5/10km Tilse Toddle
19 Feb 2012
In very humid conditions last Sunday, approximately seventy runners converged on Johnson Street, West Mackay at 5.30pm for the 5/10km Tilse Toddle. Calvin Deacon was in awesome form to take out the 10km event in 38 minutes 42 seconds ahead of Mark McFadzen (39:48) and Liam Mumford (40:21). Mellisa Gaviglio (47:41) lead a talented field of female runners to take out first in the 10km ahead of Lisa Burns (48:59) and Donna Rath (49:08).
An injured Shawn Claydon competed in the 5km, but was still very impressive to take the gold medal in 18 minutes 51 seconds ahead of David Bellamy (19:09) and Chris Ballard (21:27). Ever consistent, Ashlee Scott placed third overall in the 5km scorching over the course to break the tape in 20 minutes 05 seconds, followed by big improver Skye Rettke (22:17) and Nikki Giles (22:56). A big welcome to all the new runners who took on and conquered the 5/10km events in the very challenging conditions.
Thanks heaps to all water stop volunteers (kids and Mums) who were a welcome sight for the runners at the finish line and the 5km turnaround. Agnes Farmer would like to express a sincere thanks to all helpers in the post-race aftermath, very much appreciated. Also a big thanks to Agnes for timekeeping, with her assistants, Anthea Ford and Tim Magoffin.
Next Sunday's first handicap race of the season is the Mengs 4/8km Cross Country, which will commence from the Tourist Infomation Centre, City Gates. Runners are requested to sign on by 5.20pm at the latest to allow volunteers time to organise themselves for a 5.30pm sharp start. All new and intending members need to join asap on line via the website, with existing renewing members to be financial by the 31st March. Weekly race fees for non-Members (junior & senior) will be $5, with Members' weekly race fees only $2.
For further information on the Mackay Road Runners and it's events, social no cost training sessions, etc... check out the website calendar; Facebook or phone 4957 3427 (Paul/Janelle) or any other contacts on the site.
First Race 2012
12 Feb 2012
Club President, Tim Magoffin welcomed nearly one hundred new and existing members to the first run on the official 2012 program at 5.30pm from the Harbour boat ramp precincts. Magoffin, who was ably assisted by past President and current Club Captain, Jim Ford, in his first official duty as President, recently returned from a short stint of running in Zurich, Switzerland over the Christmas holidays in conditions that could only be described as totally opposite to Mackay's current sweltering heat.
A superb performance in the 5km social run came from first male Daren Galea (18minutes 04 seconds) who surprisingly had the legs to hold off rising junior talent Liam Mumford by only four seconds, after an impressive win at the Balnagowan Triathlon earlier that day, also sprinting to take the win from another youngster, Jack Simpson. Third placed male, Calvin Deacon also displayed his amazing speed to run twenty-two seconds behind Mumford followed closely by David Bellamy.
Scorching over the course in her usual blistering pace, Ashlee Scott (20:04) was ninth overall and first female in a sensational run ahead of another talented junior, Gabby De Boni (22:06) with Mellisa Gaviglio closing in fast for third (22:40) merely seconds ahead of fourth placed Skye Rettke (23:00).
Congratulations to all the new runners, including, Rhondell & Rick Hospers, Kim Saron, Felicity Mulherin, Tina & Anthony Barben, Cody & Jodie Kynaston, Simon & Tom Henderson, Shane & Aiden Donnollan and Kristen Legrand for completing the course which included a lap of the breakwater, in the very humid, stifling conditions.
Many thanks to first time Registrar, Stacy Eggleston for handling the massive line of runners who were signing up to run, Agnes Farmer for her usual efficient timekeeping, Tim Magoffin for handing out finisher's tickets to the very, sweaty, weary runners, course marker/marshall, Graham Robinson, Andy List for allowing Jim, Tim, Sandy & Janelle use of his utility tray/roof for race briefing and photography and last but certainly not least, the many helpers who put up and pulled down the clock, signs, tables, tent, etc... These volunteers as well as many others are a very special part of the club and should be congratulated and thanked for doing a great job to get the weekly runs organised behind the scenes and on the day, which also included helping out at the Sporting Expo at the MECC on the same day.
