With nearly forty runners and supporters, the annual Farmers Gallop 5km, 17km was a much quieter affair this year with the running of the Whitehaven Beach event on the same day.
Many thanks to hostess and the club’s first Life Member, Agnes Farmer, who has generously hosted this event since the very early days of the Mackay Road Runners.
The handicap start event had stand-in timekeeper, Julie Whibley, in full control of the proceedings with Luke Leven graciously and patiently waiting for what seemed like hours being the highest handicapped runner.
Luke was very impressive especially running in his well-used 750-kilometre shoes, passing quite a few runners throughout the challenging course that took runners from North Mackay to Slade Point, Andergrove, Beaconsfield, Mt Pleasant before hitting the finishing tape back on Evans Avenue, North Mackay.
Lily Leven took out the 5km in a very speedy time with her brand-new birthday running shoes.
First male in the 5km Michael Feenaghty ran extremely well to run down most of the 5km field from his handicap start as well as finishing 2nd overall ahead of Darrin Pullen, Werner VanDerLinde and Andrew Short.
Alleny Gorrion, who’s not competitive at all, sprinted to the finish line marginally ahead of hubby Ollie with John Couldrey, David Isbister, Juyd Zahn, Daniel Stampa and Stuart Sprott closing in fast.
In the 17km, Alex Couldrey easily accounted for the distance despite little preparation, to cross the line first based on his handicap start.
Comeback kid Craig McGahey followed only 28 seconds in deficit to claim second on handicap ahead of an amazing 17km effort from Andrew Wallace.
Fourth overall and first female, Lisa Burns sizzled over the undulating course based on her handicap start with Shane Donnollan and Robin Stinson coasting in ahead of Carmel Mahon, Luke Leven, Shane Barben, Jo Skinner and Emma Johnson.
This Sunday’s Cape Hillsborough Reef Forest Trail 5km and 9km commences at 7am from the parkland precincts opposite the resort.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Awaiting his handicap start time, Shane Barben, fresh from last weekend’s Cairns Half Ironman easily completed the 17km Farmers Gallop
Lily Leven finishing her 5km event to amazing form from her handicap start
Mackay Road Runners Farmers Long Gallop hostess and the very first Life member of the club, Agnes Farmer with co-life Member, Judy Zahn catch up for a chat
Robin Stinson (right) takes a well deserved break after the 17km Farmers Gallop with fellow 17km runners Lisa Burns and Craig McGahey. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse
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