Mackay Road Runners Club is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 50 years of running, friendship and community spirit in the Mackay region.
To commemorate the occasion, the club will host a special 50th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, 11 April, to be held at Mantra Mackay at the Marina. The evening will bring together past and present members, along with supporters and friends of the club, to share stories, achievements and memories from five decades of running.
Numbers for the celebration will be capped at 80 guests due to venue capacity, with attendees enjoying a two-course buffet dinner priced at $65 per person. A formal invitation flyer, including RSVP dates and payment details, will be released on the club’s Facebook page shortly. Those travelling from out of town — or locals wishing to stay the night — can contact Mantra Mackay directly for discounted accommodation by mentioning the Anniversary Dinner event.
While the celebrations will continue throughout the year, the club is also kicking off its 2026 running calendar this weekend. The first run will take place this Sunday at 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay, with the popular Tilse Toddle offering both 5km and 10km social runs starting at 5pm.
Existing members are asked to wear their race numbers to assist the timekeeper ahead of the first handicap run the following weekend. New members and casual runners are always welcome, and non-runners are encouraged to drop by for a chat and soak up the atmosphere.
As always, runners are invited to stay post-run for a relaxed social catch-up, complete with a barbecue, icy zooper doopers for recovery — and a special 50th Anniversary cake to officially launch this landmark year.
Members who ordered the limited-edition 50th Anniversary singlets can collect them at the Tilse Toddle. The club extended its thanks to Merchandising Officer Jo Hughes for coordinating the release, along with supplier NFE and Russell O’Hara. A small number of additional singlets will be available for purchase in various sizes.
The club also recently took part in the Mackay Regional Council Sports Expo, which was hailed as a success in showcasing local sporting and recreational opportunities. Mackay Road Runners thanked Council for hosting the event and acknowledged the volunteers who helped represent clubs across the region.
With 50 years behind them and many more kilometres ahead, Mackay Road Runners Club continues to prove that running is about more than fitness — it’s about community, connection and having fun along the way.
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