RACE RESULTS AND REPORTS

HISTORY IN THE MAKING
A chance conversation between Ron Grant and Nanango Shire Chairman Cr Reg McCallum
caused the birth of a Footrace which would recapture the pioneering spirit of old. Of
traversing the South East Queensland countryside on foot in good company, sleeping near a glowing camp-fire under the stars. This was the vision of both. Providential circumstances provided a vehicle for such a venture. Nanango Shire, about 200Kms North West of Brisbane was celebrating the first settlement, 150 years ago, the historic Footrace would dovetail neatly with the festivities. The original theme was inherent in naming the race; The Nanango – South Burnett Pioneer Footrace
Enthusiasm blossomed. The Chairman offered his vast knowledge of the area plotting an interesting course for the competition. He chose a route that would take the Footrace through the picturesque parts of the South Burnett. From the beauty of Kinbombi Falls through villages fat on Dairy cattle; on to towns famous for their Peanut crops and the home of an equally famous Premier; to the heights of the sweeping Bunya Mountains.

The race was becoming more of a social gathering of like minded sportsmen than a bizarre bush bash. Each day’s effort was rewarded with a Section Winner’s Trophy and the honour of wearing the blue Vest of the Winner of the Day. To win a section, athletes had to forecast a time in which they would cover the day’s distance, incurring penalties if the finish time was half an hour less than predicted.
Before the race, schools were approached with Runner’s Resumes to allow pupils to choose which Runner they wished to sponsor. Camp Quality was the recipient of the funds each child raised. A Dinner was organised at the Copper Country Restaurant, Nanango, on the eve of the event, to introduce the Runners to each other and to the local sponsors. Around sixty people turned up for this night of welcome
The guests met people, who for them, graced the Books of Records: a bicycling beauty – Phillipa Bolt; Gary Parsons and his ’secret weapon’ for kerb running – unequal legs; they shared a spud with Cliff Young and gamboling grandmother Val Warren; learnt of Dave Holleran’s run in with cement; Georgina McConnell’s staggering 6 Day distances; Ray Chatterton’s medical background; Wanda Foley’s hobbies; dashing lan Cornelius and organisers Ron and Dell Grant. They all were a part of the first Historical Pioneer Footrace in the South Burnett
Before the race, each member had a role to ensure its success. It was decided that Shire
Chairman Cr Reg McCallum, with offsider Trevor Perrett, would be ahead of the runners; lighting the fire, boiling the Billy, and be propping up the bar of the local pub at the conclusion of each day’s race. Strict orders were in force to leave the gas barbie at home; just an axe and a camp oven.

The title of the book, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” in no way touches on the hardships, the courage and the endurance of the ten fine athletes that left Nanango 3S from a whip-crack start in bright sun and nervous spirits.

During the warm to hot and dusty conditions of the unfolding day, surprises bristled with each moment.
Ian Cornelius, an untested quantity finished in first place on the first day, followed in by an impatient Gary Parsons. Tourists were in abundance at the Kinbombi Falls camp-site, heaping praise and gifts on the runner’s efforts, sharing camp fires. Wanting to reach for momentary glory; being aligned with the highly competitive nature of the Ultra Distance Runner.
During the day, Marathon times were duly recorded at an unusual mark – a stick on the side of the road identified by a crushed Coca-Cola tin adorning the graceful twig. Very professional!! Times were acknowledged with a grunt of effort or a twinkling wave from Cliff Young. One half expected a somersault from exuberant Dave Holleran.
The Footrace had moved to a new plane of competition. Races within the race developed. It became the Gary versus Ian versus Georgina confrontation. The Ron Grant versus Cliff Young battle ground. Varied psychological intimidation gained the high ground in race tactics. The runners were getting a ‘feel’ for the required attack on the course. Gaining an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent. Through all this, a great bonding was created between runners and crews as they recognised mutual discomfort. The constant of pain, fatigue, stress and always…. the ribbon of road to be conquered.
Day two brought together the Will of Man and the Force of God – 81.2Kms of rain, wind and mud!
Competitors started before the dawn which tried vainly to pierce the clouds. Running by the lume of headlights, torches, and one with a miner’s lamp strapped to the head, they chugged through the tiny town of Goomeri to be confronted by a runner’s nightmare – soft, water-logged mud!

