Local Legends Lace Up For A Weekend Of Wins

At The Airlie Beach Festival

Mackay Road Runners were spoilt for choice over the weekend, with members taking part in both the local Bluewater Quay social run and the popular Airlie Beach Running Festival.

While just over twenty runners enjoyed perfect winter conditions along the Bluewater Trail, it was Mick Vivian who blazed a strong trail in the Airlie Beach Marathon. Vivian looked set to take out top honours in the 42.2km event before a persistent hamstring niggle forced him to dig deep and settle for a hard-earned second place.

Ultramarathoner Paul MacKenzie showed his usual grit and determination to finish an impressive fourth overall, followed closely by fellow Mackay runners Chris Brodie, Brad Fraser, Nigel Thomas, and Brenda Windsor.

Skye Perkins also delivered a standout performance, clocking 3 hours, 16 minutes, and 21 seconds to claim fourth female overall and first in her age category.

In the half marathon, Levi Wallace was thrilled to record a personal best time and fourth place in his age division. Solid efforts were also recorded by Leo Walz, Craig McGahey, John Rae, Andy Steane, Sacha Hoare, Jo Skinner, and Greg Dawes, the latter contesting the 10km distance.

With a flurry of events on the calendar, this weekend presents another exciting challenge, with runners needing to choose between the club’s Signature Event — the Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain — and the Yeppoon Running Festival.

The M-Test Open Eungella King of the Mountain 6.4km foot race and the Torque Tyres and Trailer Spares 6.4km cycle race both kick off from Netherdale at 7am on Sunday, finishing at the picturesque Chalet lawns for runners and at the summit for cyclists.

The junior foot race, proudly sponsored by Veronica Pettifer in honour of the Laura Pettifer Inspirational Award and supported by Podiatry Mackay, will start halfway up the climb. Junior competitors are asked to meet at Netherdale by 6.30am for transport to the start line. Running nominations close online at 6pm on Saturday, 26 July.

Cycling nominations are managed by the Mackay Cycle Club, with on-the-day registration available. Cyclists are advised to confirm details with Mackay Cycle Club President Mark Harris on 0439 131 362.

All runners are reminded that Mackay Road Runners Club Captain Jim Ford conducts free weekly training sessions each Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the ARC in Ooralea. These structured track sessions are open to all – no membership required – with only a $4 facility entry fee at the kiosk. Jim’s expert coaching helps build strength, speed, and stamina, and all are welcome to join.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Over twenty runners tackled the Bluewater Quay 5k, 10km social run, which had a slight variation from the usual.
Congratulations to Race Director Andrew Short who set another interesting course for the 2nd week in a row.
Alana Knezevic is well supported by Harvey Knezevic in the 5km Bluewater Quay social run.
Vivian Knezevic supports her Dad, Adam Knezevic in the 5km Bluewater Quay social event.
Fran March powered her way to the finish line in the 5km Bluewater Quay Social event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse