Heat, humidity, blustery breezes, lots of soft sand, snakes and hills all provided unique challenges for more than twenty runners who took part in a New Year’s Day run with the Mackay Road Runners.
Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford designed a loop course optional event with plenty of tough challenges where runners could choose from one to four loops. The day was made interesting by runners being confused about left and right turns at crucial sections of the course. Those who went astray made it back to the finish line clocking up the right number of kilometres for their chosen distance.
Paul Mackenzie made light work of the challenging steps and abundance of soft sand as well as supporting other runners when a snake came out to investigate. Well done to Lily Leven who got a bit spooked by the wildlife, however, bravely finished the run in her usual commendable time. Luke Leven, who also put in a good solid 10km effort, needed Santa to have delivered a compass for Christmas. However, in all fairness, the trails were very tricky and when you go at his speed, it can be tough to see the markers.
Great to see new runners as well as the usual committed suspects having a great start to the year including Andrew Short, Jose Short, Adam Knesevic, Alana Knesevic, Natasha Joynson, Carmel Mahon, Peter Ford, David Isbister, Brownie, Alexa and Krystal.
This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Series commences from Magpies Sporting Complex Club carpark, Glenella.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Mackay Road Runners Club Secretary, Julie Whibley (left) with Helen Leven and Dulcie the cattle dog
Jose Short takes in the views after the gruelling upward steps section
Paul Mackenzie making the soft sand and the challenging steps section look easy
Alana Knesevic takes an early lead on husband, Adam Knesevic in the first 3km loop