Support crews were detoured around the obstacle, to later be greeted by runners now six
inches taller, the mud piling up under their designer footwear. A hurried change of
clothing, reassuring words of comfort and the secret thanks of crew climbing back to the womb of the support vehicle – away from the hell of the weather.
An enduring sight was the schoolchildren of Wheatlands, all twelve of them, waiting in the driving rain for a glimpse of these who dared to be different. The runners, with rain pouring from them hastily signing autographs, the children shy and awkward before their heroes.
An eternity passed before the long straight into Wondai. The finish beckoned with the lure of a Winner’s Jersey, just reward for a day of torment. A bright blue patch in a day of darkness. Gloom for Ian as his crew lost a fan-belt, severing his tie with his place of solace, his home on wheels. Cursed by having no immediate dry clothes to wear, comfort reared in the guise of hot coffee with cheese and bikkies, supplied by thoughtful Maria of the local RSL. Long and very hot showers; dry clothes, warmth and comfort, and soon the runners were regaling the locals with tales of derring-do against the elements.
Reg Warren, crewing for wife Val, summed it up, “A hot shower is worth four hours good
sleep!”

While the runners and crew were dining at the RSL, locals washed, dried and ironed clothes and shoes, then bettered it by offering the Hall as shelter for the night!
Local physiotherapist Amanda Smith arrived to massage and soothe the accumulated aches and strains of all. The men had no , look in as the ladies besieged her.
The morrow would bring greater mishaps as the thunderclouds of misfortune gathered over this band struggling against the elements. First casualty, Phillipa Bolt with a knee injury early in the day. Next, Ian Cornelius with a severe case of Tendonitis. Misery showed on the faces of the runners as they struggled with the weight of unaccustomed running gear – sabotaged garbage bags, track suits resembling scuba gear and Dave Holleran looking in vain for a snorkel.
Wonderfully the rain eased for a few hours bringing out the TV crew and local fellow runners to pace the serious competitor. One pair of runner/crew celebrated by playing ‘cup and saucer in a deserted road to ease the runner’s back pain. Gleefully almost falling in the mud.
Children from tiny Memerambi unable to attend school due to flooding, were brought to see the runners by Police cars. They waved, cheered and autograph hunted as the day dragged toward Kingaroy, Nell’s Kitchen and blessed showers before the scheduled overnight stop. Sir Joh and Lady Bjelke Petersen lent pomp to the evening’s dinner washed down with drinks supplied by the Kingaroy Shire Chairman. Prankster Reg McCallum, had intimated that other Shires had ‘pushed the boat out’ for the runners. Quick to uphold the generosity of his Shire, the good Councilor supplied bottled spirits and a carton of beer!
The morning broke to shouts of jubilation as an unexpected breakfast was cooked and served in Nell’s Kitchen to a clearing day. Spirits soared as the sun shone, strong and hot. Typical mountain climbing weather, as the Bunya’s beckoned.
“The best climbing gear was found to be a stout heart, long black bike pants, a sense of humour and Ron Grant and Cliff Young pushing you!” So says Dave Holleran, King of the Mountain being first ‘home’ for the day.
All thoughts of the arduous climb vanished as the parrots, bush turkeys, blackbirds and ravens had a tug-o-war with the kangaroos for the slices of bread offered by the runners. The waft of sizzling sausages and the taste of onions frying on the BBQ added to the spice of a night under the stars. More yawns than yarns as the tents were erected and a last linger around for Billy Tea as thoughts of “Home Tomorrow!” filled the air.
The last day for Line Honours, Handicap T-Shirts and intense competition crept into a busy camp, alive with strategy, and the song of the early magpie. Awesome views were forgotten with the urgency of the down hill run. The promise of an end to aching muscles, bleeding feet and the ever-present support vehicle. The care-free life of the past days would be a hole to be filled as reality came crashing in. Gary, Dave and Georgina decided to make a race of it leaving last, while Ron and Cliff had a private battle of their own. Val, Wanda and Ray had left earlier, with Phillipa now rested for the final day leaving while the night was .still young.

