Tourist Information Centre 6 & 10km
Dec 27 2015
Over thirty runners completed the Tourist Information Centre 6km & 10km events at last Sunday’s social summer run. The extreme humidity was not easy to contend with as runners carefully ensured they stayed well hydrated with very frequent water stops throughout their respective distances.
Once again, Club Captain/Race Director, Jim Ford planned an enjoyable course from the Botanic Gardens precinct through the West Mackay suburb with options to suit all abilities. Many thanks to Jim for his time and efforts in designing a unique concept where runners could race their chosen course, with prizes for individuals coming in on 55 minutes or 65 minutes…..however, Jim’s prize handling assistant needs an assistant to remind her to bring the well-deserved coveted prizes!
Excellent running by past and present junior Mackay Road Running Champions, Jamie Sanders, Liam Mumford, Ashlee Scott, Jenna Bugeja, Layla Sanders and Anthea Ford. Some of these runners now live far afield in their chosen studies/professions with Liam currently studying in USA, Jenna heading back to Canberra this week to continue her work and Anthea off to Cairns next year to commence her first year out of University in an Accounting firm.
The Mackay Road Runners’s special appearance runner was not able to make the run today, as she was flying back to Brisbane the next day. Mackay’s very talented home grown Olympic running champion, Benita Willis was unable to get to the run due to family commitments, however she passed on her good wishes and the indication of a few visits to Mackay next year. As Benita’s very heavy schedule makes it extremely difficult for her to come home, her Mum, siblings, nieces and nephews were stoked to have her home if only for a few days. Mackay Road Runners appreciate the support Benita always willingly devotes to the local region and look forward to catching up with her in the very near future.
However, Mackay Road Runners were not disappointed for too long as yet another couple of celebrities appeared within its ranks……a special guest appearance of well-known Mumford and Sons! The writer was able to get a quick interview, however, a group photo was not possible due to the elder Mr Mumford being a bit camera shy.
The summer off season social runs will continue every Sunday at 5.30pm throughout the off season. As the present Mackay conditions are extremely warm and humid, runners are reminded to stay hydrated throughout the week as well as on the day they exercise. It is urgently suggested that runners carry water with them or ensure they are aware of where the taps are on the course as well as taking extra electrolytes if required.
Mackay Road Runners welcome all new and existing runners to any of their events…..check out the website for info on next year’s program or phone the secretary 0403 344 289 or Janelle 0400 99 7432.
In very humid, breezy conditions, over thirty Mackay Road Runners enjoyed the last Sunday Summer social run before Christmas which commenced 5.30pm from the Hibiscus Shopping Centre, Bucasia.
The very competitive and supportive team of Alana Ford, Russell Van Den Bosch, Hayden Connor, Noel Barnett and Janelle Tilse snatched the win and the prize within metres from the Jim Ford/Adam Knezevic team, despite a protest as to where the finish line was.
Mackay Road Runners Club Member, Alana Ford is the instigator of our Sunday social runners donating an item of non-perishable food to be gifted to a Charity this Christmas. Runners generously donated heaps of items in the first collection phase at last weekend’s Mackay Surf Club run. Alana will be collecting once again at this Sunday’s pre-Christmas run from the Hibiscus Shopping Centre, Bucasia, so all donations gladly accepted, as Alana will be dropping off the huge hamper of goodies on Monday 21st December to worthy members of the community. Many thanks to Alana and the runners for organising and taking part in this very special event.
Approximately forty runners stripped off their timing devices for the running of the Ricky Parker Painting Memorial Pool 5km & 10km. Mackay Road Runners Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford, once again added a unique spin on the social off season 5km & 10km event, whereby runners took off their watches and had to ‘nominate’ their estimated time over their respective course, with the one closest to their time winning a Ricky Parker Painting donated prize.
Mackay Road Runners had approximately forty athletes in attendance at last Sunday’s 7km run from Blacks Beach Tavern. The run had it all, including perfectly warm humid conditions as runners left the Tavern precincts to head south towards beautiful Blacks Beach. The awesome cooling sea breezes were enjoyed by all runners as they made their way along the sandy shores toward the testing steps at the Blacks Beach Park just prior to the testing streets of Dolphin Heads before heading home.
