Yet another pleasant afternoon on the water for those competing in Whitsunday Sailing Club’s weekly twilight race last Wednesday. Once again there were 16 boats, sailing in three divisions, on the water for the race.

The first division away was the fast, racing yachts, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading the fleet away, and with it the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.  By the time the fleet completed the first of three laps of the1.5 mile course, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) held a slender lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Reignition.

The two leaders soon held a break over the fleet, and at the end there was only 25 seconds separating them. A similar gap separated third and fourth, Reignition and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway).  On corrected time, Bobby’s Girl came out on top with Reignition second and Smooth Criminal third.

Division 3, made up of a combination of cruising boats and trailable yachts, started five minutes later, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon) leading the fleet away. Rossgo held a convincing lead over Aquatarius (Tom Parker) and Shiraz (John Cable) after the first lap, but dropped back during the second lap, allowing Aquatarius and Shiraz to take control of the race.  

Further back in the fleet, Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Lama (Heather Sutton) were making good inroads in relation to the leaders, as reflected in the corrected time results.  Final results had Lama first, Rossgo second and Lighthorse third.

Incognito (Brent Ireland) was the surprise package in Division 1, outperforming twilight regulars G’nome (Terry Archer) and Back in Black (Michael Van Der Zwaard).  While Back in Black won the start and sailed away from the fleet, Incognito sailed a consistent race to cross the finishing line just 5 minutes after Back in Black, while G’nome came home in third place. Corrected time results had Incognito first from Back in Black.

Presentations at the club afterwards saw the Whitsunday Industrial Services SML prize going to G’nome, while the participant prize, sponsored by Soft Rigging Solutions, went to Lama.

Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.

Offshore Racing

With a strong wind warning and high probability of rain, only 4 boats took part in the latest race in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s offshore race on Saturday.

The start saw Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading the fleet away with a short windward leg to a rounding mark before heading over toward Henning Island.  As expected, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) soon took the lead around Pioneer Point, but as the boats started to battle the tide within the Molle Channel, the fleet bunched up.  Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) chose a route through Unsafe Passage on the way to Henning Island, while the others all chose a less direct route around Roma Point.  

On the way back, everyone went the direct route via Unsafe Passage, with the exception of Reignition, who chose a longer, but more effective, return route.  While line honours went to Smooth Criminal, in the final results, Reignition came in first by less than 2 minutes over Seventh Heaven, with Smooth Criminal just 20 seconds ahead of Treasure VIII, after 4 hours of racing.

Reignition heads Treasure VIII just after

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This year’s Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival was the 22nd instalment of the iconic Airlie Beach Triathlon.

The weekend kicked off with the return of the Coral Sea Resort Marina Ocean Swim, with a race distance for everyone. Visiting professional triathlete, Caleb Noble proved he was in good form with a solid hit out, taking the win from local Cannonvale Cannons swimmer, Jacob Bell. The young Brooke Davis-Goodall crossed the line ahead of her counterpart, Samantha Sticklan.

A large contingent of junior athletes took on The Sebel Airlie Beach Junior Triathlon. They swam in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, followed by a ride along Broadwater Avenue and the run along the boardwalk which was simply stunning.

Much to the delight of the Colorbond steel Community Carnival crowd, the food trucks were serving hot and cold food, and the night culminated with fireworks on the beach.

With the return of the Olympic distance this year, we again attracted a stellar amateur and professional field, from near and far.

Locked in a fierce battle for the swim and bike legs, the male triathlon finished up in a foot race between Caleb Noble and Sam Betten. Unfortunately, the elusive 10th win wasn’t to be for Sam Betten, with the victorious Caleb Noble very pleased to secure the win. The podium finished with Caleb Noble on the top step, Sam Betten close behind in second and local emerging talent, Daniel McDonnell in third.

Samantha Sticklan led the females out of the water, with both Kate Giorgas and Demi Caldwell hot on her heels. Kate managed to bridge the gap on the ride and lead into the second transition. Demi worked hard to run Kate down, and then really put the hammer down to take the win in a very impressive overall time.

Race spokesperson, James Carman said he was very proud of The Whitsunday Triathlon Club and the effort to run a very successful event.

“Despite the challenges of the intermittent weather we had above average numbers and all athletes performed brilliantly. We can’t wait for another instalment of the Airlie Beach Triathlon,” he said.

First place for the men: Caleb Noble

First place for the women: Demi Caldwell

Male winner Caleb Noble (left) and runner up Sam Betten (right)

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Saturday saw the three Whitsunday Sea Eagles Junior teams start their 2022 campaigns by hitting the road to challenge the Mackay Swarks at Rogers Oval. It was a wet and soggy day that greeted the Sea Eagles in Mackay however regardless of the weather all teams were excited to be back playing footy.

