Whilst many local runners enjoyed the 28km and 56km Whitsunday Trail Fest at Airlie Beach last weekend, a social run and sausage sizzle was hosted by Mackay Road Runners at John Breen Park.
Approximately thirty runners enjoyed the optional 1,2, or 3 loop options consisting of 2.3km per loop. The fresh morning temperatures and sunny conditions turned on a beautiful day for the scenic vistas of the Gooseponds parklands as runners set off around 7am.
Darrin Pullen was in fine form scorching over the course with talented junior runner, Millie Bishop who also set a sizzling pace. Welcome back to runners who joined the very social avid bunch including Stuart Sprott, Peter Ford, Alana and Vivian Knesevic, Ollie and Alleny Gorrin, Jan Smith and Werner Van Der Linde. Jose Short, Julie Whibley, and Teresa Hackney enjoyed the course after recent marathon efforts in other events.
Full results for the Whitsunday Trail Fest Airlie Beach were not to hand at time of print, however, there was much excitement from Mackay ladies, Tahnee Malagueno, Ainslie Heinke and Jaylene Harrison, who took out the female team event.
This Sunday’s Shields Stampede 5km and 12km event commencing 4pm will be hosted at the residence of life members Merv and Wendy Shields at 21 Karl Langer Crescent, Mt Pleasant.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Jose Short (obscured at left), Darrin Pullen (centre) and Millie Biship (right) lead the charge from the start in the multiloop Gooseponds Circuit
David Isbister (left) enjoying the Gooseponds Circuit in perfectly cool and sunny running conditions
Julie Whibley enjoying the scenic vistas of the Gooseponds Circuit. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse
