Approximately forty Mackay Road Runners revelled in the early morning cool, sunny conditions as they left the Eimeo Pacific Hotel carpark precincts for a very hilly, meandering track towards Eimeo via Dolphin Heads and Blacks Beach.
Luke Leven ran a magnificent 14km being the highest handicapped runner to start, with next highest handicapped runner, Toby Rule leading him by one minute from the starter’s gun.
Luke’s impressive outing earned him 3rd overall as he smashed his way over the rolling hills and through gusty breezes to finish behind talented runners first and second placed Oliver Rule and Andrew Wallace.
The handicapped five kilometre start saw Michael Feenaghty’s golden run secure him first place ahead of talented rivals Lily Leven and Werner VanDerLinde.
There were some awesome efforts across both events with Carolyn Mapes being first female in the 14km on handicap, Toby Rule’s tough 14km effort after an amazing out of town 6km cross country race the previous day to take silver and a well-deserved spot in the Queensland Team to race a 6km cross country championships event in Canberra next month.
Congratulations to athletes competing in several very popular out of town events including Yeppoon and Airlie Beach.
This Sunday’s Mackay Mountain Marathon event scheduled to commence at the Eungella Chalet has been cancelled due to the closure of some of the Eungella National Parks’ weather damaged and therefore unsafe trails, however, there will be a revised course and start location for those wanting to do a very social run.
Werner VanDerLinde, Justin Rule, Oliver Rule, Toby Rule, Michael Feenaghty, Luke Leven and Jared Mackie
Mackay Road Running stalwarts Jan Smith and Leanne Connor
Carolyn Mapes (2nd left) and Tahnie Malagueno (2nd right) enjoyed a successful 14km run congratulated by their girls, Lily, Maddy and Mackenzie.
Toni Enright warms up prior to her 5km event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse
