Well over thirty runners and supporters braved the extremely cool conditions last weekend for Mackay Road Runners’ Blacks Beach Bush Bash.
The warming sun was a welcome sight as it rose over Blacks Beach as 5km runners started from the Blacks Beach Tavern towards the beach and the 9.7km runners commenced in the opposite direction only to join up with the 5km runners in the final stages. The varying surfaces of bush trails and sandy shores gave runners a welcome reprieve from the usual concrete and tarmac, especially after the magnificent success of the BMA Mackay Marina Run racing the previous weekend.
Mick Vivian and Luke Leven charged to the lead from the start, with Mick taking and holding the lead in the 9.7km until the finish line. Mick and Luke continue their great form from the BMA Mackay Marina Run before heading into the 5/15/30km Club Championship event next weekend. Junior running sensation, Lily Leven was the standout first female in the 9.7km ahead of Jose Short, Teresa Hackney and Carmel Mahon. Shane Donnollan, Michael Feenaghty, Cory Gould, Mick Scholer, Craig Robinson, Clinton Mackie, Darrin Pullen, Andrew Wallace, Alan Zamparutti, Stephen Oberg, Jo Hughes, Nicole Ballingall and Judy Zahn thoroughly enjoyed the scenic long course as did the 5km runners Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, junior day runner Lenny, Andrew Short, Natasha Joynson, Katrina Ogilvie, David Isbister, Daniel Stampa, Len Haworth and Stuart Sprott.
Runners are now looking forward to this Sunday’s 30km Northview Park Club Championship incorporating 15km and 5km commencing 6am. All runners are to meet at the Schaper Road, Glenella playground undercover area to register for racing ten minutes prior to 6am sharp for the 30km and 6.15am for the 5km and 15km.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Darrin Pullen marginally ahead of Andrew Wallace at the 4km mark of the 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash
Carmel Mahon cruising into the finish line in the 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash
Stephen Oberg (#45) and Jo Hughes (#28) completed a well-paced 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash