Mackay Teens Selected For Queensland Cross Country Team

Mackay’s rising distance runners are stepping onto the national stage, with four outstanding athletes earning selection in the Queensland All Schools Cross Country Team after standout performances at the recent state championships.

Leading the charge is Mackay Road Runners junior club champion Toby Rule, who has enjoyed a stellar seven-day stretch of competition. Last weekend, Toby placed eighth in the 8km race at the Queensland Athletics Cross Country Championships in Toogoolawah, securing a well-earned spot in the Queensland Cross Country Team bound for Ballarat in late August.

This past weekend, he raised the bar again, claiming silver in the 18–19 Years 8km race at the All Schools State Cross Country Championships. The result earned him a place on his first All Schools Queensland Team, which will compete at the national championships in early September.

As if that weren’t enough, Toby also took out gold in the 1500m time trial, adding another accolade to an already extraordinary season. He is set to compete in the Mackay & District Secondary School trials this week and is even eyeing a start in the Eungella King of the Mountain event this Sunday.

But Toby isn’t the only local athlete chasing national success.

From The Rules of Running, a Mackay-based middle-distance training squad that calls MARC home, three additional runners have also earned state honours.

In the fiercely competitive 13 Years Girls division, Ayla Moon claimed silver, earning herself a place on the Queensland team. Her perseverance and dedication throughout the season have impressed coaches and peers alike.

Close behind was Shailee Mewha, who finished a strong fourth, also securing her spot on the Queensland team. Her result is especially commendable given the depth of talent in this age group at state level.

Millie Groom, representing the North Queensland team, delivered an excellent performance to finish third, rounding out a strong showing from Mackay athletes and booking her place at nationals.

“There were four selected for nationals,” said Belinda Rule, proud mum and Coach of four years.

“All four runners – Toby Rule, Ayla Moon, Shailee Mewha, and Millie Groom – will be heading to represent Queensland at the 2024 All Schools National Cross Country Championships in September, from the 7th to the 10th, which is pretty exciting.”

Belinda praised the disciplined preparation and commitment shown by the young athletes.

“These guys trained six days a week… since the 6th of January. That gave us 12 to 13 weeks of uninterrupted training.

“The plan was executed beautifully by them.”

In the time trial event, gold medals also went to August Cole (15 Years) and Ayla Moon (13 Years), alongside Toby’s win in the 18–19 Years division.

As results continue to roll in, Mackay’s emerging cross-country talent is proving they’re not just keeping pace with the rest of the state, they’re leading the charge toward national recognition.

“By the time 2032 rolls around, most of them will be in their 20s — which is peak time for our middle-distance runners,” Belinda said.

“That’s where our rising running stars are hoping to be – at the Olympics.”

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Mackay's rising stars have earned selection in the Queensland All Schools Cross Country Team after standout performances at the state championships, with Toby Rule, Ayla Moon, Shailee Mewha, and Millie Groom all set to represent Queensland at the 2024 national titles. Photo source: The Rules Of Running (Facebook)

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