Strong Turnout for Mackay Road Runners Despite Wet Conditions

Mackay Road Runners had a busy weekend, beginning with the official launch of the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Friday morning, followed by the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run on Friday evening, and concluding with the club’s social 5/10km calendar event at the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday afternoon.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson formally launched the 2026 event at a sponsors and media promotional meet-and-greet held at Moss On Wood. The event was also attended by beneficiary charity, the Leukaemia Foundation. Inclement weather saw the launch relocated from Bluewater Quay; however, the Mackay Airport Twilight City Fun Run at 6pm proceeded as planned at Bluewater Quay, where hundreds of runners braved damp conditions to run and raise vital funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

With many Mackay Road Runners volunteering across both events, the club hosted a low-key social 5/10km run from the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday. Weather conditions lifted in time for the 5pm start, with more than twenty-five runners and supporters taking on a challenging course set by Race Director Andrew Short. The route thoughtfully incorporated Mt Bassett and the spectacular Southern Breakwater.

This Sunday, MAD Fitness will once again generously sponsor the club’s first Club Championship race of the season. The 5km event will commence at 7am sharp from the Queen’s Park Shakespeare Street carpark entrance. To accrue valuable championship points, runners are encouraged to go online and become a club member.

All members must report to the timekeeper/registrar 15 minutes prior to gun time and wear their race number bib on the front of their clothing so the timekeeper’s chip reader mat can recognise them and automatically allocate their finishing place. Casual day runners are also welcome for a $10 race day fee.

Participants are encouraged to stay after the race for the presentation of a range of random draw prizes donated by MAD Fitness.

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5202 -   Toby Rule (3^rd right) takes a steady lead from the gun at the Mackay Surf Club social 5k, 10k ahead of next weekend’s Under 20 State Athletics Titles in Brisbane in the 800 metres, 1500 metres and 3000 metre steeplechase.

5291 – Mackay Road Runners Merchandiser, Jo Hughes (right) presents Stephen Oberg with his 50^th Anniversary singlet which included pretty flowery paper and a pink ribbon.

5221 – Hazel and her Mum Katie Dalton enjoy the Mackay Road Runners social 5km Mackay Surf Club.

5257 – Jess Evetts enjoys the Mackay Marina’s Southern Breakwater spectacular scenery during the Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club social 10km.

5100 – Muscle Garden and Mackay Road Runners athletes enjoy the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run.

5207 – Carolyn Mapes and Daniel Stampa enjoy the social 5km Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club. Photos supplied

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