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Over forty runners and supporters congratulated the 2026 The Grove 10km Handicap Champion, Jared Mackie with trophy presented by Club President, Paul Tilse
Perfect running conditions greeted competitors at the Mackay Road Runners 30km Northview Gardens Club Championship, despite humidity developing from the mild 6am start.
Course Director Andrew Short was commended for setting up the well-marked 30km, 15km and 5km courses, with members also receiving a course map from club secretary Julie Whibley ahead of race day.
The demanding 30km event tested runners’ endurance, with Ryan Murray producing an outstanding performance to claim gold after taking an early lead ahead of Jonathan Davies, Shane Donnollan and Clinton Mackie. In the women’s event, Rhiann Massey broke away from Mel Esau and Emily Hayles in the second half of the race to secure first place and maximum club championship points.
Strong performances also came from Jose Short, Bianca Miles, Fran March, Damian Rutland, Hamish Donnollan, Ted Thayer, Greame Harris, Mel Harris and Judy Zahn.
The club also thanked volunteers who assisted with registration, timing, water stations, course set up and pack down, and the barbecue.
More than 40 runners and supporters gathered at The Grove Tavern, Andergrove, on Sunday afternoon for the Mackay Road Runners’ annual historic 10km Handicap Trophy event.
With 2025 winner Justin Rule unable to attend, the trophy was delivered by the Mackie family before Jared Mackie produced an outstanding performance to claim the prestigious title. The long-running event, which has been part of the Mackay Road Runners calendar since the early 1990s, sees members start on their official club handicap, with the first runner across the line crowned champion.
Mackie impressed against a quality field that included ultramarathon runner Paul MacKenzie, who had completed a 100-mile event in Katoomba the previous weekend.
In the 5km event, Ross Connor crossed first based on handicapped starts, while Lily Leven was first female and second overall ahead of Natasha Joynson, Craig Joynson and Kayla Waugh.
The club thanked The Grove Tavern for its ongoing support through use of the venue and donation of tavern vouchers for post-race random draw prizes.
Mackay Road Runners now turn their attention to the internationally recognised BMA Mackay Marina Run on June 7, with one remaining club event and weekly training sessions continuing at the ARC, Ooralea.
Contributed by Janelle Tisle
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