Friday, March 7, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Mackay Road Runners Kick Off Club Championship Series

The Mackay Road Runners launched their first Club Championship race of the season in style, with nearly 80 runners taking to the streets of East Mackay from Queen’s Park. The event was a long-standing favourite among members, and was once again proudly sponsored by MAD Fitness Mackay.

No stranger to supporting the local running community, MAD Fitness Mackay has been a generous sponsor for several years, not only backing the Club Championship race but also donating a sought-after prize pack worth over $300 for the club’s annual Presentation Night.

Club President and Life Member Paul Tilse expressed his gratitude for the ongoing partnership, acknowledging MAD Fitness Mackay’s continued support as the 5km Club Championship sponsor for the second consecutive year.

The 5km race saw a strong field battle it out for top honours, with Paul Mackenzie and Alana Knezevic securing victory in the men’s and women’s divisions. Both champions walked away with a MAD Fitness Mackay gift bag valued at approximately $150. In addition to the winners’ prizes, MAD Fitness Mackay generously contributed cash and free gym passes to ten lucky random draw winners, while the club provided chocolates and lollies as minor prizes.

All runners also had the opportunity to accumulate crucial Club Championship points, both overall and in their age categories, with results contributing toward the end-of-season awards.

Despite humid conditions and little breeze, the event was a success, thanks to the dedication of the club’s volunteers. Special appreciation was extended to Patron Col Meng and his family for supplying icy Zooper Doopers at the finish line.

The club also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts of the registration and timing team, as well as the setup and pack-down crew, whose work ensures smooth event execution. Members were encouraged to show their appreciation and lend a hand where possible, as these volunteers often give up their own runs to make each event possible.

Attention now turns to this Friday’s Mackay Marina Run Launch 5km, set to take place at 6pm from Bluewater Quay. Sponsored by Mackay Airport, this social twilight run is a highlight on the calendar, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation.

With a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, the event is perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy an active evening together. Registrations are $10 per person and must be completed online via the Mackay Marina Run website—no entries will be taken on the night.

As a result, the Mackay Road Runners will not hold their usual Sunday run this week, with members encouraged to get involved in this meaningful cause.

For more details on upcoming events, visit the Mackay Road Runners website or follow their social media pages.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

First Female, Alana Kenezevic takes gold in a sensational time in the 5km MAD Fitness Mackay Road Runners Club Champonship event.
9789 – Ashley Miles sprints to the finish line ahead of 2nd placed female Ashlee Scott.
9777 – MAD Fitness Mackay 5km Club Championship male winner, Paul Mackenzie.
9707 – Club legends, Jan Smith and Merv Shields are long time members as shown by their race bib #!
9877 – The MAD Fitness Mackay Team were awesome sponsors of the Mackay Road Runners 5km Club Championship event.
9854 – Ross and Leanne Connor easily complete the 5km Club Championship sponsored by MAD Fitness Mackay.
9727 – Stephen Hayles makes an early break at the start of the 5km MAD Fitness Mackay  championship event for Mackay Road Runners. Photos supplied

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