Many thanks to Craig Widdowson for usual loyal support of the Mackay Road Runners events, as he kindly dropped off his wife, Ulrika, so she could run, while he waited patiently watching the cricket in the air conditioned tavern!
Mackay Road Runners held a very social 8km Team Tagalong Race from Iluka Park, Town Beach last Sunday afternoon. Race Director/Club Captain Jim Ford split the field into two teams under very strict selection criteria. Each team ran in an opposite direction completing a 4km circuit, looping back to tag a member of the opposite team before completing the opposing 4km loop…..sounds complicated, not really, ’cause all roadrunners are really smart and Jim Ford is a great Teacher! The first five runners home from one team, which was Team 2, took out the coveted prize….and there actually was a prize this week! Approximately thirty runners enjoyed the unique concept event in the very humid conditions with cooling sea breezes, which included approximately 1.5km of beach running. Many thanks to Jim for his time in organising the course.
Runners are advised that the last Wednesday 6pm 5km social run before Christmas (23rd Dec) will commence from Metro Cafe near the Bluewater Lagoon. Runners and supporters are welcome to stay for a post run drink.
Mackay Road Runners will have a strong contingent racing in the Queenstown Marathon and Half Marathon, New Zealand this weekend. They include Victoria Beck, Martin Lambert, Steven & Amanda Boxall, Matt Stevens and Sharon Etwell, Craig Stewart, Scott McIntosh, Marie Muscat, Alex Anderson, Andrew Short and Terry O’Connor.
A big welcome to relatively new runners Adam Knezevic, Jo Skinner and Tammy Wanstall as well as regular Mackay Road Runners – Layla and Jamie Sanders, Jose Short, Simon Henderson, Russell Van Den Bosch, Martin Lambert, Peter & Alana Ford, Carmel Mahon, Shane Barben, Paul & Janelle Tilse, Mark Pashalis and of course our fearless leader, Jim Ford.
Approximately thirty runners gathered at the Bluewater Lagoon for the weekly Sunday afternoon Mackay Road Runners off season social training group. The looming storm clouds and very humid conditions did not deter the runners who had several course options heading towards the pinnacle of the heart/leg pumping High Street and beyond. Congratulations to all runners who endured the extremely tough conditions, where thunder and lightning prevailed in the later stages of the run.
A large group of local runners will be heading to Queenstown, New Zealand in the next week to compete in the several events, including the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km. Mackay Road Runner, Martin Lambert has had a great year of ultra-marathon running including The Six Foot Track 45km (March – NSW Blue Mountains), Anzac 100th Anniversary 100km (April – Sydney) and the 250km Trail to Triumph (October – Moranbah to Mackay). Lambert, whose resilience has been amazing, is looking forward to capping off a very successful year of endurance running with his training buddies in beautiful NZ.
Mackay Road Runners had a very strong contingent of junior runners perform exceptionally at the State Athletics Championships in Brisbane last weekend. Fifteen year old Jamie Sanders performed extremely well in the under eighteen two thousand metres Steeplechase where he scored an amazing bronze medal! Jamie was stoked with the result as he has only raced the Steeplechase once before, but obviously he’s a natural, competing very well against his older and more experienced rivals. Jamie has now been selected in the Queensland Team to compete in Melbourne at the Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park early December in the 2000 metre Steeplechase event.
Mackay Road Runners Awards Night was held last Saturday from the beautiful function room at The Grove. Approximately seventy Mackay Road Runner awardees, their families and friends attended the awesome evening hosted by Master of Ceremonies and Club President, Tim Magoffin. Tim congratulated and thanked the runners, volunteers, sponsors and supporters of the Club for a great year, where once again the Club continued its success as one of the region’s most respected and successful Clubs. Many thanks to the Club’s generous Club Patron, Col Meng, who was on hand to present trophies to the deserved recipients as announced by Tim.
An apology was received from former Olympian Benita Willis who was unable to attend the evening to present her Trophy to the 2015 recipient, Angie Furdek. Benita, who is a great supporter of the Mackay Road Runners Club, penned a few inspirational words to the very excited winner. Angie’s husband Ken, was also thrilled with the award and has already taken down their wedding photo to replace with the huge framed perpetual trophy!
