Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

A Mountainous Challenge For Mackay Road Runners

Close to fifty runners and spectators enjoyed the cool morning sunshine for the racing of the annual Tri-ActiV8 Bonson’s Scrub Rd 6km and 12km mountainous challenge. Race Sponsor, Nikki Giles from Tri-ActiV8 has been on board as sponsor for this epic event for several years now as well as her day job of encouraging athletes in a multitude of activities including cycling, running, swimming, and paddling.

The ultimate winner was a very happy Lauren Connor who was two seconds off her estimated time, however, second and third placegetters, Robin Stinson and Oliver Rule, were approximately twenty seconds shy of their time. Standout performances came from Jen White who’s predicted time was tragically totally off the mark, but as always had a very positive spin on it and a good laugh.  In the lead up to his birthday the next day, Andrew Wallace had a great run over the undulating peaks as did Justin Rule, Luke Leven, Lily Leven, Tahnie Malagueno, Shane Barben, Matt Graves, Andrew Short, Carolyn Mapes, Natasha Joynson, Emily Dalglish, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor, Geeta Ariani, Stuart Sprott, Alan Zamparutti, Grant Holmstrom, Michael Feenaghty and Werner VanderLinde.

Many thanks to all volunteers including Julie Whibley, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin, Brendan Bishop, Jo Hughes and Melissa Harris as well as Helen Leven who brings along the very popular Zooper Doopers each week.  

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners Signature Event, the Magic Mile Club Championship, will be held at the entry of the Marina Breakwater at 7am.  All members of the general public are most welcome to enter, have some fun, then enjoy the day cruising around the cafes and parklands of the beautiful Mackay Marina precinct.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

L-R Mackay Road Runners Vice President Brendan Bishop, President Tim Magoffin, race day timekeeper Melissa Harris with race day sponsor TriActiV8’s Nikki Giles

L-R Proud Mackay Road Runners supporters Helen Leven, Club Secretary Julie Whibley and Belinda Rule.

Champion runners Justin Rule and Matt Graves tackle the challenging 12km Bonson’s Scrub Road/Ian Reddacliff Drive course

Tri-ActiV8 Garmin watch winner Lauren Connor (right) with Carmel Mahon enjoyed the serious ascents/descents of Bonson’s Scrub Road and Ian Reddacliff Drive. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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