In very trying conditions it was great to see the new Under 17 team come together to play a great game. With Sea Eagles jumping to the lead the Swarks had to step up to put forward some challenges throughout the game. Playing patient footy and showing some great skills in the wet Sea Eagles managed to come away with a solid win first up 64 – 19. The playing group worked hard for the entire match to outperform the Swarks and we look forward to seeing what they can do in 2022.

The Under 14s were able to adapt well to the soggy conditions with all players able to work together to take out the win 30 – 2. With the advantage of the wind in the first quarter the team set out on the front foot. Sea Eagles held the lead all day however with Swarks kicking with the breeze in the last quarter the win was not secured until a close range goal in the fourth to seal the deal.

The youngest Sea Eagles showed some promising plays with grit and determination shining through in slippery conditions. The Under 12 Sea Eagles went down scoreless against a sizeable Swarks line up 0 – 44 with the muddy conditions throwing the team off guard.

All grades of Whitsunday Sea Eagles take on Bakers Creek at Etwell Park this Saturday so get down to support them.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

Under 17’s team

Under 14’s team

Photo credit: Cody Fowler

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Men’s winner Allan Cooper 40 points, runner up John Storrie 38 points. Ladies’ winner Rhiannon Nott 37 points, runner up on a countback Lynelle Riley 36 points.

Saturday was a stableford event sponsored by The Original North Australian Hotel. Thank you to Glenn and Cindy Merrick for their continued support of our club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback Lynelle Riley 32 points, runner up Rhiannon Nott 32 points, 3rd place Elona Lynch 31 points. Turkeys nests Leanne Swan, Julie May, Paulette Barrett.  NTP Morag Parker.  

Men’s winner on a countback Marcus Yasso 37 points, runner up Brenden Wells 37 points, 3rd place Scott Sibson 37 points.  Turkeys nests David Martin, Kevin Cross, Graham Baker. NTP with an IBP Brenden Wells. Gary Marks won the Car wash voucher.  

This weekend is another split round. Single stroke event for the May monthly medals. Men play on Saturday, ladies on Sunday. Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu. Takeaways still available. Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker draw is $2300 this week.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Ladies’ 3rd place Elona Lynch, Men’s winner Marcus Yasso, Ladies’ winner Lynelle Riley

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Players enjoyed another beautiful day on the golf course except for the drizzle of rain. We all started off great and ended up wet.

The ladies’ winner on the day was Lyn Muller (32 c/b), second Jacqui Wall (32) and in the run down Paula McQuat (30).

The men’s winner was Peter Fox with a great score of 38, second Gary Scotford (36) and in the rundown Ken Granger (32).

Nearest the pins were divided into “A” and “B” Grade for both men and women to give greater chances.  

The ladies’ winners were “A” Grade Lyn Muller (13th) and “B” Grade Paula McQuat (9th) and Beryl Nosworthy (16th).  

The men's winners were “A” Grade Barry Mortimer (2nd) and Peter Fox (13th), and “B” Grade Billy Jesser (9th) and Nick Apruzzese (16th).  

There were three chip ins on the day, Gary and Elspeth Scotford and Peter Fox.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Peter Fox and Lyn Muller

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Another long weekend passed, with many more impressive results achieved. The Match Play final was held on Tuesday with the overall winner being Chris Bartlett. Ryan Kenny and Chris both suggesting it was a close competition.

The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Kendal Nash on 24 points. Second was Jack Hayes-Williams on 21 points and Glenn Rees third on 20 points.

Sunday the was the AutoPro 18-hole Monthly Medal, this time won by Craig Smith with a score of 45 nett. Adam Singleton was second with 50 nett and third was Asher Ventham with 51 nett.

The gross 'off the stick' winner on the day with 55 was Sean Fogarty. Nearest the Pins went to Rhys Bartholomew, Lorri Thynne and Tyson Flavel.

Next week all competitions will be open to be played at any time during opening hours.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Chris Bartlett

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The rain held off and there was a large number of visitors to Airlie Beach parkrun this week. A total of 99 people ran, jogged and walked the 5 kilometre waterfront course - 27 were registered first timers, five people recorded new personal bests - well done to Ben, Candice, Erin, Emily and Genevieve.

