88 replies to this topic

[petercamilleri]

After the success of the Forster running festival held in September, the Hastings council have welcomed me to into their town to stage the inaugual Port Macquarie running festival. The event will boast the same format as Forster, allowing everyday people the opportunity to achieve their goals from a 5km walk to a 21.1km half marathon. The course is designed to showcase Port Macquaries beautiful Hastings river, oceanside, and breakwalls while the start and finish will be right in the centre of town in the Town Green. The Port Macquarie running festival has a run for everyone, COME AND RUN PORT !
Sunday 18th march 2012
Check out our facebook page for all the latest details...
facebook
The website will be up and running in about 1 week at www.portmacquarierunningfestival.com.au

Edited by petercamilleri, 25 November 2011 - 12:12 PM.

[MrPercival]

Good to have a local race even if it does conflict with the 6 foot track and Mooloolabah Triathlon. Looking forward to it already.

[Long Arms]

good on you for getting this up and running Peter. I heard the Forster Running festival was excellent, so I am sure you will organize this one just as well. It also clashes with national junior champs in Sydney (a 4 days meet) but if I don't have anyone racing on the final day I would love to come up for this event

[PinkDrinkingPony]

Great. I go up to Port Macquarie regularly. Look forward to doing the half in the area.

[Long Arms]

Peter, could you please give us a course description for the half, 10km and 5km?

[petercamilleri]

Long Arms, on 26 November 2011 - 01:46 PM, said:

Peter, could you please give us a course description for the half, 10km and 5km?

Still working on the fine details at the moment but start and finish will be on town green, half marathon course will be three laps the main reason is to try to avoid the hills therefore the turn around points will be between Oxley beach and Graham Seers cyclery.
There will be plenty of water by your side as you run, really picturesque course.
10km course will be 2 laps between Oxley beach and Food for less car park just before Buller street bridge.
5km course 1 lap.
I will have course maps and step by step description up on the website by the end of next week regards Pete

[Rainlover]

In perfect sinc with our north coast holiday that we take every March. We usually stop over in Port Macquarie so will now need to make this the Saturday night rather than a weekday. Can't wait to see more on this when details are known.

[Isthisnametaken]

Seriously considering this one. Problem is when I normally go to Port the Saturday is spent sinking a few.....

[Hoary]

Long Arms, on 25 November 2011 - 04:39 PM, said:

good on you for getting this up and running Peter. I heard the Forster Running festival was excellent, so I am sure you will organize this one just as well. It also clashes with national junior champs in Sydney (a 4 days meet) but if I don't have anyone racing on the final day I would love to come up for this event

really looking forward to this one as my best mate lives in Port.... Sean, you are dead right re Forster..it was a fantastic event & well run by Peter & crew... the race pack was sensational...full of goodies ....course was excellent... it was the best event of 2011 I contested..so bring on Port !! It will be my 2nd half.
Also Sean, if you remember as I consulted you, I was not going to do CC half due to injury & fitness concerns but completed it ok . Was on goal pace time of 2.06 till cramps got me at 16 km & hobbled home in 2.21....but I finished.... thanks & I will consult you re marathon training later.

[Tazo]

Can't wait for this event! My sister lives in Port so will combine a family holiday with my 2nd half. Will give the course a trial run over Christmas

[petercamilleri]

ENTRIES ARE NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN ! CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

[Tazo]

Just Registered!

[Quinkin]

This is on the same day as the Brisbane Twilight Half Marathon, which I have enjoyed the last two years but yet to run well in. So a tough decision to make on which one I will do.

[petercamilleri]

I can now make your decision easier by announcing the news of our latest entry received to race the half marathon of '' STEVE MONA'S MONEGHETTI'', what a great opportunity to be a part of this awesome weekend and run with an australian legend and a great bloke!!!!!!

[ashima]

I'll be there!! Just moved to Port so pretty excited about this event:) And what a bonus having Mona running too!!

[Tazo]

ran 2 laps of the half marathon course this morning, really enjoyable run!

[greyhoundracer]

I played touch footy there for many years, so it would be nice to add a running event there too!

[Long Arms]

Hoary, on 30 November 2011 - 10:31 AM, said:

really looking forward to this one as my best mate lives in Port.... Sean, you are dead right re Forster..it was a fantastic event & well run by Peter & crew... the race pack was sensational...full of goodies ....course was excellent... it was the best event of 2011 I contested..so bring on Port !! It will be my 2nd half.
Also Sean, if you remember as I consulted you, I was not going to do CC half due to injury & fitness concerns but completed it ok . Was on goal pace time of 2.06 till cramps got me at 16 km & hobbled home in 2.21....but I finished.... thanks & I will consult you re marathon training later.

good job on completing CC underdone Hoary. Call me or email me any time. That is great Mona will be at the weekend!

