Road Runners

The much anticipated finale for the Mackay Road Runners formal season closure peaked with the running of the Benita Willis 10 kilometre Handicap Trophy.

Mackay Road Runners proudly acknowledge four-time Olympian, first time new mum and all round champion athlete and person, Benita Willis as an iconic treasure from the Mackay region.  

Benita Willis is, without doubt, Australia’s greatest female distance runner - a three-time National Champion in the 5,000m, Willis currently holds six national records from distances ranging from the 3,000m to the marathon. We congratulate Benita on her successes and thank her for her support in being involved with the Mackay running fraternity. Benita’s best and most challenging event was the recent birth of her beautiful baby girl, Poppy who will no doubt be a very active little girl.

The 2022 Benita Willis Handicap Champion went to Martin Lambert who is a very strong supporter of athletes in the community.  His On The Run coaching clinics assist many runners to strive and reach their own personal goals.

The handicap start event saw runners choosing between 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres, however, the first runner across the line in the 10 kilometre race was the winner, male or female. Martin ran very well with a huge gap ahead over second placed Carol Dawes and Sandy Strong (3rd).  

Runners are to be congratulated on their very full, committed and strong season culminating in the perfect race to end the formal season.

Five-kilometre winner, junior Damien Rutland continued his dominance of the 5 kilometre with a blitzing performance ahead of first female, veteran Jo Hughes who also both started on handicap.

The quality field of runners had an outstanding morning including Paul Mackenzie, Shane Donnollan, Joe Grech, Michael Feenaghty, Carl Pinkstone, Justin Rule, Oliver Rule, Toby Rule, Ricky Parker, Glynis Forse, Carmel Grech, Vicki Ford, Millie Bishop, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Robin Stinson, Stuart Sprott, Susan Petersen, Bec Lamont, Jeff Shaw, Tim Magoffin, John Couldrey, Patreana Fenech, Geeta Ariani, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor and Judy Zahn.  

Welcome back to the ‘ghost’ who walks/runs, Jose Eisemann who made a welcome return to running on the very last run of the year, he even collected his race number for the first time this year as well. He was joined by running compatriots, Matt Stevens and Sandy Strong who are also noted for a minimalistic approach to club runs, leaving the club in no doubt as to them not winning the most committed runner award!

Many thanks to race day volunteers, Arthur Dick, Julie Whibley, Tim Magoffin and Jaylene Harrison. Thank you to Paul Mackenzie for his generous donation to the club by paying race day fees for everyone.  Paul’s a very talented and popular athlete who’s humble and supportive persona are an asset to himself and those around him. We congratulate Paul on his massive achievements this year and wish him all the best for his next ultra marathon events coming up before the end of the year.

The Shawn’s Summer Social Series will continue as usual in the off season, commencing Sunday, October 23 at 5.30pm. Club Captain, Jim Ford will be issuing a program/calendar of events which will be circulated in the coming weeks. The free informal training sessions will attract a gold coin donation towards post run refreshments.

The 2022 Annual Awards Evening will be held on Saturday, October 22 at The Grove from 6pm.  Please RSVP your interest by October 8 to vickiford74@outlook .com.

Special guests include Club Patron Col Meng and his wife Rhonda and the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation representatives, Barry and Christine Comben.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse.

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