King Of The Mountain

Mackay’s Runners And Riders Rise To The Challenge

Mackay Road Runners Tackle Eungella KOM Despite Damp Conditions
RUNNING

The Pioneer Valley was abuzz early Sunday morning for the annual Eungella King of the Mountain race, which started at 7am from Netherdale. Despite damp conditions, over 100 runners and cyclists participated in what organisers hailed as a huge success.

The event has enjoyed the longstanding support of sponsors including the Eungella Chalet, which has backed the race for 40 years, alongside M-Test Mackay, Podiatry Mackay, and Veronica Pettifer, who sponsors the Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy.

The Laura Pettifer Inspirational 2.6km trophy was awarded to first-placed female and male runners, Lily Leven and Toby Rule, who impressed with their uphill performances despite recent school cross country commitments. Junior runners Millie Bishop (2nd) and Isabelle Hayles (3rd) also posted strong times, while Max Miles (2nd) and Oscar Hayles (3rd) completed the junior male podium. All juniors received cash prizes from Podiatry Mackay and $100 Rebel vouchers donated by Veronica Pettifer.

Over 40 runners competed in both junior and open categories, mirrored by a strong turnout in the cycling events. Three-time winner Alana Knezevic took out the women’s open race in 38 minutes 43 seconds, closely matching her previous year’s time despite a slightly longer course. Sam Sticklan claimed second place, followed by Kelly Chappell and Carolyn Mapes.

In the men’s open race, first-time participant Jared Havemann won in 34 minutes 37 seconds. Ryan Gibbs edged out Jonathan Davies by five seconds for second place, with Kingsley McLaren fourth. Many runners described the course as challenging, with some vowing never to return, though organisers noted such remarks are often repeated.

M-Test Mackay sponsored cash prizes for all male and female placegetters from first to fourth.

The event also benefited from generous donations of random draw prizes from the Eungella community, including Cloudbreak Lowlines Stud & Commercial Beef, Crediton Community Hall, and Stone Cottage Farm. Food and drink service was praised for its speed and efficiency.

Organisers extended thanks to patient local drivers who accommodated race logistics and to photographer Brad Lenahan for capturing the day’s highlights. The Mackay Cycling Club President Mark Harris ensured smooth cycling operations, coordinating sponsors Torque Tyres and Trailer Spares and managing course preparations.

Mackay Road Runners’ Andrew Short started course prep at 3am alongside volunteers Mark Harris, Tim Magoffin, Brendan Bishop, David Isbister, and Len Howarth – a huge effort despite causing him to start his own race ten minutes late. Registrar Tracey Dean streamlined online registrations, helping timekeepers Rohan Miles, Julie Whibley, and Jo Hughes manage race day efficiently.

Runners and cyclists are invited to the next Signature Event and Club Championship on Sunday, 10 August – the North Queensland Bulk Ports Open Magic Mile and Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile at the Mackay Harbour Breakwater. Online registrations close Friday, 8 August at 6pm. The club welcomes all participants regardless of membership status and thanks its generous sponsors for ongoing support.

Mackay Cyclists Battle The Eungella Range In Thrilling Hill Climb
CYCLING

Last weekend, the Eungella King of the Mountain event put thirty-seven Mackay cyclists to the ultimate test of grit and endurance. This Club Championship Hill Climb challenges riders with a demanding 6.1km ascent up the Eungella Range, pushing them through a 20 to 50 minute FTP trial that separates the true climbers from the rest.

Leading the pack was U17 competitor Ethan Jansen, who finished first with a time of 25 minutes 28 seconds, averaging 15.0 km/h. Close behind was B Grade rider Ashley Brownsey, finishing second in 26:24, just under a minute behind Jansen. U17 rider Riley Green secured third place with a time of 26:35. The top five was rounded out by A Grade cyclist Kyle Marwood in fourth (27:00) and U15 competitor Max Teague in fifth (27:04), all demonstrating remarkable grit in this demanding hill climb.

Top 5 finishers:

1st - Ethan Jansen (No. 29)
Time: 25:28.49
Speed: 15.0 km/h
Category: U17

2nd - Ashley Brownsey (No. 10)
Time: 26:24.11
Speed: 14.5 km/h
+0:55.62 behind 1st
Category: B Grade

3rd - Riley Green (No. 28)
Time: 26:35.36
Speed: 14.4 km/h
+1:06.87 behind 1st
Category: U17

4th - Kyle Marwood (No. 2)
Time: 27:00.00
Speed: 14.2 km/h
+1:31.51 behind 1st
Category: A Grade

5th - Max Teague (No. 32)
Time: 27:04.58
Speed: 14.1 km/h
+1:36.09 behind 1st
Category: U15

M-Test Open Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain participants hit the road from Netherdale  for the 6.4km event.

Tri-Activ8 entrants enjoyed Eungella’s stunning backdrop after the Torque Tyres Cycle event and M-Test, Laura Pettifer Inspirational & Podiatry Mackay Open and junior foot race.

Male and female runners (right) Alana Knezevic &Jared Havemann and cyclist winners (left) Ethan Jansen & Tenielle Galea with the Torque Tyres & Trailer Spares perpetual trophy.

Ryan Gibbs (2nd placed runner) is congratulated by his children and wife, Kate.

Isabelle Hayles and Oscar Hayles racing in the junior King of the Mountain for the coveted Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy and Podiatry Mackay cash prizes.

The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Perpetual Trophy is awarded to first placed female and male, Lily Leven and Toby Rule.

Matthew Mapes performed superbly in his first attempt of the M-Test King of the Mountain 6.4km.

Carolyn Mapes scored home bragging rights finishing 4th female and more importantly ahead of husband, Matt.

Sam Sticklan was ecstatic with her 2nd placing in the M-Test King of the Mountain. Photos supplied

Thirty-seven Mackay cyclists took on the brutal 6.1km Eungella King of the Mountain climb, with U17 rider Ethan Jansen powering to victory in 25:28 to claim the Club Championship title. Photo source: Mackay Cycling Club

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