Mackay Road Runners staged its first off season social run last Sunday commencing 5.30pm from the Mater Hospital carpark. Course Director and Club Captain, Jim Ford, organised a unique concept where runners had the option of short or long course, running out to a specific time then running quicker from the turnaround, thus hopefully gaining a negative split. All runners were successful in the task, gratefully assisted by a tailwind on the return trip…yay!
Congratulations to Mackay Road Runners who competed at the Melbourne Running Festival, including Shawn Claydon, Shelley Binney, Darren Pullen, Shane Barben and Paul Tilse. Shawn scored an impressive two hours 47 minutes in the Marathon to earn himself gold in his age category and 55th place out of 6,037 runners. It was an awesome effort in the conditions with blustery and cool winds along the St Kilda portion of the race. Shelley Binney also performed well in her comeback marathon, running four hours even. Darren Pullen was ecstatic to score under four hours in his first ever marathon, clocking 3 hours 56 minutes. Paul Tilse and Shane Barben continued the success of flying the local flag, both racing to the finish line in the 10km event in under 60 minutes.
Mackay Road Runners enjoyed a great social event last Sunday afternoon for the last run on the 2015 formal running calendar. Over sixty runners gallivanted around the Gooseponds for the 7.5km social three loop course, where runners had the option to do any distance they chose before partaking in a sumptuous BBQ prepared by Craig Widdowson. Mackay Road Runners are very fortunate to have Craig who’s usual partner in crime, Ken Furdek, was apparently ‘gallivanting’ around the American Basketball scene. Many thanks to Craig, who’s culinary skills are highly sought after, was very happy to do special cooking requests.
Approximately forty runners braved windy and rainy conditions last Sunday Morning to contest the final Club Championship race on the Mackay Road Runners Calendar for 2015, the Queens Park 3km. Competitors were tested the entire course, racing into severe headwinds towards Town Beach Esplanade before reaping the rewards of a tailwind for the final 1.5km to the finish line.
Congratulations to Scott McIntosh who ran a great 3km in the lead up to a very special event next week – his marriage to his beautiful fiancé, Dale! The dedicated pair or Mackay Road Runners left straight after the 3km event to travel south to family and friends for the special occasion.
The running of the inaugural Mackay Road Runners Alarm Guys Jungle 5km Run was a huge success, with approximately thirty runners lining up in the brisk but perfectly sunny conditions at 7am last Sunday at the Botanic Gardens Playground, West Mackay. The awesome course led runners through the meandering and slightly undulating trails of the beautiful Gardens precinct before being rewarded with post-race random draw prizes donated by Sponsor, The Alarm Guys. Many thanks to Millie Bishop for crafting together the awesome prizes which were very well received by the runners and volunteers.
Congratulations to all runners for a great morning – Peter Wright, Daniel Stampa, Andrew Short, Simon Henderson, Brendan Bishop (and Hughie), Bernadine McKinnon, Stuart Sprott, Cilla Martland, Merv Shields, Leanne Connor and Sandra Henderson.
Runners are now looking forward to the last few races on the 2015 formal program. This Sunday’s final Club Championship race will be a 3km from The Queens Park Rotunda, Goldsmith Street, commencing 7am sharp. Runners are requested to register by 6.50am at the latest, so that vital consideration is given to the volunteers (who also love to run) to do their own pre-race warm up.
The Mackay Road Runners had a huge contingent of runners contest the annual 28km Whitsunday Trail Run at Airlie beach last Sunday morning. The ninth running of the event had over one hundred competitors tackle the arduous one way 28km trail run from Brandy Creek to the Airlie Beach Lagoon via The Conway National Park. The Whitsunday Running Club did an awesome job in organising the event having just taken over the reins this year from the Mackay Road Runner. Event Manager, Wendy Downes and her team need to be congratulated the tough logistical event, where many volunteers are required including the SES, to ensure its success. Many thanks also go out to the sponsors and volunteers.
Mackay ultra-marathoners, Brad Allen and Lee Taylor also performed extremely well, finishing in the top ten male competitors. Paul and Janelle Tilse were well pleased with their efforts where they have now completed every 28km Whitsunday Trail Run since its inception in 2006. In 2008 the event was not held due to technical issues at the time, therefore, next year will be the tenth anniversary of the awesome event.
Last Sunday morning approximately fifty Mackay Road Runners raced one of its Signature events, ‘The Benita Willis 10km Handicap’ from the beautiful precincts of the Bluewater Lagoon parklands. The event consisted of a 5km as well as the feature 10km event, with runners in the 10km vying for the prestigious perpetual ‘Benita Willis 10km Handicap’ framed trophy. Ten kilometre runners were set off on their individual handicap with the first runner crossing the finish line, male or female, the deserved recipient for 2015.
Last year’s ‘Benita Willis 10km Handicap’ winner, Brendan Bishop presented an ecstatic Angie Furdek, who ran a personal best time, with the coveted award ahead of many talented runners. Angie was rapt with the win finishing just under one minute ahead of Bernadine McKinnon and third placed Jenny Harmer, who was closing in fast, just fifteen seconds in deficit. Running well, Tim Caddy and Stuart Sprott split a clean sweep of top female finishers ahead of sixth placed Jose Short. Excellent racing by Daniel Stampa, Robyn Madill, Vicki Vickers and John Rodden who rounded out the top ten. Angie will be the proud owner of the Benita Willis perpetual trophy once engraved and re-presented to her at the Club’s annual awards night on 24th October.
Mackay Road Runners had the awesome privilege of having REPCO once again sponsor their annual pre Father’s Day 5/10km social run from the beautiful precincts of the Botanic Gardens. The cool conditions were perfect for the Saturday morning run where approximately sixty runners enjoyed the slightly undulating and meandering trails of the Gardens. Mackay Road Runners Club members now have their usual Sunday run calendar freed up to spoil their Dads….which, as quoted by the Club President, Tim Magoffin in his pre-race briefing, is THE most important day of the year!
Mackay Road Runners would like to thank its race day Sponsor, REPCO and local Store Manager, Megan for their continued and valuable support of the club…the winners were very excited to win the REPCO donated items in the post-race random draw presentation. In fact, the winners were so appreciative that their Father’s Day shopping was all sorted, although with REPCO’s new catalogue commencing this week, there were lots more bargains for the Dads to be spoilt with.
Perfect running conditions greeted approximately forty runners as they tackled the seriously hilly 6km & 12km event from Bonson’s Scrub Road last Sunday afternoon. The course included a 3km challenging trek to the top of Ian Reddacliffe Drive where the turnaround marker and water stop were located in the cul de sac. The return 3km via the same route had runners enjoy more downhill than uphill running, although the steep descents were no less difficult. The 12km competitors proved to be up to the test when they revisited the first loop to complete their event.
The 6km handicap start race saw junior runner Jamie Sanders have a finish line sprint with Hayden Connor (31:23), where he clocked an impressive twenty-seven minutes 47 seconds ahead of second fastest, Ross Connor (31:08). Daniel Stampa (34:50) ran well to place fourth followed by Mark McFadzen, Darren Sekac, Jim Ford and Shane Barben. Female 6km competitors were also impressive with Alana Ford (30:18) claiming the win over Nikki Giles (30:38) and relative newcomer Jose Short (32:25). Jose, who has been in excellent form over the longer distances enjoyed the challenge of the testing course. Fourth placed Melissa Harris (36:20) is another of the Club’s big improvers, with Karen Baker, Emma Goodman-Jones, Jo Hughes, Kim Saron, Leanne Connor, Catherine Jones-Trifelly and Cilla Martland following in quick succession.
The annual Mackay Road Runners Club Championship Signature Event, the NQBP Open Magic Mile and the Podiatry Mackay Under 13 and Under 18 Magic Mile was held at the opening of the newly restored NQBP Breakwater at the Mackay Marina last Sunday morning.
The NQBP open race was certainly an open field with many talented locals jostling for position at the start line. In excellent form over the past twelve months, comeback kid, Paul Arvidson showed signs of his former sprint glory by taking out the race ahead of Mark McFadzen. Third place was a tightly contested affair with Shane Donnollan just snatching bronze on the line ahead of ultra-marathoner Andy List.