[slowlybutsurely]

I'm now in for this event too! Cant wait! I love Port Macquarie so combining it with a running event is fantastic!!

So excited to be running in the same race as Mona... although I'll be way behind him :-)

[gracekd]

Hi! I'm completely new, can't yet run 1K but I'm training to get better. I wanted to go in the 5K race for this, but just wondering if its do-able, as it is only 2 months away.

I'm not fast, not fit, but I think it'd be an awesome starting goal. How 'competitive' will it be, as in will everyone else completely lap me, so to speak?

[Hoary]

Long Arms, on 04 January 2012 - 09:50 AM, said:

good job on completing CC underdone Hoary. Call me or email me any time. That is great Mona will be at the weekend!

Thanks Sean.... training well for Port Half... goal is sub 2hr...I'm a good chance if i have good day.

[Hoary]

gracekd, on 22 January 2012 - 05:35 PM, said:

Hi! I'm completely new, can't yet run 1K but I'm training to get better. I wanted to go in the 5K race for this, but just wondering if its do-able, as it is only 2 months away.

I'm not fast, not fit, but I think it'd be an awesome starting goal. How 'competitive' will it be, as in will everyone else completely lap me, so to speak?

You'll do it easily...I'm a new runner at age 53....& couldn't run 50 metres 16 months ago & I'm lining up for my 2nd half marathon at Port.... Here's a tip for what it is worth...download the Runners World smartcoach app to your iphone & follow its training program. its very easy to understand & it works....you must trust it as sometimes you will query the program but don't & I guarantee you that you will get to the 5 km race.Don't worry bout getting lapped or being slow as its part of the process of being a newbie runner ....

[slowlybutsurely]

gracekd, on 22 January 2012 - 05:35 PM, said:

Hi! I'm completely new, can't yet run 1K but I'm training to get better. I wanted to go in the 5K race for this, but just wondering if its do-able, as it is only 2 months away.

I'm not fast, not fit, but I think it'd be an awesome starting goal. How 'competitive' will it be, as in will everyone else completely lap me, so to speak?

You dont know if you dont try!! I couldnt run 2km without stopping when I first started running last March. Now I have signed up to give my 3rd half marathon a go in Port Mac. Sign yourself up for it as motivation to keep pushing yourself - it makes a big difference!! I think you will also find on the day that having the other runners around you and the atmosphere you might surprise yourself with how far you can go!! and dont worry about being lapped if it happens, just focus on your own run and getting to the finish line when you can!

Do it for sure and good luck!

[Shuffla]

gracekd, on 22 January 2012 - 05:35 PM, said:

Hi! I'm completely new, can't yet run 1K but I'm training to get better. I wanted to go in the 5K race for this, but just wondering if its do-able, as it is only 2 months away.

I'm not fast, not fit, but I think it'd be an awesome starting goal. How 'competitive' will it be, as in will everyone else completely lap me, so to speak?

Hi Grace

You have plenty of time to work up to a 5km run.  In the meantime, why don't you come along to the new running club in town and run in a nice friendly atmoshpere and built up your miles.  We run off-road races every fortnight with the next one on 2nd Feb at Wayne Richards Park - we use the mountain bike trails.  The short race is 1.7km and mostly flat, while the longer 4.7km course is a little tougher.

Anyway, check us out at www.portmacquarietnt.com.au

We've only been operating for a month and have over 50 members already.  Several women in your position of starting out, or getting back into it.

We'll be holding other runs through Autumn/Winter in the surrounding forests with runs from 5km up to 21km.

Cheers
Todd

[gracekd]

Hi again

Thanks Hoary and slowlybutsurely for your stats (and of course the encouragement!). Seeing how you guys progressed makes me feel like I have more of a chance to get that far in time! And Todd, thanks for the info on Track n Trails, I'll check it out.

Anyway, I'll sign up for the 5k, and if I do badly I'll just stick to the 5k races till I don't. Thanks again!

[Pegasusrunner]

I love Port Macquarie, and am training for my first marathon at the Gold Coast marathon. It just seems perfect to do the half marathon, see how my training is going and have a weekend in one of my favourite towns! Registered & accommodation booked  

[Hoary]

Peter, will Mono's be doing photos??  Would love to get one with him .....

