Grit Shines Through At Cape Hillsborough Turtle Trail

More than twenty dedicated Mackay Road Runners faced cool, blustery conditions at Cape Hillsborough over the weekend for the club’s 6km and 10km Turtle Trail events. Fortunately, the rain held off during the race, though the early setup crew endured tougher weather.

Among the early heroes were Andrew Short, Len Howarth, and David Isbister, who battled a passing storm from 5am to mark the course. Their efforts ensured the trails were ready before runners arrived. Andrew, a seasoned runner, led a last-minute reroute to accommodate wet and slippery conditions, guiding participants through rugged terrain, rolling trails, and coastal bushland.

Runners found a brief respite midway along the soft sandy shores of Cape Hillsborough Beach before tackling the steep and scenic Hidden Valley loop behind the resort – arguably the course’s most demanding section.

In the 6km race, Natasha Joynson and Craig Johnson crossed the finish line together after navigating the challenging route. Bianca and Max Miles followed closely, showing equal determination.

In the 10km event, Kingsley McLaren made a strong debut, finishing first male. Remarkably, he had completed a 20km trail event the day before alongside fellow runner Levi Wallace. Both performed well, but Mackay Road Runners member Shane Donnollan took victory, edging Levi by six seconds after recently finishing the gruelling Yandina 50km Ultramarathon.

Jose Short dominated the women’s 10km, finishing three and a half minutes ahead of Carmel Mahon and club Life Member Judy Zahn.

Special mention goes to Ashley and Max Miles, who ran while midway through the ‘Goggins 4 x 4 x 48 Challenge,’ running 4 miles every four hours for 48 hours.

The club praised the camaraderie on course, with runners supporting each other through tough sections – a hallmark of Mackay Road Runners spirit. Best wishes to those competing in the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon.

For those staying local, a social 5km and 10km run will be held Sunday at Bluewater Quay, near Red Dog, at 4pm. All are welcome.

25 Years Of Road Running With Gary Jenkinson

Originally from South Australia and a lifelong Collingwood supporter, Gary Jenkinson has been a stalwart of Mackay Road Runners for 25 years while living in Moranbah. Moving from a factory environment to a mining town was a culture shock, but Gary quickly found his niche and became a beloved member of the running community.

Gary retired from the Isaac Regional Council on 13 June after 26 years of service and will soon relocate to Nunawading, Victoria, to be closer to family.

He began running 25 years ago, with marathons (42.2km) his favourite event. Now 67, Gary has completed 41 marathons worldwide, with a personal best of 3 hours, 11 minutes and 30 seconds in Townsville. His training base was mostly Moranbah – a challenging environment with just one notable hill and consistently hot weather.

Gary made a point to join as many Mackay Road Runners events as possible, forging lifelong friendships. He combined marathons with holidays, competing internationally at events including the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland, the 56km Adelaide Ultramarathon, races in Alaska, Tasmania’s Mt Wellington, Germany, San Francisco, Ireland, Nova Scotia, Ghana, the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Rottnest Island, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. His final marathon was on Kangaroo Island in 2022.

Locally, Gary’s favourites were the Whitsunday Great Walk (28km) at Airlie Beach, which he ran for eight consecutive years, Sarina to Salonika Beach (28km), and the annual Moranbah Labour Day 10km fun run. He was first introduced to Mackay Road Runners in 1996 by well-known local runner Gary Nixon at the Canelands Park to Mackay Harbour 6.5km fun run.

Gary plans to keep running, having found a Park Run course near his new home. The club thanks him for his contribution and friendship, wishing him well in retirement – and many relaxing days ahead, with a cuppa, a Snickers, or a brownie in hand.

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“Skippy” chatting with Timekeeper, Rohan Miles at the beautiful Cape Hillsborough Resort.

Cape Hillsborough was the magnificent location for the Mackay Road Runners Sunday morning 6k & 10km event (left to right) Bianca Miles, Ashley Miles, Max Miles, Craig Joynson and Judy Zahn.

Max Miles and Ashley Miles looking fresh after completing the Cape Hillsborough Turtle Trail despite being in the midst of the Goggins 4 x 4 x 48 Challenge set by Chenery Fitness.

Gary Jenkinson coming 2nd in the Mt Kosciusko Marathon 15 years ago.

Gary Jenkinson with 2025 Mackay Road Runners Club President, Life Member and long time friend, Paul Tilse. Photos and words by Janelle Tilse

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