A new running club in Port Macquarie has set a cracking pace.
Port Macquarie Tracks “N’ Trails (TNT) Club President Todd Cockshutt said there was a lack of organised off-road running events in the area and decided to set up a formal club in December last year.
“The trail running scene is exploding in Australia at the moment and, after just one month, our club has over 50 members from five to 65 years old,” Mr Cockshutt said.
Port Macquarie TNT is currently holding fortnightly events at Wayne Richards Park on the mountain bike trails created by Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders Club.
“The mountain bike courses are a great asset and the mountain bike club has done a great job building such quality track so close to town,” Mr Cockshutt said.
“The running club felt it was a perfect location to start the season and we have been enjoying racing over the short 1.7km circuit and the longer 4.7km course.”
The short course kicks off at 5.30pm, and once that race is finished, the long course starts at around 5.45pm.
“The best part of the evening is the way the kids push themselves in the race and then spend the next 45 minutes playing and running all over the course to support the long course runners – they have a great time,” Mr Cockshutt said.
The racing is ideal for kids, especially with the school year and cross-country events starting soon.
In autumn the club will hold longer races at other great venues throughout the region.
Race and membership details are available on the club website www.portmacquarietnt.com.au or email portmacquarietnt@gmail.com.
You can also view images from Track ‘N’ Trails events at www.nashyspix.com
The next race is at Wayne Richards Park on February 2 with registration from 5.15pm.
Story: Darrell Nash
