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Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson and major sponsor Forsyths Accounting’s Partner Nicole White share the Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield awaiting the 2026 male and female winners.
The eighth annual Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km Club Championship, along with the inaugural Rules of Running Under 12s 3km, brought runners and the wider community together for a memorable morning of racing.
Held in spectacular conditions, the event featured strong community support, with Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Forsyths Accounting partner Nicole White and members of the Forsyths team, including David and Bernie Forsyth, attending to speak and officially start the 10km and 5km races.
The inaugural Rules of Running Under 12s 3km also proved a highlight, with Belinda Rule and her team sponsoring, volunteering and presenting trophies and prizes to the top three boys and girls.
Organisers thanked the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, including timekeepers and registrars Julie Whibley and Brendan Bishop, as well as Andrew Short, David Isbister and Len Howarth for their work marking the course, setting up and packing down.
The morning also featured a singing bowl ceremony led by Judy Zahn, a significant tribute to Shawn throughout his illness.
Caz’s Coffee Cart, a sausage sizzle, Zooper Doopers and Shawn’s celebration cake added to the community atmosphere, while a raffle helped raise funds for pancreatic cancer research in honour of Shawn.
The final fundraising total from registrations, raffles and donations was still being calculated.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the community, sponsors, volunteers and Shawn’s family — Bonny and John Claydon, Sharon and Jeff Stewart-Harris, Lincoln and Aonghus — for their support.
Under 12s 3km Girls
Under 12s 3km Boys
5km Female
5km Male
10km Male
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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