Ultra Marathon Challenge
24 Dec 2012
Running 56km across the Mornington Peninsula from Dromana to Cape Schanck and back again is going to be one huge challenge for first time Ultra Marathoners, Mackay Road Runners Club marathon runners, Anne Miller and Graeme Railton. The race will commence at 7am on Sunday 13th January, so there will only be a small amount of over indulging over the Christmas/New Year break for the avid runners. Anne and Graeme had one last trail running session with Scott Bundell, Janelle, Paul and Lainie Tilse from Mackay Road Runners through the National Park at Cape Hillsborough last Sunday in very wet, but extremely humid conditions. Both runners are looking forward to the challenge of testing themselves in their first attempt at 56km and are wished well by the local running fraternity and their families.
Another one of Mackay’s leading elite runners, Shawn Claydon, will also be stretching his limitations whilst on a four day rigorous training camp in southern New South Wales from Boxing Day. Shawn will relish in the tough program set down by qualified elite coaches and no doubt, return home with an abundance of knowledge that he generously shares with many local junior and senior athletes.
Mackay Road Runners 2013 program has been updated. New and existing runners are most welcome to join the off season, no cost training sessions, offering varying venues and distances to suit a wide range of abilities and individual goals.
Last Sunday’s social 8km Mt Bassett run from the Mackay Surf Club was well attended by approximately twenty-five keen runners, who braved the oppressively humid conditions in a bid to equalise their Christmas cheer.
Local runner, Graeme Railton, surprisingly ran a personal best time of 39min 08 sec in the Burnie 10km race in Tasmania last weekend. Railton, who had just completed the Melbourne Half Marathon in1hr 27min the weekend before, came down with a virus in the week leading up to the Burnie 10k, but still performed a sensational time in the cool Tasmanian conditions. In front of a cheering crowd, Club Captain, Jim Ford, presented Graeme with another achievement, the gold medal for the 2012 Male Club Champion 30-39yrs as he was unable to attend the Awards evening due to his Tassie commitments.
Over one hundred members, their families and friends celebrated the 2012 Mackay Road Runners Annual Awards Night held last Friday at the Clarion Hotel, Mackay Marina. Club President Tim Magoffin opened proceedings welcoming special guests Club Patron Col Meng and his wife Rhonda, Veronica Pettifer (from Newcastle), and Chris and Barry Comben from the local branch of the Mackay Leukaemia Foundation.
Another new award was the McFadzen Family Award, whereby, Mark & Linda McFadzen from M&L Air Solutions, and City Fitness donated a very special gift to this year’s worthy winner, the very talented junior runner, Ashlee Scott. Ashlee was again, this years’ Junior Club Champion and a fitting recipient of the award, ie her amazing work ethic and talent, humble attitude and generous support of junior and senior club members and volunteers. Ashlee will travel to Brisbane this week to compete in the Secondary School State Athletic titles along with 2012 Junior and Senior Club Champion Liam Mumford.
Club Captain, Jim Ford organised a very unique format for the last run on the formal 2012 running program. Participants, who were split into teams of four runners based on their ages, completed 3 x 2km circuits. Although, before each 2km portion could be completed, runners had to wait for their team member, coming from the opposite direction, at the halfway point before proceeding with the second 1km of each 2km loop – confused……not at all!! On the 3rd and final 2km loop, all runners from the one team had to meet at the halfway marker and run as a group to the finish line. The social nature of the event was excellent, whereby runners of differing abilities ran in a team and supported each other throughout the entire 6km run. The off season Sunday social training runs should be something to look forward to, as Jim will be organising various formats to suit all runners – great work Jim, enjoyed by all (except Ken who had to put the markers out!)
