Road Runners Take On The Dunes

Nearly forty runners and supporters braved the very cooling but sunny sea breezes for the running of the annual Sladie Sand Dunes trail running event from Lamberts Beach. The Lamberts Beach/Slade Point nature reserve has an outstanding variety of options for a challenging event including soft sand, undulating sand dunes, bush trails and hilly ascents and descents with tricky steps and footfalls to carefully navigate.  

First competitor off a scratch start was the speedy Paul Mackenzie who revelled in the tough conditions ahead of Hamish Donnellan and Joe Grech. First female was a very in form Alana Knesevic who easily skimmed over the 12.9km three loop distance.  Excellent efforts were also seen by Grant Holmstrom, Shane Barben, Andrew Wallace, Walker Murray, Martin Lambert, Carolyn Mapes, June Bradley, Geeta Ariani, Lily Leven, Natasha Joynson, Carmel Mahon, David Isbister, Alan Zamparutti, Riley Matsen, Lauren Connor, Andrew Short, Leanne Connor and Mick Vivian.

This Saturday will be held with the very successful parkrun at the Botanic Gardens, West Mackay.  Due to the number of volunteers required to run this weekly event, Mackay Road Runners members will be on hand to assist as volunteers where needed.  The 5km event commences at 7am with no check in required however, if you have a parkrun barcode, please bring along to be scanned into the records.  Those runners who wish to add to the 5km distance are welcome to do additional loops of the scenic course.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

‍

Paul Mackenzie was ecstatic with his 3 loop 12.9km run

Whilst warming down post run, L-R Geeta Ariani, Alana Knesevic, Carolyn Mapes, Lauren Connor, Leanne Connor and Lily Leven get a great view of the breaching whales at Lamberts Beach

Walker Murray cruised the Slade Sand Dunes event

Natasha Joynson enjoying the Sunday morning off road loop style event at Lamberts Beach. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

‍