Miles Masters The Benita Willis 10km Handicap

There would be no one prouder – except his parents, sisters, and uncle, of course – than the race’s namesake, Benita Willis, to see fifteen-year-old Max Miles take out the annual Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap.

Local running legend, four-time Olympian, former World Cross Country Champion, and BMA Mackay Marina Run Ambassador, Benita’s ongoing support of Mackay Road Runners remains one of the most anticipated highlights on the local running calendar – and a personal delight for her as well.

Since the event’s inception in 2012, Benita has generously provided her own running gear for the impressive perpetual trophy and signed championship images congratulating each year’s winner.

Max was ecstatic to claim the 2025 crown ahead of a fiercely competitive field vying for the prestigious trophy, which also marks the official close of the Mackay Road Runners’ 2025 season. He’s already cleared a special spot at home for the treasured trophy – though his dad may need to reinforce the shelf to handle its considerable weight!

Runners in both the 5km and 10km events set off according to their official handicaps, with the major prize awarded for the 10km handicap race. This format ensures a level playing field, giving every club member, male or female, fast or steady-paced, a fair shot at taking home the coveted prize.

Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic’s George Hannaford and his team once again showed tremendous community spirit, donating cash prizes and vouchers for random draws open to all participants, as well as awards for the first three finishers across the line in both the 5km and 10km events.

In the 5km handicap, Jo Hughes claimed gold, finishing ahead of a fast-charging, pram-pushing dad, John Rae, who took silver alongside daughter Lucy, while bronze went to Bernadine McKinnon. The tight succession of finishers across both distances showcased the handicapper’s sharp eye and skill in balancing the field based on past performances.

Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, several runners achieved personal bests from last year’s event, including casual day runners Leon Sant and Gail McKee. Special thanks were extended to fellow runners and volunteers who came to the aid of an overheated competitor in the final stretch of the 10km. With the warmer months now in full swing, runners are urged to take extra care when training or racing: prepare well, rest, and recover wisely.

The Mackay Road Runners Annual Awards Evening will be held on Saturday, October 25 at Goosies, North Mackay Bowls Club. RSVPs will have closed by the time this goes to print, but interested members are encouraged to contact the Secretary at secretary@mackayroadrunners.com in case of any late withdrawals.

Event organisers encourage everyone to ‘Watch this space’ for updates on upcoming events, including the informal off-season program, as well as details on the next Calendar and Annual General Meetings.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

– Lucy Rae congratulates Dad, John on his 5km 2nd place prize donated by Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic at the Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy event.
– Highest handicapped backmarker, Justin Rule had a huge challenge to catch the field from his handicap start.
–  Mackay Road Runners’ Legendary course set up and packup guru, Andrew Short ready to start the Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap  run.
– Volunteers at the Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy Event (left to right) Tim Magoffin (Treasurer), Julie Whibley (Secretary) & Paul Tilse (President).
– Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap podium finishers (left to right) – Judy Zahn (3rd), Max Miles (1st) and Jeff Pearce (2nd).
– Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 5km Handicap podium finishers (left to right) – Bernadine McKinnon (3rd) and Jo Hughes (1st) – John Rae (2nd) absent from photo.
– Mackay Road Runners and Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic congratulate Max Miles (left of centre) for his first placing with the coveted Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy.
– Life Member, Merv Shields (right) celebrates a great 5km race finish with Lauren Connor (left). Photos supplied