The Mackay Road Runners 2012 formal running program may be coming to a close with one more social run for the year, however, many of its members will be running in the off season to retain their fitness levels for their respective 2013 goals. The Club will continue with its regular Wednesday 6pm social, no cost training sessions, alternating between the Bluewater Quay and Mackay (Milton St) State High School, Penn Street Oval. Sunday afternoon social runs will be conducted from varying venues across town, please check out the club’s 
The last Club Championship race for the 2012 Mackay Road Runners season was held last Sunday morning in perfect conditions (except for the sand-flies) from Queens Park. Junior female running sensation, Ashlee Scott blitzed the field to take gold for the girls and fifth outright in 11 minutes 22 seconds, ahead of newcomer Brigid Armstead, with Janelle Tilse settling for the final podium placing. Excellent running by Carmel Mahon (4th) with Lainie Tilse, Karla Hook, Donna Rath, Sharon Martin, Anne Miller and Anthea Ford closing out the top ten.
The final two races on the calendar are social, with this Sunday’s 5pm Gooseponds Gallavant 7.5km concluding with a sausage sizzle at John Breen Park. Runners have the option to run one, two or three loops and are welcome to bring their families to run and/or join in for the free post-race refreshments (don’t forget the Aerogard!)
Mackay Road Runners’ inaugural “Benita Willis 10k” held last Sunday morning at the Bluewater Lagoon was taken out by thirteen year old rising running talent, Nixon Rodden. Nixon, who bears a remarkable likeness to the race’s namesake, had never contested a 10km event before today, but due to the prestige of the event, was keen to take on the challenge, earning herself the top accolade. Nixon will be presented with the coveted perpetual trophy, by Benita’s good friend, Skye Rettke, at the Club’s annual awards night on Friday, 19th October at the Clarion Hotel.
An eager crowd of nearly fifty runners braved the unexpected cool conditions last Sunday Morning as a great start to a beautiful Father’s Day. Many families enjoyed the 2.5k and 5k Fun Run hosted by the Mackay Road Runners, which included international visitors, Lou Quido (French exchange student) and Donald Carr from England visiting his daughter, local athlete, Jeanette Farrugia. Both visitors are heading back to their homeland in the coming weeks, but have loved the Mackay Region and its awesome weather.
The Podiatry Mackay ‘Junior’ Magic Mile and the Seabreeze Resort Hotel ‘Open’ Magic Mile hosted by the Mackay Road Runners, was held in very warm conditions from the Seabreeze Resort Hotel, Lamberts Beach last Sunday afternoon. Approximately fifty runners scorched over the 1.6km course in a bid to claim cash prizes and Club Members to score vital Club Championship points. The testing course led runners from Pacific Esplanade meandering through the streets behind the Resort, including a tough ascent at 1200 metres before the downhill sprint to the finish line.
There were many inspirational runners who scored very credible performances, including Bevan Rodgers, Fred Farmer, Gaye Streidl and Mark Schembri. Congratulations to Mackay Road Runners Member, Arthur Dick on winning the ‘Magic Mile Milo Award’ (a giant 1.25kg tin of Milo) for his race day performance and selfless support to runners throughout the year.
Spectacular ocean views were an awesome backdrop for the Mackay Road Runners Eimeo Pacific Hotel 6km & 14km run last Sunday afternoon. The intermittent showers did not deter over 45 runners from enjoying the very cool conditions which were perfect for racing, but not so great for the timekeepers/photographer and water station attendant.
Janelle Tilse was seventh and first female to hit the 14km handicap tape, with Mark Pashalis, Andrew Short, Belinda Rifai, Shay Hudson, George Elcombe, Ben Ewins, Shane Donollan, Judy Zahn and Karen Baker following in quick succession, all within two minutes. The highest handicapped runner, Shawn Claydon enjoyed the challenge of chasing down the front markers as well as revelling in doing a few extra kilometres whilst checking out at most streets in Eimeo, possibly for a longer training run in the future?
The Mackay Road Runners’ 4.5k & 9k Cape Hillsborough Club Championship race was held in extremely cool, but sunny conditions from the Resort precincts last Sunday morning. Approximately fifty runners enjoyed the beautiful unique surroundings of the National Park and the challenge of the Hidden Valley trail run. The course led runners through varying terrains of testing bush trails which included views of the ocean and lapping waves in close proximity. Several runners originally registered for the one loop 4.5km course but enjoyed the challenge so much, they returned for a second outing, well pleased with their efforts.