[DoggieDoctor]

Hoary, on 06 February 2012 - 12:16 PM, said:

Peter, will Mono's be doing photos??  Would love to get one with him .....

No problems, just run at his pace and you'll get your photo with him!

Sorry couldn't resist.

[Hoary]

DoggieDoctor, on 06 February 2012 - 07:25 PM, said:

No problems, just run at his pace and you'll get your photo with him!

Sorry couldn't resist.

I think he will give me windburn each time he laps me !!!!!

[SlakPak]

Can't see the info on the website, but are registrations transferrable?

[petercamilleri]

Yes no trouble to change an event, drop me an email and I can sought it out for you.petercamilleri64@gmail.com

Last chance to purchase tickets for the carbo night dinner with guest speaker Steve Moneghetti to be held at the Port City Bowling Club on Saturday evening the 17th March.
Tickets are just $35 per head, contact myself by email to purchase tickets.

[Hoary]

This thread has been quiet .... is anyone running the half this weekend.....never run a 3 lap course before & should be fast....

[Rainlover]

Quinkin, on 26 December 2011 - 07:31 AM, said:

This is on the same day as the Brisbane Twilight Half Marathon, which I have enjoyed the last two years but yet to run well in. So a tough decision to make on which one I will do.

With Mona's having entered,I know where I'd be headed. Will still be up there at the front and a great guy too.

[petercamilleri]

Hoary, on 14 March 2012 - 11:46 AM, said:

This thread has been quiet .... is anyone running the half this weekend.....never run a 3 lap course before & should be fast....

As from tonight there is 305 running the half so it won't be lonely out there!

[Quinkin]

I'm running. Decided to support a local race rather than do the Twilight Half in Brisbane.

[Hoary]

petercamilleri, on 14 March 2012 - 11:03 PM, said:

Hoary, on 14 March 2012 - 11:46 AM, said:

This thread has been quiet .... is anyone running the half this weekend.....never run a 3 lap course before & should be fast....

As from tonight there is 305 running the half so it won't be lonely out there!

305 is a good roll up Peter....Ive had a slight calf strain this week so havent trained much but should be right for the day just may have to take it a bit easy..... I think Mona's will be relieved now as I wont be a threat to him !!!! lol

[slowlybutsurely]

305 people in the half!! Wow!! Will be nice running past everyone as we loop the course! Will make for a great atmosphere hopefully and I am so excited to be running 'with' Mona's on Sunday... and hearing him talk at the dinner tomorrow night!  Wonder if when he finishes his run in super quick time he can come back and run with me!!

Good luck to everyone running and see you there!

[horseboy]

We are on our way up from Sydney - rain rain go away!

[DoggieDoctor]

Good luck to everyone running tomorrow. Hope the humidity is not as bad as it is in Brisbane. I'll be marshaling at Twilight in Brissy. Congrats to the organisers with at least 305 people for an inaugural run. Maybe I can make it next year!

[horseboy]

Any idea what the cut off time is? Or ETA of last runner?

[Tazo]

not going to make it...not happy!

[horseboy]

Well done to the organisers - great day, well organized. Probably thought it was going to be a faster run than it was but that turn around at the far end added a minute or two but all good. Hmmm or maybe it was just ME being a bit slower than I hoped - late 86er I think. Btw pink Boston-bound gal - great run - seeya there!

Edited by horseboy, 18 March 2012 - 12:50 PM.

[Hoary]

a fantastic day....well done to all the organisers....I'm a bit sore in the quads today but it was worth it...was on 2hr goal pace time to 16km but I got the wobbles real bad & finished around 2.06....that  back end hill section didnt help ...Im happy with that time..... & pink lady looked awesome !!  Met slowlybutsurely..what a nice girl & she toughed it out to the finish ....well done slowly !!! Also met Monas & what a top guy....

[ashima]

Agreed Hoary it was a fantastic day! Great to see Mona in fine form and lots if kids running too:) A big shout out to the organizers and volunteers. I ran better than I could've hoped for and with no watch or garmin to keep me in check. I ran the half and did find it a bit overwhelming when as I was finishing my second lap was swamped with 10k runners. Perhaps next year the 10k race could start a bit later or I guess I could run a bit faster:)

[CCFlyer]

Good day and great race. Does anyone know when results will be available?

[horseboy]

Yes... results would be a lovely thing! Or even the promise of them...

