With more than fifty runners taking part in the annual North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open and Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile, the competition was fierce from the starter’s gun.
The Podiatry Mackay Junior Club Championship was held ahead of the NQBP Open Club Championship in breezy but sunny and cool conditions on the scenic Mackay Marina Breakwater. NQBP once again played a pivotal role in the event, closing the breakwater to vehicle traffic for one hour during racing and sponsoring the Open male and female podium winners. Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr maintained his generous support for junior runners, offering cash prizes to the under 13 and under 18 male and female podium placegetters for the second time in recent weeks.
The 1,600-metre out-and-back course made for a fast, tightly contested race. Mackay Road Runners Club President, Paul Tilse, expressed gratitude to both NQBP and Podiatry Mackay, noting that Donald Orr was unable to attend the event in person. Despite the depth of talent, the Magic Mile race records set by past champions Charlie Martel (4:22) and Benita Willis (4:54) remain unbroken.
The under 13 female category produced an impressive result, with Ayla Moon and Shailee Mewha taking first and second overall across the line, followed by the first under 13 male, Sonny Moon. Under 13 male Hughie Bishop clocked a strong 7:07, just 12 seconds behind his older sister, Millie Bishop, who claimed gold in the under 18 female event. Keira Caban took silver in the under 18 female category and was awarded the coveted Magic Mile Milo Award for her inspirational performance.
In the under 18 male division, Max Miles claimed gold in a standout effort, backing up from a personal best in the Townsville half marathon (21.1km) the previous weekend. Oscar Hayles secured bronze after a determined sprint finish. Other strong performances came from Isabelle Hayles, Jackson Symonds, Ava Miles, and Taahleah Caban, who placed third in the under 13 female category.
NQBP Senior Advisor Community Relationships, Emilie Power, presented prizes for the NQBP Open event. Jared Mackie claimed gold in 4:56, the only runner to break the five-minute barrier. Ten seconds later, Hamish Donnollan edged out Jonathan Davies by just half a second for silver, with Ryan Gibbs finishing a further second behind in fourth. First female and fifth overall, Skye Perkins, clocked 5:25 in a superb run, followed by Alana Knezevic (5:33) and Emily Hayles (6:49). Mackay Road Runners members were also competing for open and age category club championship points.
Thanks were extended to NQBP, Podiatry Mackay, and the dedicated club volunteers — Rohan Miles, Julie Whibley, Jo Hughes, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin, Brendan Bishop, Len Howarth, Ross Connor, and Alan Zamparutti — for their invaluable contributions.
The Mackay Road Runners’ racing calendar continues next week with the Tri-Activ8-sponsored event from Bonson’s Scrub Road at The Leap, starting at 7am. The 6km and 12km courses will feature challenging undulations along Ian Reddacliffe Drive. Tri-Activ8’s Nikki Giles has been a long-time supporter of the club and broader community.
Meanwhile, Club Captain and Life Member Jim Ford continues to run his popular weekly track training sessions at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreational Complex) in Ooralea each Wednesday at 5.30pm. The sessions are free, with a $4 track access fee payable at the pool kiosk. Athletes of all levels are welcome — no membership or RSVP required.
Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile competitors are off and racing at the Mackay Marina Breakwater.
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile bolt from the s starters gun.
NQBP Senior Advisor Community Relationship’s Emilie Power presents the coveted Magic Mile Milo Award to Keira Caban for her inspiring performance.
Under 13 female podium winners Shailee Mewha (2nd); Ayla Moon (1st); Tahleah Caban accept Podiatry Mackay cash prizes from Emilie Power (NQBP).
Under 13 male podium winners Sonny Moon (1st); Hugh Bishop (2nd) ; Oscar Hayles (3rd) accept Podiatry Mackay cash prizes from Emilie Power (NQBP).
Under 18 female podium winners Millie Bishop (1st) and Keira Caban (2nd) accept Podiatry Mackay cash prizes from Emilie Power (NQBP).
Under 18 male gold medal winner Max Miles accepts Podiatry Mackay cash prize from Emilie Power (NQBP).
NQBP’s Emilie Power presents the NQBP prizes for podium winners, Emily Hayles (3rd); Skye Perkins with son Finn (1st) and Alana Knezevic (2nd).
NQBP’s Emilie Power presents the NQBP prizes for podium winners, Hamish Donnollan (2nd), Johnathan Davies (3rd) and Jared Mackie (1st). Photos supplied
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