A huge thank you to all volunteers, including master chef Linda McFadzen – an awesome job on the BBQ, David Bellamy (photographer for the day), Leanne Tickle (finishing tickets), Tim Magoffin (course marker/announcer), Stacey Eggleston (registrar), Andy List and Martin Lamperd (trailer) and to all the runners, new and existing for making it a sensational day.
Local Mackay Road Runners Members performed well at the recent Queensland State Secondary School Cross Country Titles held at the Maroochydore Cricket Grounds last month. Ashlee Scott was a standout performer scoring her first ever podium finish in the 18 years girls. Ashlee was rapt with her third placing especially seeing as it was her last opportunity to perform at the Qld Titles. Liam Mumford ran a sensational 10th in a quality field of competitors, Nixon Rodden and Chelsea Thompson finished in the top 25 and Lainie Tilse scored a personal best in her event.
Perfect running conditions set the scene for approximately sixty runners to contest the prestigious annual 5/10km Andergrove Handicap Trophy event last Sunday afternoon from the Andergrove Tavern precincts.
Many thanks to Terry O’Connor for co-ordinating volunteers from the Club to assist in clean up at the G&S Food & Wine Festival. Terry was at the event all day assisting the Mackay Regional Council with club members rostered on four/eight hourly shifts from 8am to 7pm – THANKS to everyone who donated their time and muscles.
Race Organisers for the BMA Mackay Marina Run were ecstatic with the record number of race entrants in this year’s event, making it the largest running event in the region. The massive wave of popularity in the race increased this year’s competitors to over 2000, approx 500 more than last year. Runners and walkers lining up to tackle the 2012 BMA Mackay Run’s various events, including the BMA 21.1km, Balance Podiatry 8km, City Fitness 5km, Clarion Hotel Corporate Team 5km and The Daily Mercury 3km. The 5km events were by far the most well attended, with approx 1600 individuals and nearly 100 teams.
Very cool, rainy conditions were an ominous leadup in the week prior to the event, however as the sun rose on race day, heavy fog could be seen looming on the ocean’s horizon. As the BMA Half Marathon 21.1km race started at 6.30am, just over three hundred runners could ‘clearly’ feel the weight of the foggy humidity. Once the fog lifted one hour later, the sun brought forward unexpected heat, especially for the backmarkers, with many suffering heat exhaustion from being under hydrated, due to the unexpected weather conditions.
Congratulations to the oldest competitor, amazing seventy-three year old Fred Farmer, who has battled the effects of Leukaemia and is currently in remission. The former local Marathon champion was in his glory to be racing in the Balance Podiatry 8km event, with his ever supportive wife, hardworking committee Member of the BMA Marina Run and the Mackay Road Runners Club on hand to witness the awesome event. Agnes & Fred’s daughter, Julieanne and grand daughter, Cassie were blown away by Fred’s tenacity in completing the race in such a great time.
Last Sunday’s Magpies Meander 5/10km course set by Tim Caddy and Graham Robinson, was a very tough outing which included many short steep ascents/descents on grassy slopes and bitumen cul de sacs. Thankfully, the cold rainy conditions cleared just in time for the race to commence at 4pm through the Glenella suburb, where sixty-five athletes ran one loop for 5km and two loops for 10k.
Last weekend, an impressive field of forty runners still attended the Mackay Road Runners 4/9km Mt Pleasant Trot, even though more than that number were out of town, racing in various events from 5km to 42.2km at the Gold Coast running festival.