Next Sunday's social 5/10km run commences 5.30pm from 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay with all runners and supporters very welcome to stay for post-race refreshments.
Check out the rest of the Club's website to get all the latest info on races, training, photos, newletter, etc...and don't forget to select the link to become a Member - Club fees due 31st March.
Season Gets Underway
10 Feb 2012
Mackay Road Runners' official 2012 season commences this Sunday (Feb 12) at 5.30pm with a 5km social run from the Harbour boat ramp car park near the Lighthouse. Runners of all ages and abilities are most welcome, including other sporting teams/bodies who wish to make running their number one sport or include a variance to their existing training schedules to complement their chosen sport.
The Mackay Road Runners offers a variety of distances on their weekend club runs, with social no cost training groups meeting several times throughout the week to train on the track, road, hills, etc... The Coach and Manager of the under 18 Mackay Meteorettes representative basketball team can see the benefits of mixing up the girls' training in a group environment by adding a session or two with the Mackay Road Runners in readiness for the State Classics competition in May. With approximately fifty other participants, the girls and their parents thoroughly enjoyed the track training session lead by David Bellamy, which included one hour of a series of very interesting warm up exercises, sprints and warm down stretches.
All athletes are reminded that due to the extremely humid conditions, it is essential to ensure sufficient fluids are taken before and replaced after exercise. Mackay Road Runners will also be at the Sporting Expo at the MECC this Sunday from 10am - 2pm, prior to the Club run at 5.30pm at the Harbour.
Last Pre-Season Training Run
5 Feb 2012
Approximately fifty runners met at the Memorial Pool car park last Sunday for the last off season training run prior to the commencement of the formal Mackay Road Runner's calendar. Many thanks to Club Captain, Jim Ford for co-ordinating the off season program which has prepared many runners for the start of the 2012 official season. As usual Ford prepared an interesting format for participants to choose 10-13km options of road running around the streets of West Mackay, including the beautiful Botanic Gardens via The Catherine Freeman Walk.
The lead group of male runners included Daren Galea, Calvin Deacon, David Bellamy, Liam Mumford and Andy List just ahead of Terry O'Connor, Sandy Strong and Martin Lambert, followed closely by strong performances in the female field by Ashlee Scott, Lisa Burns, Mellisa Gaviglio, Donna Rath, Carmel Moran and Anthea Ford. Several new runners also found the course to their liking, including relatively new runner, Jo Hughes, who was most appreciative of the support speedy Ashlee Scott showed her in a particularly tough part of the race.
This Sunday's 5km Lighthouse warm-up run commences 5.30pm from the Marina boat ramp car park - all new and existing runners are very welcome. In past years, prospective new and renewing Members have been able to join up on race day, but this year all Members can now join online, therefore, please visit the Registration page to register your name, payment, etc. The Club has grown significantly in the last few years, so this should alleviate any congestion, stress and cash security issues prior to racing for volunteers and runners. If anyone has any problems registering in this way, please contact any one of the Club's willing volunteers and they will only be too happy to assist.
Mackay Road Runners advise that committee meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Monday at 5.30pm - all Members are welcome to attend, any voluntary assistance is always appreciated, no matter how big or small - it's great to be involved with like-minded individuals towards the betterment of the club. For any further info, please check out the Club's website calendar; Facebook or phone Paul/Janelle 4957 3427.
Multi-Talented Junior Wins Award
29 Jan 2012
Congratulations to Liam Mumford, who has started 2012 with a very special award - the Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day Junior Sports Awards. Liam was nominated for the highly contested prestigious Award by Mackay Road Runners' Publicity Officer, Janelle Tilse for his outstanding achievements in various sporting circles, including touch football, Australian Rules, BMX, Rugby League and Road and Cross Country Running. The very busy year eleven student at Mackay State High School, who has only just turned sixteen this month, is a worthy recipient of the Award due to his extreme dedication to hard work at school and his many athletic training schedules. Liam's proud family were on hand at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Australia Day to see him presented with his special Award, although his younger brother, Travis was more excited about the upcoming lamington eating competition which was held directly after the awards.
