Jarrod Ausburn is understandably happy as he crosses the line as the fastest male competitor in the 2024 Weipa Running Festival marathon in a time of three hours, 10 minutes and 25 seconds. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
It was an eclectic mix of serious runners, once-a-year competitors and first-time entrants when a record field of 332 contested the 2024 Weipa Running Festival (WRF) in perfect weather conditions on 21 July.
With marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre, 5km and 2.5km fun run events on offer, the big field pounded the pavement and red dirt as they battled themselves and the challenging courses that weaved through the township.
Aurukun’s Jarrod Ausburn claimed men’s marathon bragging rights by being first across the line in a time of three hours, 10 minutes and 25 seconds, while Weipa favourite Jos Middleton was the fastest female home in the marathon and got a raucous welcome from the crowd as she thundered down the finishing chute to stop the clock in 4:08:16.
The Unexpected team members celebrate after getting their name on the inaugural Mission perpetual trophy. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Ausburn said he was thrilled with the victory, given his “average” preparation for the seventh edition of the WRF.
“I wasn’t sure how I was gonna go after running slow six-minute kays around the [Aurukun] airport, but it worked out well,” he said after his win.
He added the spectacular western Cape York sunrise and his fellow competitors provided unexpected inspiration during the 42.2km test.
“It was fantastic, and getting to see it twice on the way out; you could see the low mist over the lake the first time, and then it cleared on the way back and you got all the birds in there.
“It was quite beautiful, and that’s exactly where you cross the half marathon course as well, so, you’ve got those runners coming back the other way; it’s just as you start to get to that low point – you’ve done about 30 kays and your energy levels are dropping, and to see the rest of the field and the 21 kay runners come through, that just lifts you again.”
In the inaugural team event, the Mission, The Unexpected claimed the spectacular golden runner perpetual trophy ahead of Rum Club and Crew 4 Shiploader.
WRF president Rose Robins thanked the committee and band of volunteers for their efforts, and said it was the “strength of connection and strength of friendships” within the running community that allowed the event to grow every year.
Jos Middleton begins her celebration as she heads down the finishing chute to complete the marathon in 4:08:16. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
This year, event organisers celebrated having a registered runner from every Australian state and territory, as well as a virtual running competing from Chicago in the United States.
As he celebrated his win, Ausburn praised the event as one of the best he had competed in over “30-something” marathons.
“It’s pretty unreal,” he said.
“Rose has done a fantastic job pulling this together, and the volunteers out on course are honestly the best and lifting the energy out there, and to see all the local businesses get on board, too, that’s pretty fantastic.
“We’ve got a very special event; I know I’ll be definitely get back for it next year again.”
Little Jack Balodis is all smiles as he pounds the pavement during the five-kilometre event at the 2024 Weipa Running Festival on Sunday morning. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
2024 WEIPA RUNNING FESTIVAL RESULTS
Finishing times displayed as H:MM:SS
Men’s marathon (42.2km)
1: Jarrod AUSBURN 3:10:25; 2: Chrisden RUSS 3:14:32; 3: Ross DAWSON 3:45:18
Women’s marathon (42.2km)
1: Jos MIDDLETON 4:08:16; 2: Jenni JEFFERIS 4:52:04
Men’s half marathon (22km)
1: Laurie PREECE 1:53:03; 2: Anthony STEWART 1:54:35; 3: Harvey FLYNN 1:55:11
Women’s half marathon (22km)
1: Sophie BEE 1:44:18; 2: Molly TOOMEY 1:58:30; 3: Lucy MARTIN 2:00:31
Men’s 10km
1: Jack BARTON 45:06; 2: Zigmund FREIBERG 50:10; 3: Lang HAINES 52:40
Women’s 10km
1: Bridie MAHER 45:12; 2: Lisa FRASER 47:20; 3: Clare THOMAS 53:35
Men’s 5km
1: Max LYNCH 19:50; 2: Jamie THOMAS 23:24; 3: Parx HALL 24:54
Women’s 5km
1: Tanna DE TOURNOUER 22:59; 2: Claire MCKEOWN 24:14; 3: Eva GINN 24:22