It was a very successful weekend for local athletes running in the RACQ North Qld Games held over two days from the Mackay State High School Track and the Bluewater Lagoon. Superb junior talent, Ashlee Scott collected three gold medals and one silver in her four events. Ashlee competed very successfully in the track meet held over two days at the Milton Street High School oval, hosted by a very well organised Mackay Athletics Club, where she collected gold in the prestigious ’56 Torch Bearer” 1500 metre race. Ashlee sprinted from the gun to easily outpace her rivals, collecting the major prize trophy ahead of senior runners, Skye Rettke (2nd) and Carmel Moran (3rd). Ashlee continued her winning ways to snare another gold medal in the 3000 metre event later that afternoon. Ashlee, as well as hundreds of other athletes, had to then contend with very cool, windy and drizzly conditions the very next day, but this did not deter Ashlee from scoring gold in the 400 metres and a silver in the 800 metres.
In the 14km female event at the Bluewater Lagoon, veteran running legend Judy Zahn, who lead from the gun, was well pleased with her gold medal ahead of Teresa Harding (2nd) and Janelle Tilse (3rd). Shawn Claydon was a clear winner in the 14km male event ahead of Cairns Ironman competitors and talented local runners, Mark McFadzen (2nd) and Jack Simpson (3rd).
Perfect running conditions were the order of the day, in fact the whole weekend’s weather was awesome for runners in their final days of preparation for the various Gold Coast Marathon events, which is less than two weeks away. Hundreds of local runners are looking forward to individual challenges of racing 5km to 42.2km in conditions that should be cooler than Mackay’s recent BMA Marina Running event.
Nearly sixty runners met at the Catherine Freeman Oval for the 5/11k Slade Point Saunter last Sunday afternoon. The 5km competitors were rapt with their course, which did not include any sand running, however, it did have the serious ascent of Lamberts Beach Lookout to make it interesting. First female in the 5km, talented Ashlee Scott was sensational, clocking 20 minutes 9 seconds over the very undulating course. Ashlee’s superb form has just earned her another Secondary School cross country representation for Capricornia, where, last Monday, she blitzed the field to take gold over her peers. Ashlee will now set her sights on the Queensland State championships in Maroochydore later next month. Kristen LeGrand backed up well from her podium finish in the 8km Mackay Marina Run last weekend to take silver ahead of junior runner Aderline West.
In the female 11km, Judy Zahn was unbeaten in her usual legendary style claiming first by nearly two minutes over Janelle Tilse, with (3rd, 4th and 5th) Jo Hughes, Carmel Mahon and Karla Hook crossing the line in sync. Carmel & Karla have been doing some serious kilometres in the leadup to their first Marathon attempt at the Gold Coast early next month. With their last long run, 35km, completed just over 24 hours prior to the 11km, the girls have recovered well and are on track for a great finish in three weeks.
Over sixty runners met at the precincts of the New Mulherin Park, East Point Road for their last race hit out before this weekend’s long awaited BMA Mackay Marina Run. The Mackay Marina Run is the largest local running event with nearly 3000 runners expected to participate this Sunday from 6am across events including the Daily Mercury 3k, City Fitness 5k, Clarion Hotel Corporate Challenge 5k, Balance Podiatry 8k and the BMA 21.1k. Race Directors, Mackay Road Runners’ Sandy Strong & Tim Magoffin and the Leukaemia Foundation’s Chris & Barry Comben have been an integral part of the organising committee for the prestigious event, which has taken 12 months to co-ordinate.
Approximately forty runners contested last Sunday’s 30k Club Championship and 5km race, commencing 6am from Northview Gardens Park. Competitors enjoyed the testing undulating country roads which lead the 30k runners into the picturesque suburbs of Habana and Farleigh before turning homeward via the same route. Waterstop attendants, Tim Magoffin and Karen Baker were a very welcome sight and much appreciated by the runners in the overcast, humid conditions.
Nearly forty-five runners left the precincts of the Cafe La de Da coffee shop in Wood Street early Saturday morning for the 6/12km Pre Mother’s Day run. The 12km flat course led runners onto the boardwalk towards Caneland Shoppingtown before looping back through the City to Queens Park before heading to Quota Park, Ocean International for a 2km beach run, then linking up with the meandering Sandfly Creek path back into the City via River, Tennyson, Victoria and Wood Streets to the welcome sight of Cafe La de Da. The 6km course was relatively the same, without the Shopping Centre loop and of course, with half the distance to run, 6km competitors were back in heaps of time before the 12km runners to enjoy the relaxed breakfast environment of the Cafe, whilst awaiting the post-race celebrations including several coveted random draw prizes for the deserved runners and volunteers’ efforts.
