Road Runners Tackle Northview Park Challenge

Approximately forty runners tackled the 30km, 15km, and 5km distances last Sunday as they sprinted through the scenic Mackay region, from Glenella to West Mackay and then out to the Mackay Harbour and back.

Mackay Road Runners Northview Park 30km Club Championship, 15km and 5km were held in perfect running conditions from the playground carpark at Northview Park, Schapers Road, Glenella. 

Club President, Brendan Bishop was a major contributor for the streamlined success of the event alongside fellow committee members Mick and Bec Scholer, Andrew Short, Julie Whibley, Arthur Dick and Jo Hughes.

Classy performances were seen all-round from the 5km and 15km events starting at 6.15am through to the 30km event commencing at 6am.  Paul MacKenzie led the 30km field with Mick Vivian sitting in second with a multitude of changes for the bronze position throughout the 30km with Shane Donnollan snatching third place from Grant Holmstrom, Kaye Nyenuh, Clinton Mackie, Matt Bampton, Jim Perkins and David Perkins. 

The female 30km saw Teresa Hackney looking very comfortable from the start, taking an early lead and retaining it right through to the finish line ahead of Carmel Mahon, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, Carole Dawes and Brenda Windsor.

The 5km and 15km competitors were very strong with female runners, Alana Knezevic, Mel Esau, Naomi Ballard, and Emily Dalglish leading the charge early alongside talented male runners, Jared Mackie, Hamish Donnolllan, Cory Gould, Michael Scholer, John Roe, Darrin Pullen, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Short and Tim Caddy. 

Next Sunday’s popular, yet historical Farmers Long Gallop 6km and 17km run will commence from Agnes Farmers home at 62 Evans Avenue, North Mackay.  Agnes and her late husband Fred have been integral life members of the Mackay Road Runners since its inception nearly 50 years ago.  Fred was the runner in the family; however, Agnes was a wholehearted supporter of the Club and Fred’s illustrious running career. 

Although Agnes may not be a morning person, she has generously hosted this morning run for 48 years.

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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30km Podium finishers (left to right) Shane Donnollan (3rd), Mick Vivian (2nd), Paul Mackenzie (1st), Carmel Mahon (2nd) and Teresa Hackney (1st)
Tahnie Malagueno and Carolyn Mapes kept a united even pace together throughout the 30km course
Northview Park 5km and 15km runners get ready to take their mark, get set and go!
Katrina and Jim with Club President Brendan Bishop after their 15km and 30km respectively events
Brenda Windsor and Carole Dawes support each other from start to finish in the 30km. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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