The running of the annual Eimeo Pacific Hotel 6km & 14km was a great success with approximately fifty runners taking to the scenic suburban streets of Eimeo, Dolphin Heads and Blacks Beach from the awesome Eimeo Pacific Hotel carpark. Whilst most runners enjoyed the beautiful vistas from varying locations throughout the course, most were ecstatic to complete their respective distances due to the many tough undulations through the technical six kilometre and fourteen kilometre courses.
Clare Curran’s thirty-five minutes thirty-six seconds earned her first place for the girls in the six kilometre event, half a minute ahead of Robyn Madill with Karen Baker a further thirty seconds in deficit. Outstanding running by Kylie Binstead whose return to running after the birth of her baby boy was just a minute after fourth placed, Christine Fraser.
Mackay Road Runners held their 4.5km/9km Cape Hillsborough Club Championship race in very cool, sunny conditions last Sunday morning from the National Park/Resort precincts. President Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short arrived early to set up the course for over forty avid runners and supporters….Tim & Andrew…..where would we be without them?
Many thanks to race day volunteers, including Mackay Road Runners running husbands Ken Furdek and Craig Widdowson for cheffing the yummy post-race sausage sizzle. Runners and volunteers were also treated to some excellent random draw prizes thanks to our Amart rewards program where the Club accrues points from purchases made at the store when supporters present their Amart card. The Club uses these points towards gift cards which goes back into prizes for its Members and supporters….so if you don’t have an Amart card, make sure you apply when next in store.
Local runners tested themselves by competing very successfully in two major out of town events at the weekend, the Townsville and Brisbane Running Festivals.
The weather was foggy and extremely humid through the entire race, with over seventy runners across both 3.2km and 6.4km events. Many first time runners tackled the arduous ascent as well as very experienced ‘repeat offenders’ from the Netherdale start line to the summit at the right of the Eungella Chalet. Many thanks to sponsors, M-Test, Veronica Pettifer, Podiatry Mackay, Mackay Tyrepower, Eungella Community Development Committee (awesome breakfast), Finch Hatton Police, Kirsty and Peter Robertson’s ‘Work & Play Therapies’ (free massages), Maz Wright’s homemade goodies and Auto Corner (gift baskets).
Approximately forty runners enjoyed the perfectly cool running conditions at last Sunday afternoon’s social 4/9km run from the Magpies Sporting Club precinct, with runners meandering their way through the beautiful Glenella suburb towards the Gooseponds and return.
The Forsyth’s Accountants 5k & 10k Club Championship race held at Queens Park last Sunday had an outstanding seventy runners compete across two events in cool blustery conditions. The huge crowd of runners and supporters enjoyed the exceptional running efforts and post-race celebrations of yummy treats, cash and chocolate random draw prizes donated by the generous sponsor. Forsyth’s Accountants representatives, David and Bernie Forsyth are avid athletes themselves with David competing in the 10km and Bernie scorching over the 5km course. Forsyth’s also have local running legend Shawn Claydon on staff, apparently rated as the fastest employee to get from the back office to the front, although I think that’s only at smoko time!
Fourteen year old Rachel Silvestri ran well to place first over a minute ahead of her closest rival, twelve year old Layla Sanders and fourteen year old Lauren Morgan. These junior girls have been doing exceptionally well in their respective school cross country events as well as recent top placings at the Mackay Marina Run. Veteran runner, Karen Low split the junior girls’ party by claiming fourth ahead of talented junior Emma Pattemore, with Mel Rich, Marie Muscat, Claire Curran, Alison Friswell and Nixon Rodden closing out the top ten.
Tough and damp conditions were the order of the day as approximately forty runners sprinted over the awesome trails of the Rowallan Park Scout and Mountain Biking property. The 6.30am race start saw many avid runners and volunteers give up their Sunday morning sleep in to enjoy the moist country air and test themselves over the rigorous course through the meandering undulating park near Farleigh. The varying terrains of the course set by Graham Robinson and Martin lambert, had runners enjoy traversing hilly headlands, low creeks, grassy expanses and rocky ascents/descents.