The event was made possible by 15 great volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver, Daniel Braddock, Sebastian Vinci (run director), Rebecca Hadley, Nathalie Blomme, Wendy McCall, James Henry, Ronald McCall, Laura Oates, Ken Johnson, Jasmine Voight, Lynne Oates, Dennis Mundle, and Amber (photographer).

Several volunteers are needed for this Saturday, anyone available is encouraged to contact airliebeach@parkrun.com - support, training and a fun experience will be provided.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 3,762 participants have completed 20,450 parkruns covering a total distance of 102,250 km, including 2,400 new Personal Bests. A total of 325 individuals have volunteered 2,781 times.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

Nicole and Rosie

This week's team of terrific volunteers

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During the school holidays, local Cannonvale Cannons’ swimmer, Jy Parkinson, attended the Australian Age Swimming Championships held in Adelaide.

The 16-year-old achieved outstanding results in all his events. He had a massive programme of 10 swims including finals.

Jy’s coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden are very proud of Jy’s accomplishments.  

Jy has been committed to his swim training and has worked hard to qualify and compete at this national level.  

He is an excellent ambassador for the Cannons, NQ and Queensland and proudly supported his fellow Swimming North Queensland athletes as the SNQ Captain.  

Jy smashed out eight personal best times which is not an easy feat at this high level. He made three finals and came 6th in the 200 metre backstroke with a time of 2.08.85 seconds , 6th in the 100 metre backstroke in a time of 59.33 seconds and 9th in the 50 metre backstroke in a time of 27.79 seconds.

He also achieved 13th for his 100 metre butterfly, 15th for his 200 metre IM, 26th for his 200 metre freestyle and 38th for his 100 metre Freestyle.  

Jy was also named in the Queensland Mixed Medley relay team.  

Since finishing his last swim he has stated that he wants to get back to training so he can come back bigger and stronger next year. Jy would also like to thank his family for all their support over the years. Congratulations, Jy Parkinson on your remarkable achievements.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannonvale Cannons’ coach Mark Erickson and Jy Parkinson in Adelaide

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Last Tuesday the annual ‘Tony’s Triples’ competition was played. This is sponsored by Tony Allsop, is open to North Mackay Bowls Club members only, and is aimed at bringing members together for a fun day. This year 60 members took part; a good effort considering several members were away for Easter, and others had covid.

Prize money totalled over $600. Many thanks to Debbie Mackenzie who did an amazing job running the box and the draw, while Club President, Eric Galletly took over as MC.

Marshall Howland, Bev Woodward and Wayne Trannore took out top prize money, while Neil Blucher and Brenda Trannore won the most colourful outfits. All other prizes were drawn out of a champagne bucket. Members can now look forward to next year’s event.

Social bowls

Monday winners were Ryan Vigliante and Andrew Coates followed by Pat O’Neill and Jan Little. Lucky draws were won by Maurie Pearson and Margaret Goldston.

Wednesday Ladies’ winners were Lee Robertson, Sue Roscoe and Marie Bragg. In second place was the team of Lesley Baumgarten, Isla Comelli and Lorraine Lemke.

Thursday winners were Vern Mietzel and Pat Elgey followed by Ian McDonald and Bruce McCubben. Green vouchers were won by Lance Edwards and Wayne Trannore.

Friday pairs was won by Peter Horsburgh and Rob Evans. Lucky draws winners were Laura Howland, Alan Brown and Lois Deguara.

The Saturday game turned out to be a draw.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Tournament Organiser Tony Allsop with tournament winners Wayne Trannore, Bev Woodward, and Marshall Howland

Tony judged Brenda Trannore and Neil Blucher to have the most colourful outfits on the day

60 members took part in the tournament at North Mackay Bowls Club last week

Members enjoyed a drink and a catch-up in the clubhouse after the tournament. Photos: Sam Gillespie

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Mackay Surf lifesaving Club, the Guardians of Harbour Beach since 1950 are best known for keeping the beachgoers of our community safe.

Over the current patrol season, the local group has completed thousands of hours of voluntary patrols, hundreds of preventative actions, first aid treatments and stinger drags to keep Mackay safe.

Most importantly there have been no serious incidents to the thousands of locals and tourists that visit Harbour Beach each year.

More than that, the local Surf Lifesaving Club contributes to the community by not only ensuring you and your family are safe at Harbour Beach.

The club has and continues to offer community groups and local events support by providing first aid officers, water safety, inflatable rescue boat support, crowd control, event management and participation in a number of community events held throughout the year. Each of which are enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors to our region.

Those include the Laura’s Tri on March 27 and the Warrior Mackay Triathlon Festival on July 3. There’s Emergency Services Day on May 29, and BMA Mackay Marina Rune on June 5.

