Splash N Dash Series Wraps Up Ahead Of Australia Day

Mackay Road Runners’ Shawn’s Splash n Dash Summer Social Biathlon Series reached its conclusion the day before Australia Day, with Alana Knezevic and Andrew Flanagan taking line honours as the female and male winners across the eight-week series.

The series was staged on Sunday afternoons at the ARC throughout November 2025 and January 2026 and attracted a wide range of competitors. Mackay Road Runners Club Captain and Race Director Jim Ford hosted the series in his usual inclusive and supportive manner, ensuring a welcoming environment for all participants.

To create a level playing field, a points system was implemented that awarded additional points to higher age categories for both track and pool laps, allowing competitors to be realigned with their younger counterparts.

The series namesake’s sister, Sharon, and her husband Jeff Stewart-Harris were present to see Alana and Andrew receive their prizes, along with a 2026 series calendar as a memento of the event.

Thanks were extended to everyone who attended and took part in the unique series, which brought together athletes and their families, whether Mackay Road Runners members or not, for a relaxed and social off-season training experience. Appreciation was also expressed to Jim Ford for the time and effort he put into delivering the series.

The formal 2026 Mackay Road Runners calendar will commence on 22 February at 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay, with all welcome to attend. Memberships can be obtained online at mackayroadrunners.com.au for a modest fee, providing access to a weekly program of events running from February through to October. Non-members are also welcome to participate for a $10 casual race-day fee. The full calendar is available online.

Ahead of the season start, Mackay Road Runners will continue to meet at Bluewater Quay at 4.30pm for a free and social 5km or 10km run.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse.

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(left to right) – Amy, Kate and Leanne in sync in the 30 minute track portion of the Biathlon Series.
Steven Hayles (centre) leads runners who all bravely tackled the highly humid conditions at the track start of the Splash n Dash finale.
Mackay Road Runners Club Captain and Biathlon Series Race Director, Jim Ford presents race namesake’s sister, Sharon and her husband, Jeff Stewart-Harris with a race series calendar celebrating the Splash n Dash 2025/2026 series.
Shawn’s Splash n Dash Biathlon Series winners, Alana Knezevic (centre) and Andrew Flanagan (right) presented with their prizes from Race Director, Jim Ford (left).
The 2025/2026 Shawn’s Splash n Dash Biathlon Series grand finale was attended by over twenty five participants and their families.
(left to right) David Isbister, Len Howarth and Andrew Short relax after their efforts in the Biathlon Series.
Adam Knezevic celebrated his 40th Birthday the day before his wife, Alana (pictured) takes out the Biathlon Series. Photos supplied

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