Many thanks to race day volunteers including timekeepers (Jo Hughes, Donna Rath and Karen Baker); BBQ organisers (Andrew Short & Tim Magoffin); course markers and marshalls (Graham Robinson and Martin Lambert) as well as massive appreciation to the MAD Mountain Bike Club and the Rowallan Park authorities.
In very warm, humid conditions, Mackay Road Runners staged their 5km & 11km North Harbour Beach Loop from Catherine Freeman Oval, Slade Point last Sunday afternoon. The perfect running conditions were an improvement from the previous week’s rain and wind as runners traversed the undulating roads to the Lamberts Beach Tavern. The 5km runners turned at the Tavern, however the gritty (pardon the pun) 11km runners were treated to a 6km sandy stretch along the beautiful Lamberts Beach to the North Wall before making the same return trip to the finish line.
Mackay Road Runners had a surprisingly great rollup of fifty runners for the 5km & 11km Mt Bassett run from the southern end of The New Mulherin Park at East Point Road. The scattered rainy weather did not deter the avid runners who braved the very cool, windy conditions to conquer their respective events which included two ascents of Mt Bassett.
Carmel Mahon was the form runner once again in the 11km, steaming home in 49 minutes 50 seconds ahead of Vicki Vickers (53:14) and Karla Hook (53:28). Several female runners who are really stepping up to the plate this year include Marie Muscat, Jose Short and Julie Whibley. Evergreen, Jan Smith ran a very consistent pace through the entire course, even two stints of Mt Bassett didn’t falter her stride as she easily traversed the incline/decline….very impressive!
Approximately forty runners braved the extremely testing conditions at last Sunday’s 5km & 30km Club Championship race from Northview Park at 6am. The cool, windy and rainy weather prevailed for the entire event making the course very trying, particularly in the later stages of the 30km.
Mackay Road Runners would like to congratulate all runners and volunteers for their exceptional support of each other throughout the entire event. A special mention to water stop attendants and roadside marshals, Mel Rich, Jo Hughes, Karen Low and Scott McIntosh running their 5km event and then helping out on the 30k race, as well as Linda McFadzen and Emma Goodman-Jones, who missed their Sunday morning sleepin to cycle the 30k course in aid of the runners.
Mackay Road Runners Casu Jacks pre Mothers’ Day 5 & 12km run last Saturday morning at 6.30am had an outstanding attendance of over fifty runners. The cool sunny conditions were perfect for running as was the location at the beautiful Harbour precincts. Runners and supporters enjoyed the awesome hospitality by Greg & Pauline at Casu Jacks Cafe, who served up well deserved treats during and post race.
Alana Ford took gold for the girls in the 12km event, clocking 54 minutes 19 seconds followed by fellow sub one hour runners, Vicki Vickers (57:45), Karla Hook (58:04) and Marie Muscat (59:44). Great running also came from Julie Whibley, Karen Baker, Anna Walsh, Donna Rath, Erin Safe, Jan Smith and Catherine Jones-Trifelly.
Mackay Road Runners annual Farmers Gallop 5km & 17km commenced 6.30am from the residence of Life Member and self-confessed ‘non-morning’ person, Agnes Farmer. Agnes is always an amazingly congenial host, supplying sumptuous post-race goodies for the needy runners and their supporters.
The fastest runner in the 17km handicap start event was taken out by backmarker Andy List (1 hour 08 minutes 18 seconds) who ran extremely well to finish over two minutes ahead of Ironman Darren Binstead (1:10:29), ultra marathon runner, Mark McFadzen (1:10:50) and Greg O’Neill (1:14:02). Fast finishing Shane Donollan (1:15:43) ran an awesome race to be come in fifth, with Lindsey Wiggins and Tim Magoffin hot on his heels.
Two local Mackay Road Runners, Shawn Claydon and Martin Lambert, will be competing in two prestigious events this weekend. The duo will be heading in opposite directions, as Shawn competes in his second London Marathon on 26th April, whereas Martin will be heading to Sydney for the Anzac Day Challenge Centenary 100km trail event on Anzac Day.
