Cross Country At Cape Hillsborough

Mackay Road Runners hosted a very challenging trail and cross country run which has been on the Club’s calendar for over twenty years.  

The popular but testing hilly off-road course has been a favourite for many runners training for strength, speed and endurance for some of their tougher goal events.  

Jen White, Crystal Hawkins and Leanne Connor had a sensational 5km outing, thoroughly enjoying the seriously undulating course as did Andrew Short and Dan Stampa.

First 9km runner Toby Rule was once again in great form to take out the longer distance 9km event over Justin Rule and Oliver Rule.  

Jose Short had a comparatively easy 9km run compared to her recent full Ironwoman Triathlon event in Cairns taking gold for the girls ahead of Carmel Mahon, Maddy Price and Lauren Connor.  

Well done to Werner Van Der Linde who convinced his workmates, Phil Roche, Blaze Hunter and Jack McDonald to join him in a ‘cruisey’ run in the iconic National Park precincts.  

Word has it that they will be lining up this Sunday at Netherdale to compete in the Eungella King of the Mountain as they have now done their mountain running training and are looking for something tougher.

The 6.4km Torque Tyres & Trailer Sales Cycle and M-Test running Open King of the Mountain event will commence at 8am with the Laura Pettifer Inspirational/Podiatry Mackay junior under 18 years runners’ 3.2km commencing half way up the hill.  

Congratulations to Gold Coast Marathon competitors across all events for 2km to 42.2km.  

Several local runners excelled in their respective events including talented endurance runner Paul Mackenzie who ran three events across the two-day running festival i.e. 5km (20 min 51 and 3rd in his age), 21.1k Half Marathon (1 hr 27 min 4 sec) and the marathon 42.2km (3 hrs 17 min 36 sec)

Alana Knesevic was also outstanding in her half marathon earning herself a personal best time of 1 hr 33 min.  

Millie and Hughie Bishop were ecstatic with their 4km and 2km respective achievements totally enjoying the atmosphere of the internationally recognised event which hosted record numbers in the half and full marathon event.

In other running news, Brenda Windsor who has currently raised $11,833 for Bravehearts will have lots of wonderful moments to share from the Bravehearts 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 states.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners member Werner Van Der Linde (2nd right) convinced his workmates Phil Roche, Blaze Hunter and Jack McDonald into doing a very challenging 9km beach/trail run

5km competitor, Leanne Connor has way too much energy as she conquers the final ascent before the finish line

Justin Rule place 2nd overall in the 9km Cape Hillsborough behind his son Toby

Jose Short made light work of the 9km hilly Cape Hillsborough National Park Reef Forest scenic route. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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