There are the steadily approaching Mackay Beach Horse Races on June 10 to 12, as well as the Platypus Paddle Stand Up Paddle Board Competition July 9 and 10.

In recent memory they hosted their annual North Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships (this year coming up on October 28 to 30). And there are of course the ever-present Branch Championships December 10 and 11.

This is just to name a few of the major events the club is involved with each year, and certainly ones to be sure to get in your calendars.

Get yourself involved in the local community this upcoming season to see what these great events can offer you and your family. You’ll get out as much as you put in.

Contributed by Director of Surf Sports at Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Josh Grant

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Mackay’s Ky Hamilton showed the bull riding world what he’s made of earlier in the month, winning the PRCA sanctioned San Angelo Xtreme Bulls Championship in Texas, USA.

22-year-old Ky rode two bulls and finished with a cumulative score of 175.5, outscoring the runner-up by five points to claim the prestigious Xtreme Bulls buckle awarded to winners of top-tier events.

“It’s pretty exciting, especially after having four weeks off, missing The American and not being able to finish off Houston,” he said.

The win comes five weeks after Ky lacerated his kidney at the PBR Global Cup in Arlington, TX.

Ky had been on an astonishing run since bursting onto the American bull riding scene as a rookie in 2020 and the injury hasn’t slowed him down.

“It felt good to capitalize at a bigger Xtreme Bulls event of the year and win some good money.”

Ky was one of only two riders to cover their bulls for the qualifying eight seconds in the championship round, winning with a 90.5-point ride.

"I'm stoked to win my first (Division 1) Xtreme Bulls buckle,” he said.

“It's a cool buckle and these events are hard to win.

"That bull was kind of mean, but when I looked up at the scoreboard, there's no better feeling than when you go 90-plus."

Ky moved to the United States in 2018 to attend Odessa College and Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

He now rodeos professionally throughout the States and is looking forward to the upcoming Summer Run which will see him competing in various states across the USA.

Mackay’s Ky Hamilton is the 2022 San Angelo Xtreme Bulls Champion

Ky was only one of two to stay on his bull for the qualifying eight seconds in the championship round. Photos: supplied

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Mackay school student Hannah Nicolas has been scoring goals in her young water polo career this year.

The year 12 Whitsunday Anglican School student is currently in Canberra representing the Queensland Country Gold Team at the Australian Open Water Polo Championships.

She also competed in the Queensland State Water Polo Competition in Brisbane over Easter.

Hannah started playing water polo three years ago at the age of 14.

She joined the Mackay Water Polo Club which plays and trains at Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex.

She says although the water polo community in Mackay isn’t the biggest, it’s full of passionate and inspiring people from whom she is constantly learning.

“A lot of the people who play for Mackay Water Polo Club are very good and have a lot of experience up their sleeves,” she said.

Hannah has made many different representative teams which is a process of putting oneself out there, entering a draft, and trialling.

She says playing water polo at such a high level is an honour and she enjoys meeting new people and gaining new experiences.

“It’s good news when I find out I’ve made the team,” she said.

“I like to gain that experience.

“It’s nice to go down south and play and be in a team where you’re with people who are stronger than you so they push you to be better.”

Hannah hopes to move to Brisbane next year for university and will join a water polo club to develop her skills and take her game to the next level

“I definitely want to pursue it,” she said.

She says water polo has helped her with organisation, confidence, meeting new people, and putting herself out there, all skills which will make her transition to Brisbane easier.

“Being able to play in a team with girls I’ve never met before has really helped with my confidence and being able to put myself out there.”

Whitsunday Anglican School student Hannah Nicolas is in Canberra this week to compete in the Australian Open Water Polo Championships. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Hannah intends to continue her water polo career when she moves to Brisbane next year. Photo: supplied

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Australia’s brightest cricketing stars took to the field last week to compete in the Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships.

10 teams from around the country battled it out in a week of high-quality cricket commencing on April 7 and culminating in finals and playoffs played on Thursday, April 14.

Some less-than-ideal weather conditions throughout the week didn’t falter the competition, with games able to be rescheduled thanks to Great Barrier Reef Arena’s world-class drainage and lighting.

Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young said there was a significant increase of people in the club and the community throughout the tournament.

“It was hugely successful,” he said.

“All those people coming into town can only affect positively on the economy.”

Mr Young said visiting families were happy to escape the southern states for a week in Mackay and gave positive feedback on the facilities.

“There’s not many venues like Harrup Park.”

Continuing a rivalry for the ages, the grand final was played between Queensland Cricket Metro and Cricket NSW Metro at Great Barrier Reef Arena last Thursday.

Queensland Metro won the toss and elected to bat first, with conditions looking to favour the bowlers later in the day.

Opener Stephan Muller kept Queensland afloat with a two-and-a-half-hour knock of 74 runs from 111 balls amidst a top-order batting collapse.

Lachlan Crump contributed with 20 runs batting at number six and a handy knock of 36 not out from bowler Tom Whitney got Queensland Metro to a total of 9/198 from 50 overs.

Jack Nisbet and Joel Davies bowled out their ten overs for NSW Metro, both taking two wickets each, with Yianni Theodorakopoulos and Cameron Tunks taking one each.

Some terrific work in the field from Cameron Tunks, Lachlan Shaw, and Jordan Watson also accounted for three runouts.

In response, NSW Metro started with a steady stream of runs, however, no one was able to go on to make a big total.

Lachlan Shaw top-scored with 38 runs, helped out by a Yianni Theodorakopoulos with a valiant 24 not out, and Ethan Jamieson and Joel Davies with 23 runs each.

NSW Metro’s run rate was well on track; however, it wasn’t meant to be as they ran out of wickets in the 43rd over, finishing all out for 171 runs off 42.4.

Aubrey Stockdale led the bowlers taking 3/21 off 5.4 overs, including the tournament-winning wicket.

Tom Whitney and Jeremy White took two wickets each and Noah McFadyen finished with one.

Some quick fielding and a bit of confusion from NSW Metro contributed to runouts thanks to Tobias Snell, Lachlan Crump, and Thomas Balkin.

To cap off a terrific tournament for the Queensland team, captain Noah McFadyen was named Player of the Championships, finishing the tournament with 221 runs at an average of 44.20.

“The standard of cricket was probably the best we’ve had for four or five years from a male cricket perspective,” Mr Young said.

“They’re the guys who are going to go on and play for Australia.”

The moment Queensland Metro became Australian champions. Photo: Sam Gillespie

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It was a slow start to the season for the Marian Ladies Bowls Club, with the club’s green undergoing maintenance for longer than expected. However the ladies were back rolling out last weekend and reported that the improved green is starting to run well.

The club held a celebratory birthday afternoon tea for three of its members who all turned 80 in April. Each lady was presented with an orchid and an OBE (an Over Bloody Eighty award).

This week the green was full with 48 bowlers taking part in the Harvest Triples, results to be published in next week’s edition.

Marian Ladies Bowls Club President Katie Moohin (left), presented three members Gwen Harberger, Noela Cox and Beryl Borg with orchids and a fun award for turning 80. Picture: Supplied

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Well over fifty runners and supporters from Mackay Road Runners enjoyed the hospitality of the Zambreros Restaurant in the City Centre after their 5km or 10km run. After Easter festivities, runners relished the opportunity to fuel with food other than chocolate.

President Tim Magoffin welcomed the dedicated athletes with a Mackay city course taking runners through the CBD onto the Bluewater boardwalk and Catherine Freeman trails.  

Birthday boy, Paul Mackenzie and his mates, Alex Couldrey and Rodney Elworthy, led the quality field through the meandering trails to break the tape together in the windy conditions.  

Junior 10km speedsters, Max Scotton and Toby Rule ran extremely well, enjoying the course so much so, they decided to add on a bit of extra training to their daily regime. Joe Grech, Mick Scholer, Craig Stevens, Andrew Wallace, Scott McIntosh, Daniel Stampa, Andrew Short, Scott McIntosh, Tim Magoffin, Daniel Scotton also enjoyed the social nature of the event.

Alana Ford was in top form as the first female across the 10km finish line, easily coming in under the top ten overall. Excellent performances were seen across both events from Carolyn Mapes, Tahnee Malagueno, Patreana Fenech, Vicki Vickers, Carmel Grech, Emma Johnson, Colin Hardy and Adam Knesevic pushing the pram with Vivian and Harvey in tow.

This Sunday morning’s Mackay Road Runners event is part of the club’s Lost Bunyips trail series commencing 7am at Cape Hillsborough National Park.  The Hillsborough Turtle trails are challenging but totally satisfying with course options of 6km and 10km.  All members and non-members are most welcome to participate with a free sausage sizzle after the run.

Mackay Road Runners Committee (left to right) Arthur Dick, Ainslie Heinke and Jaylene Harrison volunteer at the annual Easter Sunday Zambreros Burrito Bolt. Images and report submitted by Janelle Tilse

Toby Rule (front) sprints from the starter’s gun ahead of dad, Justin Rule

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