Results and photos from the Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon on Sunday 6th May are up for viewing on the Hamilton Island site, with sensational performances from the many locals that converged on the Island. A Mackay team of Kristen LeGrand, Wayne Zahra and Skye Rettke, each running 7km took the top team prize from a very tough field of competitors. Daren Galea was the best placed Mackay male runner in the 21.1km scooping third in 1hr 29min 29 sec, 8 minutes behind first and only 19 seconds out of second place. Mackay’s highest placed female was Janelle Tilse who placed fourth in 2hrs 14min behind a tough field of girls, with first placed Hamilton Island’s Ashlea Achilles clocking an impressive 1hr 56min 29sec and seventh overall male/female.
Mackay Road Runners staged the long standing 6 & 17km Farmers Long Gallop last Sunday from Life Members, Fred & Agnes Farmers residence in Evans Avenue last Sunday at 6.30am. The chilly early morning did not deter approximately sixty runners lacing up the shoes for the 17km handicap and 6km scratch start races. Even self-confessed non-early morning person, Time Keeper, Agnes was in fine form even after a late night of partying.
A big welcome to two new runners hailing from Boston and New York. Scott Toms and Kimberley Porsche, both showing the locals a clean pair of heels as they easily accounted for the 17km event. Also, well done to Marathon runners doing the big k’s in training at the moment and still competing favourably in the club events, ie Terry O’Connor, Karen Baker, David Isbister, Stuart Sprott, Carmel Mahon, Karla Hook and Martin Lambert. And in addition, best wishes and a speedy recovery to several injured runners who are graciously still volunteering at Club events – where would we be without you? Many thanks to water stop attendants, Donna Rath and Linda McFadzen, course marker, Tim Caddy, roving course marshal, Tim Magoffin and to our awesome hosts Fred & Agnes for their hospitality and delicious post-race treats.
Last Sunday at 5pm, approximately seventy runners revelled in the many undulations of the very hilly terrain that is the suburb of Mt Pleasant. The tough course set by Graham Robinson and Tim Caddy had 5km runners complete one loop which included several streets of serious ascents and descents ie Bona Vista, James Croker, Norris Road, etc although, runners were a little disappointed that Pollock and High Streets were omitted (NOT), Robinson and Caddy did include a testing set of steps up a steep grassy hill. Due to the handicap start, ten kilometre runners had to maintain focus whilst completing two loops of the course, whereby they were crossing the line in the fading light.
The Mackay Road Runners Balance Podiatry 10km Club Championship and 5km Handicap race were held in very breezy conditions from Queens Park last Sunday. Seventy-five runners bolted from the gun in a bid to gain valuable club championship and handicap points in the open and respective age categories.
Over thirty keen runners left the precincts of the Bluewater Lagoon parklands for the Easter Bluewater Lope Along 5 & 10km, which was held in perfectly cool running conditions last Sunday at 6.30am.
The Podiatry Mackay Athletics North Queensland Cross Country races, hosted by the Mackay Road Runners, commenced at 4pm from the Tourist Information Centre, City Gates last Sunday. Approximately seventy-five runners from five years old to over fifty entered distances of 2/3/4/6km based on their age category. There was obvious enthusiasm from all the runners, specifically the youngsters, which was great to see as they bolted from the gun to challenge themselves over the very undulating, varying terrain. The awesomely, well-marked course set by Graham Robinson, Derek Woods, Tim Caddy, Tim Magoffin and Andy List had everything from dirt roads, paved paths, deep grassy headlands, short/sharp hills to the half-way point and return as they made their way through the meandering precincts of the botanic gardens.
Category Results
Due to the recent and ongoing weather conditions, last Sunday’s Cape Hillsborough Club Championship race was swapped with the 5/10km Rural View run. The substituted race was heralded a great success despite the extreme humidity and subsequent rain that prevailed throughout the very challenging undulating course that led runners through the streets of Rural View and the awesome Rural View lookout loop. The well-marked course (thanks Robbo) had 10km runners complete two loops of the very testing course, while the 5 km runners suffered half the pain by doing one loop.
First female in the 10km was Lisa Burns, whose recent classy form has seen her continue to place regularly in the podium positions over varying distances. Her win was nearly two minutes clear of second placed Janelle Tilse followed by Donna Rath, Karen Baker, Carmel Mahon, Emily Bartolo, Jo Hughes, Stacy Eggleston, Jeanette Farrugia and Jan Smith. Well done to Jeanette Farrugia who completed the 10km course after suffering ongoing multiple leg injuries, and to Stacey Eggleston whose speedy run and fast finish should see her handicap adjusted in the coming weeks.
Last Sunday Mackay Road Runners hosted the annual 4/8km Ocean International Canter commencing at 5pm in extremely wet and consistently rainy conditions throughout the entire course. Even though the course was knowingly going to be very damp, a good crowd of nearly fifty runners braved the testing conditions to race the streets on and off Binnington Esplanade and Sandfly Creek path.
Lisa Burns (37:10) continued her excellent form to be first female home in the 8km ahead of talented veteran, Judy Zahn (37:33), Donna Rath (38:51), Nikki Giles (39:36), Alison Friswell (39:52), Nickie King (39:58), Shay Hudson (40:26) and Carmel Mahon (41:53). Some excellent performances prevailed, from Stacey Eggleston spitting out some personal best times already this year to Jan Smith’s great effort in doing more on the course than was asked of her. Two more runners deserved of a special mention are youngsters Tom Henderson in tackling the tough 8km event and Aiden Donnollan for his efforts in handling the 4km event.
A large field of approximately seventy-five runners met at Queens Park last Sunday to race the first Club Championship race on the Mackay Road Runners 2012 program. Life Member, Agnes Farmer sent runners off on a scratch start in the 5km Rock n Road sponsored race, which was held in overcast, humid conditions from the Queens Park Rotunda.
In very humid conditions last Sunday, approximately seventy runners converged on Johnson Street, West Mackay at 5.30pm for the 5/10km Tilse Toddle. Calvin Deacon was in awesome form to take out the 10km event in 38 minutes 42 seconds ahead of Mark McFadzen (39:48) and Liam Mumford (40:21). Mellisa Gaviglio (47:41) lead a talented field of female runners to take out first in the 10km ahead of Lisa Burns (48:59) and Donna Rath (49:08).
Club President, Tim Magoffin welcomed nearly one hundred new and existing members to the first run on the official 2012 program at 5.30pm from the Harbour boat ramp precincts. Magoffin, who was ably assisted by past President and current Club Captain, Jim Ford, in his first official duty as President, recently returned from a short stint of running in Zurich, Switzerland over the Christmas holidays in conditions that could only be described as totally opposite to Mackay’s current sweltering heat.
Many thanks to first time Registrar, Stacy Eggleston for handling the massive line of runners who were signing up to run, Agnes Farmer for her usual efficient timekeeping, Tim Magoffin for handing out finisher’s tickets to the very, sweaty, weary runners, course marker/marshall, Graham Robinson, Andy List for allowing Jim, Tim, Sandy & Janelle use of his utility tray/roof for race briefing and photography and last but certainly not least, the many helpers who put up and pulled down the clock, signs, tables, tent, etc… These volunteers as well as many others are a very special part of the club and should be congratulated and thanked for doing a great job to get the weekly runs organised behind the scenes and on the day, which also included helping out at the Sporting Expo at the MECC on the same day.
Mackay Road Runners’ official 2012 season commences this Sunday (Feb 12) at 5.30pm with a 5km social run from the Harbour boat ramp car park near the Lighthouse. Runners of all ages and abilities are most welcome, including other sporting teams/bodies who wish to make running their number one sport or include a variance to their existing training schedules to complement their chosen sport.
