Locals support Tamborine Mountain Marathon

Marcus Achterberg sprints ahead of team members and sponsors
Marcus Achterberg sprints ahead of team members and sponsors

AMONGST the 250 competitors at the Tamborine Mountain Marathon on January 26 will be a relay team which includes two mother and son combinations including one of the youngest competitors in the race.

At 11 years of age, Marcus Achterberg has already been in a State Championship winning relay team and he is excited to join with team members in his aptly named team, ‘Marcus Chases’.

Having previously placed tenth in Queensland Cross Country Championships and fourth in Queensland at the 2023 Nationals, Marcus enjoys the challenge that running brings.

Canungra Law

“Winning feels really good – it makes me want to do more and encourages me,” said Marcus.

Each team member will run seven kilometres, seemingly an easy feat for Marcus who runs 20 kilometres a week.

Marcus’ mother, Sandy, will also compete, along with another mother and son duo, Rachel and Blake Knighton.

Several of the team members have been training with local coach Dave Mackay.

“We couldn’t achieve our running goals without his continued support and encouragement,” said Sandy.

Local support is key

While there are a number of high level marathon runners from across Australia competing, local support amongst competitor numbers and sponsors has been very strong.

Race Director Guy Roberts said the support of local sponsors Tamborine Mountain Physiotherapy and Scenic Rim Remedial Massage has been invaluable.

Amara, who sponsored Marcus’ 2023 Nationals competition, works from the Tamborine Mountain Physio practice and approached Travis Drummond to take on the major sponsorship of the event, with Amara’s business also sponsoring.

“With Tamborine Mountain Physio it was a perfect fit,” said Travis.

“We are always looking to help out the local community and be involved in things so this was just wonderful.”

“Running is becoming a popular sport for everyone these days, it is going from strength to strength.”

“It is so great to have an event like this on the mountain.”

“Not only sponsoring but participating is important to keep these events on the mountain otherwise we will lose them.”

“We want to have these opportunities for people like Marcus and Sandy to compete locally.”

The sponsorship has enabled organisers of the marathon to expand on previous events.

“It has allowed us to do a lot,” said Guy. 

“We have been able to contract Steve Jackson as the race announcer for the event and to have merchandise that we haven’t previously had.”

Tamborine Mountain Physio will also have a team of physiotherapists at the marathon to assist with injury management if required.

Tamborine Mountain Marathon is on Sunday January 26, 2025 commencing 5am, with the start and finish at Tamborine Mountain Sports Centre on Long Road.

For more information visit tmrelay.com.

About Keer Moriarty 347 Articles
A passionate supporter of small communities and local news, Keer is one of the partners behind Scenic Rim Media - the company that owns Canungra Times, Beaudesert Bulletin and Tamborine Mountain News.