities at varying stages of their training. The very social run is planned for every Sunday afternoon until the 2019 season commences, with only a gold coin donation going towards post run fruit, etc. Additionally, for runners who enjoy a social Saturday and Thursday morning and/or Tuesday evening run, please check with the Club for exact locations and time.

Mackay Road runners were ecstatic with the awesome attendance of the last running event on their formal 2018 program – the social Eungella Trail 6km & 12km run. Race Director, Matt Stevens briefed approximately seventy runners across both events on the course description and safety guidelines to assist their trail running experience. Under perfect Eungella skies, the 21km and 6km runners bolted from the gates at 8am and 8:10am respectively, heading towards the beautifully maintained trails and canopied rainforests.

The 21km Eungella Trail Run perpetual trophy went to first placed male and female, Rod LeCoz and Kaylene Gardner. Rod’s excellently paced race saw him finish nearly five minutes clear of second, with third placed Andy List easily handling the tough pace. Talented athlete, Kaylene performed extremely well in her first ever trail run, scorching over the testing course which included many serious undulations and tight meandering turns. The second placed female was only two minutes in deficit, with Lauren Dunne powering across the finish line for the bronze medal.

Shane Potts displayed outstanding speed and agility, smashing the six kilometre field ahead of Darrin Pullen, Ross Connor, Andrew Short, Wayne McMurtrie, Craig McGahey, Lachlan Stevens, Matt Stevens and Mark Takagaki. Leon Ryan and his family put in an awesome performance, easily sprinting up the trails to the turnaround marker and downhill to the finish line. Janelle Tilse was rapt with her run, scoring first place for the girls, three minutes clear of silver and bronze.

All runners are to be congratulated on their amazing efforts, most coming away with a few minor scratches and bruises from negotiating rocks, tree roots, wildlife and ‘wait a while foliage’ that is part of trail running and what makes trail running so much fun. Those who challenged and conquered the event included Greame Harris, Tim Caddy, Mark McFadzen, Martin Lambert, Cilla Martland, Jeanette Farrugia, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Leanne Connor, Ange Furdek, Cath Meng, Karen Pullen, Peter Shuttlewood, Brianna Mouat, Peter Goodworth, Rebecca Blines, Gaven Porter, Jason McCord, Carol Brown, Brenda Windsor, Simon Henderson, Tim Magoffin and Jarred Spence.

Many thanks to the Eungella Chalet, Financial Linx, Zambrero’s, Ace Panel & Paint and National Parks & Wildlife for their ongoing support of the event….so much appreciated. Many thanks also to Race Director Matt Stevens, Tim Magoffin and their families together with race set up expert, Andrew Short and Geoff Neale for their sensational assistance and organisational skills for making the event such a success.

Mackay Road Runners will have a bye this weekend as approximately twenty local runners will be heading to the Melbourne Running Festival to compete in the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km events. Upon their return, the Club will conduct its prestigious annual Presentation and Awards Night. RSVP’s were to be advised to Heather Sprott by the 7th October, however, please contact her asap if you still wish to secure a seat….$55

As Mackay Road Runners’ official season draws to a close, over twenty runners enjoyed the second last social run last Sunday morning from the spectacular Botanic Gardens precincts. Club President, Tim Magoffin welcomed the very social crowd to partake in a 5km or 10km loop course through the meandering trails including scenic vistas of the Lagoons’ abundant array of fauna and birdlife.

Those enjoying the fresh morning included ultra-marathon runner, Wayne McMurtie who decided to tackle the short course option after his recent magnificent Run for Resilience 1500km ultra marathon journey from Brisbane to Winton in support of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The epic twenty two day event assisted in raising funds for PTDS Resurrected for returned soldiers to access resources to aid themselves, their families and first responders to overcome trauma experienced in the Army. The Run for Resilience aids Veterans who need support transitioning back into civilian life after the high pressure/high noise environment they experienced in high volatile areas of conflict. Last week, a civic reception was held for Wayne at the Jubilee Park, Mackay where the Mackay Mayor, Cr Greg Williamson, Local Government Members, Mackay Regional Councillors, official dignitaries from local and state RSL and Reserve Army were in attendance. Mackay Road Runners are very proud of Wayne and his very significant contribution to this very worthy cause.

Congratulating Wayne at the Jungle run were runners Tim Magoffin, Ross Connor, Simon Henderson, Stuart Sprott, Geoff Neale, Ricky Parker, Mark Takagaki, Jo Skinner, Carolyn Steginga, Andrew Short, Jeanette Farrugia, Jose Short, Jo Hughes, Leanne Connor, Janelle Tilse, Craig McGahey, Colin Hardy, David Isbister and Steve Oberg.

Mackay Road Runners had the awesome support of Construct Health Physiotherapy as sponsor for the annual 3km Club Championship race. The last Club Championship event on the 2018 program was held from Queens Park at 4pm last Sunday in perfect running conditions. Construct Health Physiotherapy have been of great support to the Mackay road running fraternity with their invaluable assistance at this year’s Mackay Marina Run as well as the Club Championship event. Mackay Road Runners looks forward to a long and strong association with Construct Health Physiotherapy’s team of well-respected professionals.

Meanwhile, there was a sensational result in the 3km, where the female winner, junior runner, Rachel Silvestri was also the overall winner of the thirty plus field of talented athletes. Rachel has just come off a spectacular running season including cross country racing for Queensland at the National Cross Country Championships less than a month ago. Rachel posted a super time of ten minutes 57 seconds after a sizzling sprint to the finish line with Nick Rewald, who was just two seconds in deficit to be the first placed male.

Second placed, female, Kylie Harbour also ran well to be fourth overall, one minute behind second placed male Leon Ryan, with third male Steve Oberg scorching over the course taking the final valuable open club championship point. Third placed female Ainslie Heinke also collected the final open club championship point in an excellent effort after being sidelined by injury for several weeks.

Great racing also was on show by Ross Connor (4th male), Jason McCord (5th male), Carolyn Steginga (4th female), Andrew Short (6th male) and Leon Else (7th male). Talented veteran runner, Judy Zahn excelled as usual placing ahead of Jose Short, Alan Zamparutti, Carmel Mahon, Mark Takagaki, June Bradley, Karla Hook, Dannelle Thompson, Janelle Tilse, Paula Easton, Jo Ashford, Stuart Sprott, Carol Brown, Brenda Windsor, Jan Smith and Leanne Connor.

Many thanks to race day volunteers, Timekeeper Peter Wright, Registrar Paul Tilse, course setup Andrew Short and Tim Magoffin, photographer Jo Hughes and her assistant Kim Saron. Construct Health Physiotherapy’s support was much appreciated via their generous sponsorship of cash random draw prizes to some very excited recipients!

As the 3km was the last handicap points event for the year, runners are now looking forward to this Sunday 5km social Jungle run commencing 6.30am from the Botanic Gardens, playground end of Lagoon Street. Please note this is a morning run so that the afternoon is free for all rugby league fans to enjoy the NRL grand final games.

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.