About the club
A local running club built around good people, regular running and a strong connection to the Mackay community.
Since 1976, Mackay Road Runners has brought runners together through racing, training, volunteering and community events.
Mackay Road Runners is a community running club based in Mackay, Queensland.
We organise regular club races, social runs, training sessions and running events for people with a wide range of abilities and goals.
You don't need to be fast to join.
Some members compete for club championships. Others are here to improve their fitness, prepare for an event or simply enjoy running with other people.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment while keeping a strong tradition of local racing and community involvement.
Meet the committee
Mackay Road Runners is run by volunteers who help organise races, membership, timing, communications, equipment, events and the day-to-day running of the club.
Club Patron: Mr Colin Meng
- President
- Paul Tilse
- Vice-President
- Len Howarth
- Secretary
- Julie Whibley
- Treasurer
- Tim Magoffin
- Registrar
- Tracey Dean
- Club Captain
- Jim Ford
- Publicity Officer
- Janelle Tilse
- Handicapper
- Paul Tilse
- Equipment Co-ordinator
- Andrew Short
- Merchandiser
- Jo Hughes
- Timekeeper
- Rohan Miles
Annual general meeting
The Mackay Road Runners AGM gives members a chance to hear what’s happening within the club, contribute ideas and help shape the year ahead. Committee positions are elected through the AGM process, and members are encouraged to get involved.
Current AGM dates and nomination details will be published on the website, Facebook page and club calendar.
Life members
Life Membership recognises people who have made an outstanding contribution to Mackay Road Runners. Their time, commitment and support have helped shape the club and Mackay’s running community over many years.
- Agnes Farmer
- Fred Farmer – forever running
- Merv Shields
- Wendy Shields
- Charlie Martel
- Janelle Tilse
- Paul Tilse
- Judy Zahn
- Shawn Claydon – forever running
- Jim Ford
- Tim Magoffin
- Andrew Short
Remembering Members of Our Running Community
Mackay Road Runners proudly remembers the people whose running, volunteering and friendship have left a lasting mark on the club.
Fred Farmer
Remembering Fred Farmer and his contribution to our running community.
Frank Marchetti
Remembering Frank Marchetti and his contribution to our running community.
Shawn Claydon
Remembering Shawn Claydon and his contribution to our running community.
Our story
How we began
1976
The Beginning
Mackay Road Runners was formed in April 1976 by a group of keen local runners, with Dave Sedgmen as the club’s first President and Brian Feigert as Secretary.
EARLY YEARS
Running For Everyone
The club calendar ran from February to October, with races ranging from 3km through to the marathon distance. Marked courses and a mix of distances gave runners of all abilities the chance to take part.
As the club grew, members also began meeting regularly for training runs, building a strong social side alongside the racing.
CLUB RIVALRIES
Competition Across North Queensland
Runners from Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton regularly competed against each other, creating some memorable inter-city rivalries.
One of the standout events was a 24-hour relay at the Mackay Racecourse, where teams of 10 runners from each town raced continuously around a one-mile course. The competition was close, with each town having its share of victories.
ICONIC EVENTS
Races That Built The Club
Another popular early event was the 28km Utah Run, organised by the Sarina Athletics Club from Hay Point to Sarina.
Known for its hills and changing road surfaces, the race attracted runners from across Queensland and became a popular test ahead of the Gold Coast Marathon.
The club also welcomed experienced runners such as Ultra Marathon runner Ron Grant, who competed locally and held coaching clinics that helped members improve their training and race preparation.
STANDOUT RUNNERS
Achievement Beyond Mackay
Many Mackay Road Runners members went on to compete successfully across Australia.
Merv Shields became known for marathon racing and competed at the Oceania Games and Australian championships.
Charlie Martel built a reputation as a strong mountain runner, while former club President Ian Javes took on the Sydney to Melbourne Ultra, supported along the way by fellow Mackay Road Runners members.
OUR LEGACY
Running For The Community
From the beginning, Mackay Road Runners has been about more than racing.
Members regularly supported charity events and fundraising runs, including a major relay for cancer research from Camooweal to Rockhampton via Townsville.
Runners from Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton each completed 5km relay legs, combining friendly competition with a shared goal of raising money for an important cause.
More than 50 years later, that same spirit of running, community and friendly competition continues to shape Mackay Road Runners today.
Client review: additional history for Benita Willis and Shawn Claydon is still to be supplied.
Running tips for every level
Good training doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re starting to run for the first time, returning after a break or preparing for your next event, consistency matters more than trying to do too much too soon.
