Approximately fifty runners enjoyed ideal weather conditions and generous hospitality at the inaugural Mackay Road Runners event hosted by the Eimeo Surf Club. Participants tackled either a 5km or 14km course through the scenic and undulating suburbs of Eimeo, Dolphin Heads and Blacks Beach.
Mackay Road Runners Club President, Paul Tilse, extended his gratitude to the Eimeo Surf Club for their warm welcome, which included access to parking, amenities, delicious breakfasts, and breathtaking ocean views. The club also acknowledged the friendly staff for their exceptional service.
The event was expertly timed and managed by Julie Whibley and Rohan Miles, who coordinated the handicap starts based on formal club handicaps. Mick Vivian, the highest-placed backmarker, delivered an outstanding performance in the 14km run, recording the fastest time and the only sub-60-minute finish of the day. However, it was the reigning 10km Grove Handicap Champion, Justin Rule, who crossed the line first on handicap, narrowly edging out the fast-finishing Vivian. Joe Grech maintained his consistent form to claim third on handicap, followed by Shane Donnollan and John Rae. Celebrating her birthday, Jose Short split the top male finishers to cross next and also claimed fastest female honours in the 14km, narrowly ahead of Carolyn Mapes by thirty seconds.
The 5km runners also enjoyed a competitive field, with Lily Leven clocking the fastest overall time and finishing fourth on handicap. Gail Mackie showed impressive determination to take first place on handicap, followed by Craig Joynson in second, Alan Zamparutti in third, and Leven in fourth. Millie Bishop also recorded a solid time, as did Darrin Pullen, who looked injury-free in his run to finish ahead of Michael Feenaghty and Teresa Hackney. Notable performances also came from John Couldrey, Kayla Waugh, Lauren Connor, Leanne Connor, Ross Connor, Kim Saron, Fran March, David Isbister, and Stuart Sprott.
Special thanks were extended to Andrew Short for his early morning efforts in setting up the technical and challenging course. He was ably supported by volunteers Paul Tilse, David Isbister, Len Howarth, Joe Grech, Brendan Bishop, and Alan Zamparutti. Jo Hughes also made a valuable contribution, providing much-appreciated water station support for the 14km runners.
The club’s next event is the 30km Club Championship, taking place this Sunday at 6am from Northview Park Playground, Schapers Road, Glenella. The event also includes 5km and 15km distance options. All participants are reminded to wear their race bibs on the front and check in with timekeepers at least ten minutes prior to the start. A sausage sizzle will follow the event, and all are welcome. Casual race day fees are $10 for adults and $5 for juniors, with a $2 fee for members.
Mackay Road Runners also extended thanks to the many members who volunteered their time and energy at the successful 17th BMA Mackay Marina Run last weekend. The Marina Run Committee sincerely appreciates the club’s ongoing support and involvement, noting that the event’s success would not have been possible without them.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