[slowlybutsurely]

What a great day it turned out to be!! The weather was fantastic with a gentle breeze and the rain stayed away! Well done to Pete and all the organisers and volunteers!! I'll be back for Port and Forster next time! No complaints at all and love the shirt we received!!

I did the half marathon (my 3rd half in 8 months). Enjoyed the 3 lap course running past and receiving encouragement from people along the way! Struggled a bit on lap 3, when my ipod decided to stop working just when I usually turn it on and use the music to 'get out of my head' and realised probably hadnt got quite as many km's in my legs in training prior as should have/could have. Lesson learnt!  But managed to finished with a PB by one minute so happy with that and just happy to run and finish!

I do agree about the 10km starting though. I was just finishing lap 2 when they started and had to try and find my way through the Food for less carpark with all of them going hell for leather! Made it a bit congested and difficult, however I too might just have to run faster!!

Hoary - it was great to meet you too! Great run - you were very close to your goal. Thanks for the support at the finishing shute!

I was very lucky to have a great chat with Mona's at the dinner the night before!  He did mention he thought it was a 'slow' course due to twists and turns and narrow paths (so Hoary maybe Lake Mac or Central Coast later in the year will be the one)   He is such a nice normal guy who answered any question and was happy to encourage us along. It was unbelieveable to see him run - what a machine!! but definatly something I will remember forever was talking to him on the Sat night and seeing him in action the next morning! FANTASTIC!!

Cant wait to see the pics and get the results. Hopefully they'll be up shortly. Well done everyone!

[HillsAths1]

Looking on the Website, I cant see any tab for results?

I presume that there were some results somewhere?

[Hoary]

slowlybutsurely, on 19 March 2012 - 10:53 AM, said:

What a great day it turned out to be!! The weather was fantastic with a gentle breeze and the rain stayed away! Well done to Pete and all the organisers and volunteers!! I'll be back for Port and Forster next time! No complaints at all and love the shirt we received!!

I did the half marathon (my 3rd half in 8 months). Enjoyed the 3 lap course running past and receiving encouragement from people along the way! Struggled a bit on lap 3, when my ipod decided to stop working just when I usually turn it on and use the music to 'get out of my head' and realised probably hadnt got quite as many km's in my legs in training prior as should have/could have. Lesson learnt!  But managed to finished with a PB by one minute so happy with that and just happy to run and finish!

I do agree about the 10km starting though. I was just finishing lap 2 when they started and had to try and find my way through the Food for less carpark with all of them going hell for leather! Made it a bit congested and difficult, however I too might just have to run faster!!

Hoary - it was great to meet you too! Great run - you were very close to your goal. Thanks for the support at the finishing shute!

I was very lucky to have a great chat with Mona's at the dinner the night before!  He did mention he thought it was a 'slow' course due to twists and turns and narrow paths (so Hoary maybe Lake Mac or Central Coast later in the year will be the one)   He is such a nice normal guy who answered any question and was happy to encourage us along. It was unbelieveable to see him run - what a machine!! but definatly something I will remember forever was talking to him on the Sat night and seeing him in action the next morning! FANTASTIC!!

Cant wait to see the pics and get the results. Hopefully they'll be up shortly. Well done everyone!

Good to see you got home ok E....
Ive been thinking this morning about that course & I will take on board Mona's comment about it being a bit slower than first thought with the twist,turns,narrowness & a few hills...so maybe our times are a bit better than we think.... so breaking 2hrs this year at Lake half is a good chance for me...
Also I think Mona's was so lucky to sit at a table of humdinga good sorts including yourself at that dinner saturday night .... Maybe if I can get down to a 60.34 PB half time it will happen to me !!!!

[miners]

Great weather and a great inaugural running of the event.  Couple of teething issues which every new event has, but most were behind the scenes and didn't affect anyone directly from what I could see.

I was also commenting a while back with a few locals about how it was a "slow" course, partly because of the turn-arounds but particularly the pinches around the Flagstff headland (the pathway link between Town Beach and Oxley Beach).  I generally avoid those little ascents during regular training runs because they're so short and sharp.  They essentially only serve to take you out of your rhythm without actually doing anything constructive for your training so I generally detour those to tackle the longer but more gradual hills in that location instead.  

And for a "race" those pinches are too steep to really give you any time back in return on the descents - i.e. you can't wind up and stride out down them.  Those with creaky knees will be holding themselves back - and those who let themselves go down the hill will just find that they've taken a dozen strides then they're back on the flat again.

So yes Hoary, those pinches did make for slower times than you may have expected (or at least that'll be my excuse when the results show!).  The distances were certainly accurate.