Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Road Runners’ Rainy Outing At Slade Point

Sunday morning saw over forty Mackay Road Runners take on Slade Point as part of the annual Tim’s Chariots of Fire run.

Hosted by club president Tim Magoffin and his family, the run consists of technical 5km and 11km distances along road, sand, and trails, with runners enjoying cool, wet conditions and panoramic coastal vistas.

Mick Vivian set the pace in the 11km finishing as the first male across the finish line and leading a talented back consisting of Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, George Hannaford, Justin Rule, Luke Leven, Toby Rule, Ryan Evetts, Mick Scholer, Greg O’Neill, Craig Stevens, Derek Woods, Robin Stinson, Ross Vickers, Martin Lambert, Simon Henderson, John Couldrey, Daniel Stampa, and David Isbister.

Alana Knesevic was the first female to finish the technical 11km course ahead of Glynis Forse, Jose Short, Carmel Grech, Emily Smyth, Sarah Jensen, Judy Zahn, Marie Muscat, Carmel Mahon, Geeta Ariani, and Brenda Windsor.

Despite a brief detour after a wrong turn, the 5km front runners still managed to sprint home with a smile on their faces, with Damien Rutland, Lily Leven, and Carolyn Mapes once again showing their impressive ability.

Excellent efforts were also on display from Julie Whibley, Emma Johnson, Jo Hughes, Charlie Bone, and Stuart Sprott.

Host and club president Tim Magoffin even completed the course several times, including the early morning setup and pack down, as it is his regular training route.

Road Runners Justin and Toby Rule have recently returned from successful athletic championship outings. Toby came away with sensational results from the Little Athletics State Championships including a gold medal and championship title.

Justin claimed silver in the 3km steeplechase at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Brisbane earlier this month, elevating him to among the quickest in Australia.

The Road Runners’ next meet will take place on Easter Sunday with a social 5km/10km run embarking from Zambrero on the corner of Gordon and Gregory Streets, commencing at 4:30pm.

Luke Levin (left) congratulates Justine Rule (centre) and Toby Rule (right) after their successful outings at recent state and national athletics championships in Brisbane

Ready to race their respective events (left to right) Jose Short, Jan Smith, Craig Stevens, Michael Feenaghty, and David Isbister

Judy Zahn battles the damp conditions as she summits the Lamberts Beach Water Tower section of the 11km

First female Alana Knesevic makes the 11km tricky trails look easy. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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