A robust contingent from the Gunnedah and Boggabri Trail and Road Runners recently ventured north to take on the prestigious Gold Coast Marathon Festival.
Despite the heavens opening up on the Saturday morning, pouring a deluge that would test the mettle of any athlete, Gunnedah’s elite were undeterred.
With their last carb-loaded meals devoured and their shoelaces meticulously tied using YouTube tutorials, they were ready to shine – even if the sun wasn’t.
The crowning glory of the festival, the full marathon, featured 42.195km of gruelling Gold Coast terrain. Gunnedah’s finest, Nikki Wheatland, Amanda Randall, and Jaydon Randall, tackled the ‘big dance’ with outstanding results in their marathon debuts.
But the spotlight shone brightest on Sarah-Jane Williscroft, who achieved a perfect performance, smashing her personal best by 34 minutes and securing a Boston qualifying time of 3:45:43. The marathon will be held from September 9-13.
Sophie Williams and Zac Wheatland led the charge in the half-marathon, obliterating their personal best times and crossing the finish line in under two hours.
Joining them were Caleb Foran, Jess Connelly, Alexandria Endicott, Bec Parker and Maria Strang, who each put in stellar performances that illustrated their relentless dedication and training.
Gunnedah’s Erin, Sienna, Max, Brandon and Michael Edmonds were among a
strong local contingent competing at this year’s Gold Coast Marathon Festival.
The flat and fast coastal course saw Kylie Williams, Andrea Rayfield, Rory Dein, Chloe Williams, Ryan Wheatland, Sarah Moir, and the injured yet unstoppable Jamie Wheatland, all clinch personal best times in the 5km event, with their achievements a testament to their resilience and speed.
Jacob Cox, a last-minute entry into Sunday’s coveted 10km event, delivered a superstar performance that left the crowd and fellow runners in awe.
Observers at the event say this incredible group of athletes has not only made Gunnedah proud but also inspired countless others with their tenacity and triumphs.
Although not members of the group, the Edmunds family also turned in a great effort at the marathon, with Georgie Edmunds completing the half-marathon and Sienna Edmunds finishing second in her age group in the 10km event.
Michael Edmunds tackled the 5km and 10km events, while Max competed in the 5km and 10km events, and Erin the competed in the 5km race.
The family often run around town as a group and compete together at a variety of events.