Mackay Road Runners, family and friends will be tracking Martin and Shawn online wishing them all the best in their individual events……wow….go boys…..you are amazing!!!
One of Mackay Road Runners’ Signature Events, The Eungella Half Marathon Trail Run was held last Sunday morning in perfect running conditions. Race Director, Matt Stevens was ecstatic with the nominations of over 80 runners and an abundance of volunteers to ensure the outstanding success of the annual event in only its second year. The weather was particularly pleasing this year especially after last year’s monsoonal conditions, where Cyclone Ita was causing havoc in North Queensland and an enormous amount of rainfall in the Eungella region at that time.
Last Sunday’s Easter long weekend Mackay Road Runners 5km & 10km social run was hosted by the awesome restaurant, Zambrero’s in Gordon Street. Peter Quinn and his obliging staff had yummy discounted treats on offer for over fifty runners and their families. The very humid conditions did nothing to stop the participants enjoy the specialised Mexican menu after they completed their individual events. Many thanks once again to Zambrero’s for their support at this Easter event and sponsoring the Eungella Trail run this weekend.
Mackay Road Runners, once again had an outstanding attendance at last Sunday’s 5km & 10km Rural View run. The 4.30pm handicap start race was a challenging event, thoroughly enjoyed by all, even with the many serious undulations, which included circling the Rural View lookout twice in the 10km race. The warm conditions were slightly less intimidating due to the welcoming cloud cover throughout the entire event.
Rachel Silvestri continued her excellent form coming in third overall and first female in 21 minutes 8 seconds, ahead of fast finishing Lauren Morgan (22:55) and Layla Sanders (24:57). Excellent running by the junior girls as they toughed it out over the hilly terrain.
Others to run well over the two lap technical course were Marie Muscat, Melissa Rich, Melissa Harris, Jane Ada, Chris Webb, Jan Smith, Ulrika Widdowson, Bernadine McKinnon, Erin Safe, Karlee Hayden, Heath Lagerche, Cooper Rath, Alex Anderson, Paul Tilse, Stuart Sprott, David Vincent, Martin Lambert, Simon Henderson, Andrew Short, Russell Van Den Bosch, Peter Quinn and Samat Widdup.
Mackay Road Runners held it’s second Club Championship race of the year last Sunday with a 5km Junior and 16km Senior road race from the Magoffin residence located just before the beautiful Slade Point foreshore and parkland at the Northern end of Slade Point Road. Perfect running conditions greeted over seventy runners at 6am, however, it didn’t take long for the heat to take effect in the middle to later stages of the event.
Awesome running by other 5km competitors in the humid conditions including Mark Pashalis, Daniel Stampa, Christine Fraser, Bernadine McKinnon, Di Cluelee, Jenny Harmer, Cilla Martland, Palmira Brooks and Tracey Gray.
Congratulations to all competitors in the 16km as the humid conditions played havoc on the steamy track from Slade Point Road and beyond to the Lamberts Beach Esplanade and return…..Andrew Short, Scott McIntosh, Simon Henderson, Greg Coulson, Peter Wright, Peter Ford, Ulrika Widdowson, Paul Tilse, Peter Quinn, Brendan Bishiop, Anna Ryan, Karla Hook, Karen Baker, Robyn Madill, Russell Van Den Bosch, Glen Baker, Mellisa Gaviglio, Emily Wicks, Glynis Forse, Mel Rich, John Rodden, Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith, Adrian and Lizette McNichol.
Finishers of the 6 Foot Track 45km ultra marathon race in the NSW Blue Mountains (Katoomba to Jenolan Caves) last Saturday.
Ninety-seven runners braved the steamy conditions to contest the first Mackay Road Runners Club Championship race of the year….the Queens Park 5km. The very humid conditions saw runners find it difficult to ramp up the pace especially in the final stages of the race where the sea breezes were behind them.
Josh Eisemann was clearly enjoying himself way too much as he easily chatted to the cheering photographer along East Gordon Street…..however, once he hits his straps, Paul Tilse will need to be on the lookout.