Meanwhile, Mackay Road Runners have been doing some hard core training sessions, including an 11km beach/road/hill session last Sunday from the North Wall car park at the Mackay Harbour. The tough agenda set by Club Captain, Jim Ford had approximately forty runners braving the extreme humidity to tackle sand dunes, beach and hill road running from the Harbour to Lamberts Beach and back again. As usual, runners had the option to do shorter courses depending on their abilities and of course, how the heat affected individuals, with many runners sensibly reverting to walking some of the course in a bid to train at a safe level in the very dehydrating environment. New runners to town by only one week, Shelly and Marek Karcz from Durban South Africa were very 'warmly' welcomed by other keen runners. The Karcz's are keen runners and thankfully, are used to the current humidity that Mackay has on offer, so they will certainly be back for more.
For any further info, new and existing runners are very welcome to check out the Club's website calendar; Facebook; or phone Paul/Janelle 4957 3427.
Course Variation Caters for All
22 Jan 2012
Last Sunday, approximately forty runners enjoyed the challenging 8/10km hilly, social training session from Magpies Sporting Complex, which was held in very humid conditions, although thankfully, the cooling breezes eased what could have been very uncomfortable conditions for the participants. Club Captain, Jim Ford set another interesting variation to the course, thoroughly enjoyed by the attendees as there were options to do shorter distances depending on individual athletes' abilities. Ford is to be congratulated on including a variety of options based around the same course, so that all runners' abilities are catered for within the same training session. The course started with gentle undulations behind Magpies before heading towards Mt Pleasant and the greater heights of several streets including the infamous High Street, Pioneer Street, etc. before looping back to the start via Schapers Road, Davey Street and Glenella State School.
Current male Club Champion, Shawn Claydon easily skimmed over the 10km course, even after running 14km from East Mackay to arrive in time for the 5.30pm race start. Junior male club champion, Liam Mumford, who has an amazing likeness to champion tennis player, Bernard Tomic, also found the course to his liking, by easily accounting for the many hills throughout the tough course, as did talented female athlete Ashlee Scott, who held her own with the top male runners in the lead group of runners by scorching over the testing course in her usual speedy style.
Consistent running was also evident in many of the runners including Donna Rath, Lisa Burns, Carmel Mahon, Teresa Robinson, Emily Bartolo, Jo Hughes, Noel Barnett, Karen Baker, Tim Caddy, Peter Ford, Nicky King, Anthea Ford, Terry O'Connor and David Vincent.
New and existing runners are welcome to check out the Club's website calendar; Facebook or phone Paul/Janelle 4957 3427. The club regularly updates the sites so that all are fully informed on regular training sessions, upcoming calendar of events, newsletter, etc. Many thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who continue to make the Club a very enjoyable, respected and successful group to be involved in. Next Sunday's social, no cost, training session commences 5.30pm from The North Wall car park at the Mackay Harbour (turn left off old Harbour Road after the last roundabout) - all welcome! Have a great Australia Day and congratulations to all the Australia Day Nominees and Award Recipients.
Training in Full Swing
15 Jan 2012
Mackay Road Runners Club Captain, Jim Ford lead a tough off season training run at last Sunday's very wet and windy 10km session from the Mackay Harbour Boat Ramp to Mt Bassett. The course started with a warm-up run of approximately 2 km to the base of Mt Bassett, whereupon approximately fifteen runners of varying abilities completed several hill repetitions before the warm-down run back to the start. Shawn Claydon had the unenviable job of being the fastest runner, which meant he held the unique grenade whistle to signal the commencement of each repetition, which was also the signal for everyone to stop once Shawn completed the first descent. Runners stopped at varying intervals on the hill, depending on their pace and after a 30 second break, all runners had to then charge back up to the top of Mt Bassett before finishing at the base of the hill - and that's only one rep! Junior female runner, Ashlee Scott held her own very easily with the lead pack of male runners, as she easily sprinted the tough ascents and slippery descents.
