The Mackay Road Runners have commenced their annual off-season informal training program, in honour of Shawn Claydon who passed away from pancreatic cancer over five years ago.
Shawn’s dedication to running and the support of the club, as well as coaching many athletes in the region knew no bounds. The program runs from October through to February every year.
Funds leftover at the end of the program will be donated to Pancare, an organisation supporting sufferers like Shawn and their families who are having to cope with the incurable disease.
Race Director and newly-appointed Life Member, Mr Jim Ford has been the driving force behind the off-season training sessions.
His creative 5km to 10km distance options are held in high regard by the participants, with events held at a different location each week. Jim mixes up the logistics of the program to create interesting formats for runners of any speed and ability.
Shawn’s Summer Series Calendar 2023/24
Date (Sundays) / Starting Point / Course Details
29/10/2023 - Base Hospital Carpark - River Loop
05/11/2023 Catherine McAuley College (Field St Carpark) - Paradise St, Holland St and the Gardens
12/11/2023 Mackay Netball Courts (Casey Avenue) - Ocean International to Iluka Park
19/11/2023 Iluka Park - Sandfly to Canelands Loop
26/11/2023 Blue Water Quay - 4 Leaf Clover
03/12/2023 Gooseponds (Dog Park) - Harbour Rd to Anchor
10/12/2023 Surf Club Carpark - Sahara Run
17/12/2023 Andergrove Tavern - Wetlands Double Pump
24/12/2023 Mackay North State High School (Valley St) - Carabiner Course
31/12/2023 Seabreeze Tavern - Sand and Scenery course
07/01/2024 Magpies Carpark - Teams Pursuit Course
14/01/2024 Blacks Beach Tavern - Stairway to Heaven
21/01/2024 Bucasia Shops - Charge to the Point
28/01/2024 Blue Water Lagoon City Blocks - “Snakes and Ladders”
04/02/2024 Memorial Pool Carpark - Cathy Freeman to Gardens
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Nearly forty runners took to the streets for the first Shawn’s Summer Social Series this year
Runners briefed on the course including David Isbister, Andrew Short, Simon Henderson, Craigh McGahey, June Bradley and Jo Skinner