The Mackay Road Runners Club hosted yet another successful event where over eighty runners congregated on the normally quiet streets of West Mackay. The very warm conditions prevailed for the first 5km loop, however temperatures did drop slightly in the second 5km loop much to the delight of the 10km entrants.
Shawn Claydon was in sensational form to sprint the 10km event, taking first place ahead of talented triathlete, Ryan Palazzi and speedster, Stuart Cameron. Also in excellent form, Andy List was not far off the pace, as was Derek Woods, Greame Harris, Lindsey Wiggins, Ross Connor, Tim Caddy, Sam Widdup and Scott McIntosh.
Mackay Road Runners hosted yet another successful event with approximately seventy runners signing on across both events. The Harbour Breakwater 5km & 10km course had to be altered at the last minute due to a closure at the halfway point on the breakwater road whereby the road sustained some damage from Cyclone Marcia. This turned the course into a three loop event enabling runners to add a little extra or less to their chosen event.
Champion runner, Ashlee Scott also proved her class to place first for the girls and second overall. Her outstanding performance appeared easy for the twenty year old, as she cruised over the 11km course ahead of 2014 Female Club and Handicap Champion, Carmel Mahon. New runner to town, Alanna Ford showed she will be a force to be reckoned with this year, with her third placing and very consistent running in recent events. Alanna comes from a fine family of talented athletes, including Dad and Club Captain Jim; sister, Anthea and brothers Alex and Peter. Huge improvers, Melissa Harris and Anna Ryan will be ones to watch this year as well, with very solid performances by the girls in their couple of outings on the road.
New Zealand marathon runner, based in Mackay for the last couple of years (we’ll claim her as a local), Victoria Beck has claimed an incredible victory in the Iwaki Sunshine Marathon in Japan last weekend, scoring herself a gold medal in the gruelling event in a sensational time of 2 hours 47 minutes 38 seconds. The arduous course was particularly tough due to the weather conditions, however the reigning Queenstown Marathon champion obviously loves a challenge, winning by more than four minutes. Victoria has done extremely well and is an awesome athletic talent.
Club President, Tim Magoffin welcomed new and existing runners to the first handicap points run of the year, in addition to reminding all participants to register online as a Member by the end of February so that they can accrue points asap for all handicap and club championship races towards end of year trophies for open and age category awards.
Mackay Road Runners had a huge day out last Sunday, starting with a very busy and successful Mackay Regional Council Sports Expo and Sign on from 8am to 1pm, then their first event on the 2015 official Program later in the afternoon from the Harbour boat ramp carpark, which was attended by approximately 100 runners.
Last Sunday afternoon, Mackay Road Runners hosted it’s last off season social run from the Harbour North Wall before the formal 2015 program commencing this Sunday. Over fifty runners enjoyed the perfect cooling sea breezes, whilst still very warm, was certainly less humid as in previous weeks.
Mackay Road Runners celebrated the Australia Day Long weekend with a series of social training sessions throughout the beautiful region.
Mackay Road Runners had a very impressive rollup of nearly forty runners for the 9km Harbour to Mt Bassett social training run last Sunday afternoon. Runners met at the Old Mulherin Park to run an easy 1.5km to the base of Mt Bassett before completing a series of hill repeats. The extremely humid conditions were very daunting, but the hardy runners ran exceptionally well to tackle the arduous course format set by Club Captain, Jim Ford.
Mackay Road Runners social 5/10km training run held last Sunday afternoon from the Base Hospital car park was well attended with over fifty runners enjoying the voluntary handicap concept. The cooling breezes were a welcome relief in the extremely humid conditions as runners left the Hospital precincts to tackle the Bluewater Trail and beyond.
Shawn Claydon (pictured) racing in the Hobart Cadbury Marathon (42.2km) this morning. Shawn placed 5th overall and first in his age, running a sensational 2hrs 45 min over the very hilly two lap course. Another local runner, Martin Lambert cruised over the half marathon (21.1k) course to clock 1hr 37min. Both runners found the cooler conditions to their liking and a welcome break from the North Queensland humidity.
Approximately forty runners participated in the casual off season 10km Plant Paget run from the Paget Industrial Estate, South Mackay last Sunday afternoon.