Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

The Great Whitehaven Beach Run

Bright blue skies and a strong headwind greeted competitors at the annual Whitehaven Beach Run as they disembarked the Cruise Whitsundays ferry and stepped onto the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach last Sunday.

A total of 281 athletes participated in the challenge, competing in a variety of events – the five- and 10-kilometre races, a half marathon and a junior run.

With the youngest just four years old and the oldest 71, the race was open to everyone and saw people from as far afield as Victoria, NSW, South Australia, West Australia and the ACT compete.

Part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, the next event will be the Hilly Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Roland Henderson Wins Half Marathon

A Jubilee Pocket local took home a win for the Whitsundays, coming first in the half marathon, an achievement he says took him by surprise.

“I was really quite chuffed – couldn’t believe it!” said Roland.

“It was wonderful to run on the beach in the beautiful Whitsundays – where would you rather be!”

Roland completed the 21 kilometres stretch (which is two laps of Whitehaven Beach) in one hour 26 minutes and 55 seconds.

Originally from Canberra and a self-confessed ‘athletics kid’, Roland moved to the Whitsundays 12 years ago.

A member of the Whitsunday Running Club, he has enjoyed competing in half marathons up and down the coast from Mackay to Townsville but says this is his first big win.

Rolland had his partner Allison with him to cheer him on.

Riana Wronski Wins The 5k

Coming first for the women in the five-kilometre beach run, Riana completed the course in just 22 minutes and 53 seconds.

Practicing regularly at the weekly Airlie Beach parkrun, Riana can often be seen wheeling her double buggy containing her children; three-year-old Harry and eight-month-old Grace.

Keen to get back into running after having her littlest child, Riana said she was excited to start off with the five kilometres and is looking forward to training more so she can compete in longer distances in the future.

“I led the ladies’ race the whole way which was incredible,” said Riana.

“I was waiting to be overtaken at the turnaround but we headed right into the southerly wind and I made it all the way in the lead.”

Making a day of it, Riana brought her family along to cheer her on and said that the whole day was incredibly well organised.

She also wanted to mention the achievement of local Aimee Sulzeerger who came second for the women in the half marathon and is currently in training for an Ultra Marathon.

1 and 1b – 281 athletes compete in the annual Great Whitehaven Beach Run

Rolland Henderson crosses the finishing line2b – Rolland accepting his award

Riana Wronski wins the 5km

Riana with her two children after the race

In other news