Fun run held in strong winds

Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club held its second annual fun run in "difficult conditions" on September 27.

The Umina Beach Sand Slog coincided with the same week as the dust storms that brought strong winds and a thick red haze to many towns along the Queensland and NSW coastline.

Event coordinator Mr Greg Brown said the difficult conditions did not affect the good times recorded by race category winners.

"The event held three race categories including a 10 km, five km and two kilometer race for the 11 years and under participants," said Mr Brown.

"With strong winds predicted, we were worried that a further dust storm would destroy the event and significantly reduce the number of entrants.

"Fortunately the dust held off but the winds persisted, not the best conditions for a run.

"The runners faced a combination of both hard and soft sand terrains with the added influence of a strong headwind wearing on the legs of all participants, challenging even the top runners.

"Even with the difficult conditions there where good times recorded by the winners."

Charlie Brookes recorded a time of 20.07 minutes in the five km event while the winner of the women's five km race was Suzy Woodburn with a time of 22.42 minutes.

The 10 km section was won by Mark Wilson in 41.16 minutes and in the women's Katherine McMurkrie clocked up 51.19 minutes to win the event.

Press release, 5 Oct 2009 Greg Brown, Umina Beach Sand Slog