With only three more social Sunday afternoon training sessions left on the off season calendar before the formal 2012 program commences, many local runners will be well and truly ready for the first official run of 5km which starts 5.30pm at the Harbour Boat Ramp on Sunday, 12th February. For further information on all upcoming events, training sessions, newsletters, etc. all new and existing runners are very welcome to visit the club's website calendar, check us out on Facebook or call Paul/Janelle 4957 3427.
Social Training Kick Started
8 Jan 2012
Approximately forty avid Mackay Road Runners were in full swing with their New Year's exercise resolutions when they took on extreme humidity in the social training 6k & 11k run from the Base Hospital car park run through the streets of West Mackay. The runners had a choice of varying the distances between 6k & 11k depending on their current fitness at this time of the year. Some runners, including Shawn Claydon, Mark McFadzen, Terry O'Connor and Graeme Railton found the course easier than others due to the fact they are in the midst of their training for the Canberra & Boston Marathons coming up in April. A particular reminder to new runners upon starting an exercise regime is to ensure that they hydrate prior and rehydrate after their respective activities. This also goes for experienced runners especially over the longer distances.
Mackay Road Runners welcomes new and existing Members to attend any of their social, no cost training sessions - Wednesday 5km at 6pm; Sunday 5/10km 5.30pm and Saturday 5am up to and more than 20km from Cafe la de Da, Wood Street. Check out the Club's website calendar for locations for the Wednesday and Sunday runs.
The formal season will commence mid-February, with fees of $50 Adults, $20 Juniors and $100 family due 31st March, so watch this space or check out the website, Facebook or phone Paul/Janelle on 4957 3427. The Mackay Road Runners will also be in attendance at the MECC's Sports Expo on Sunday 12th February, all are invited to come along and check out what the Club has to offer.
New Year's Day Run
1 Jan 2012
Perfect running conditions on New Year’s Day saw approximately fifteen Mackay Road Runners bravely take to the streets from The Bluewater Quay at 5.30pm after a night of New Year's Eve celebrations. Club Captain for Mackay Road Runners Club, Jim Ford set a great course to suit the varying abilities of all runners in attendance. The scenic 10km course took in views of the Pioneer River via Forgan Bridge and the riverside road from Cremorne to Sams Road before linking up to do a circuit of the Gooseponds. Runners had the option to forge ahead for the shorter course option or double back from whence they came to complete the 10.2km course.
In addition to these Sunday off-season casual training sessions, a social group leave every Saturday morning from Cafe La de Da (Wood St) completing varying distances up to and over 20km, as well as a 5km at 6pm every Wednesday at alternating locations.
The official 2012 Calendar will be issued in the coming weeks via the Club's website and also in hard copy once received from the Printer. Several feature events to mark on your calendar will be the BMA Mackay Marina Run 21.1k/8k/5k, The Eungella King of the Mountain 6.4k, The Magic Mile 1.6k, Run the Whitsunday Great Walk 28k as well as the weekly races over varying distances and surfaces.
Mackay Road Runners would like to encourage as many individuals, their families and friends to embrace the very friendly, safe, and inclusive environment that the Club offers, thus encouraging a healthy and happy lifestyle.
The formal road running season commences end of February - check out the Club's website calendar, Facebook or phone Paul/Janelle 4957 3427 for details on the 2012 Calendar, various training sessions and upcoming events. The committee meets on the 2nd Monday of each month - all Members can attend and any offers of assistance towards the betterment of the club would be appreciated.
Next Sunday's 5.30pm no cost, casual training group will meet at the Base Hospital Car park, Bridge Road for a 5/10km run - ALL WELCOME :)