Mackay Road Runner Paul Mackenzie had a magnificent outing over the weekend at the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon including the iconic Kuranda Railway Station and Kuranda ranges.
The point-to-point race had everything from rocky trails, grassy paddocks, water crossings, steps, roads, bridges, rainforests, national parks, state forests, ranges and sandy beaches including the infamous final stretch of Four Mile Beach.
The first 60km included a very impressive and challenging loop around the highest mountain point with 3600 metres elevation.
Paul’s impressive time of 20 hours, 10 minutes and 21 seconds, under six minute kilometre pace, earned him a coveted race buckle for completing the event in under 24 hours.
Paul finished 2nd in his age category and 6th overall male.
Paul said he was very fortunate to have a talented young Whitsunday runner, Jacob, with him most of the way which helped with mental focus as well as physical support to each other.
The Rainforest to Reef event is a spectacular and well-organised event with several course options between 10km to 120km.
Paul’s 120km race started at 5am on Saturday 3rd September from Crystal Cascades, Redlynch and finished at the Port Douglas Life Saving Club at Four Mile beach at 1:11am the next morning.
Runners need to be carrying their own mandatory equipment with them the entire race; however, medical stations were also on the course to assist runners every step of the way.
Tackling the humid and oppressive conditions, Paul was ecstatic with his race, being the longest he’s ever run. He is now hoping for a great recovery week so that he can tackle the Great Whitsunday Walk 58km this weekend which is relatively short in comparison.
Paul’s ultra-running agenda is filling up fast with his next goal events of two 100km races in Blackall and Katoomba later in the year.
Paul Mackenzie easily scaling the sandy undulations and trails of the local parklands in readiness for the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon
Paul Mackenzie was in superb form leading up to the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km multi terrain course. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse
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