Approximately fifty runners met at the Memorial Pool car park last Sunday for the last off season training run prior to the commencement of the formal Mackay Road Runner’s calendar. Many thanks to Club Captain, Jim Ford for co-ordinating the off season program which has prepared many runners for the start of the 2012 official season. As usual Ford prepared an interesting format for participants to choose 10-13km options of road running around the streets of West Mackay, including the beautiful Botanic Gardens via The Catherine Freeman Walk.
Congratulations to Liam Mumford, who has started 2012 with a very special award – the Mackay Regional Council’s Australia Day Junior Sports Awards. Liam was nominated for the highly contested prestigious Award by Mackay Road Runners’ Publicity Officer, Janelle Tilse for his outstanding achievements in various sporting circles, including touch football, Australian Rules, BMX, Rugby League and Road and Cross Country Running. The very busy year eleven student at Mackay State High School, who has only just turned sixteen this month, is a worthy recipient of the Award due to his extreme dedication to hard work at school and his many athletic training schedules. Liam’s proud family were on hand at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Australia Day to see him presented with his special Award, although his younger brother, Travis was more excited about the upcoming lamington eating competition which was held directly after the awards.
Last Sunday, approximately forty runners enjoyed the challenging 8/10km hilly, social training session from Magpies Sporting Complex, which was held in very humid conditions, although thankfully, the cooling breezes eased what could have been very uncomfortable conditions for the participants. Club Captain, Jim Ford set another interesting variation to the course, thoroughly enjoyed by the attendees as there were options to do shorter distances depending on individual athletes’ abilities. Ford is to be congratulated on including a variety of options based around the same course, so that all runners’ abilities are catered for within the same training session. The course started with gentle undulations behind Magpies before heading towards Mt Pleasant and the greater heights of several streets including the infamous High Street, Pioneer Street, etc. before looping back to the start via Schapers Road, Davey Street and Glenella State School.
Mackay Road Runners Club Captain, Jim Ford lead a tough off season training run at last Sunday’s very wet and windy 10km session from the Mackay Harbour Boat Ramp to Mt Bassett. The course started with a warm-up run of approximately 2 km to the base of Mt Bassett, whereupon approximately fifteen runners of varying abilities completed several hill repetitions before the warm-down run back to the start. Shawn Claydon had the unenviable job of being the fastest runner, which meant he held the unique grenade whistle to signal the commencement of each repetition, which was also the signal for everyone to stop once Shawn completed the first descent. Runners stopped at varying intervals on the hill, depending on their pace and after a 30 second break, all runners had to then charge back up to the top of Mt Bassett before finishing at the base of the hill – and that’s only one rep! Junior female runner, Ashlee Scott held her own very easily with the lead pack of male runners, as she easily sprinted the tough ascents and slippery descents.
Approximately forty avid Mackay Road Runners were in full swing with their New Year’s exercise resolutions when they took on extreme humidity in the social training 6k & 11k run from the Base Hospital car park run through the streets of West Mackay. The runners had a choice of varying the distances between 6k & 11k depending on their current fitness at this time of the year. Some runners, including Shawn Claydon, Mark McFadzen, Terry O’Connor and Graeme Railton found the course easier than others due to the fact they are in the midst of their training for the Canberra & Boston Marathons coming up in April. A particular reminder to new runners upon starting an exercise regime is to ensure that they hydrate prior and rehydrate after their respective activities. This also goes for experienced runners especially over the longer distances.
Perfect running conditions on New Year’s Day saw approximately fifteen Mackay Road Runners bravely take to the streets from The Bluewater Quay at 5.30pm after a night of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Club Captain for Mackay Road Runners Club, Jim Ford set a great course to suit the varying abilities of all runners in attendance. The scenic 10km course took in views of the Pioneer River via Forgan Bridge and the riverside road from Cremorne to Sams Road before linking up to do a circuit of the Gooseponds. Runners had the option to forge ahead for the shorter course option or double back from whence they came to complete the 10.2km course.