The event of the day was when one member of the Awesome Threesome – Georgina, Gary and Dave – while motoring in overdrive , was confronted by an unseen grid. Exhibiting years of trampoline bouncing, grid-iron Dave soared through the air with the greatest of ease past an astonished Gary and Georgina! You know what he shouted as he leapt, you could probably hear it! No, onlookers didn’t blush, they just wished they had the video running.
More TV crew, and more well-wishers ran with the champions along the road as the shortened finish loomed. It was earlier decided to end the race 2-3Kms out of town to allow for a short rest and a change of clothing. That may be so, but we believe it was to allow the official recorders to have as many fingers and toes available to calculate the many sums determining over-all winners.
The town of Nanango was alive with cheering shoppers and schoolchildren as the Pioneers ran down to the finish, allowing Time Winner, Gary Parsons, to break an invisible tape. Thankfully speeches were saved for the RSL afternoon tea, thus letting the crowd mingle with their heroes.
Gary Parsons, was duly declared the overall winner of the Nanango – South Burnett Pioneer Footrace. An early and unexpected withdrawal of race leader Ian Cornelius, left Gary in the box seat to win the premier event hotly contested by ‘blowfly’ Georgina McConnell. Gary bottled his natural competitiveness to enter Day 5 with a 2hrs 20min lead.
****:*********:
Memories include Wanda Foley trudging onward showing the sign of damaged toes. Her running shoes were oozing blood!
Phillipa Bolt starting before the cock had crowed, in a huge rainstorm with an injured knee. Val Warren; race walking, running, doing all within her to complete each day, rewarded with three Day Winner T-Shirts and Overall Handicap Winner.
Dave Holleran’s consecutive first-over-the-line effort. His humour and ‘grid’-iron approach to imitating the gazelle. A true Downhill Racer.
Ray Chatterton’s determined dash up the Bunya Mts; recognised by a Day-winner’s Guernsey.
Ian Cornelius gaining valuable insight into correct armour to win the war against the road. Sock it to ‘em Ian!
Ron Grant’s tradesman-like approach to moving across the terrain with the minimum of discomfort, providing the maximum distance travelled with the least amount of stops. A great experience.
Cliff Young ever cheerful, never complaining, nursing strains and pains that would stop a younger man. A merry masochist that floated over the course in rain, sun and wind. Unstoppable. A realist who raced athletes half his age. Who could forget his Wondai finish forged on the anvil of mud, rain, cold, chafe, detours, discomfort and never-ending pain. Gary Parsons; impatient, bottling his need to just run until he stops.

Georgina McConnell: sure, wise, race-hardened, ploughing a furrow that stretched for 327Kms in a straight line. Doggedly eating the course, grinding out yard after yard; successful as the first lady home. Truly great Pioneers all!
Lighter moments were achieved with some fore-planning. We were indebted to the appearance of the Headless Horseman on Day 1, just as Reg was giving a history of its previous appearance. Coincidental or planned – you be the judge. Among the entertaining tricks was a baffling feat of levitation. This performed by Ron Grant to show his appreciation of the Horseman. He jumped so high, that thoughts of a career with Barnum & Bailey immediately passed through a few minds. Not the least the white horse, which reared up at being upstaged, and galloped madly off into the night. Entering into the theatrics of the moment, the ‘battling bushie’, Reg, exhibited a suitably startled expression uttering the immortal words, “Well blow me down!”
A great debt of gratitude to the Chairmen of the Shires of Kilkivan, Wondai, Murgon and Kingaroy is extended by the organisers of the Pioneer Footrace.
To Alec McIntosh, Chairman of Kilkivan Shire, we give thanks for the rain and campsite, not to mention the hi-jinks.
Personal thanks from one crew in gratitude for not running over his sleeping form. The dope camped in the middle of the tracks! Oh yes, he thanks you for beeping him awake during the extended first night ‘goodnight’ hospitality.
Chairman of Wondai Shire, Percy lszlaub, gave a real welcome and respite from the “Cr McIntosh Curse”, – torrential rain. The bloke who made the roads is still not on Gary Parson’s Christmas card list!
Cr George Roberts, Chairman of Murgon Shire, was unavoidably elsewhere during passage through his Shire…. celebrating with his mother, her 96Th birthday!
Thanks to amiable Amanda Smith, on hand during the evening of Day 3 to stroke Cliff’s body (and his imagination) with her ‘healing hands.’ The ladies had been massaged and soothed the evening previously at Wondai RSL by an untiring Amanda who would let none of the male onlookers get into the act. We wonder why? Nothing like a rub and a scrub before a splash through the rain, eh?
Three cheers for Phillipa Bolt soldiering on with a damaged knee. I can think of nothing less I would rather do than to rise in the wee hours of the morning, dress in gear unsuitable to the weather, then slide across squelchy grass to stand in the howling rain until some mug says, “Go!” Luckily the ‘mug’ in this case is Mr Nice Guy, Alan, her husband. Lesser men would have had other excuses to not rise that terrible morning. You are a credit to your chosen sport Phillipa.
Ian Cornelius another casualty that day suffered from his Hi-Tech blood being constricted by his Hi-Tech socks from getting to his Hi-Tech muscles. He was reduced to a Chaplinesque walk sporting a colourful leg much different to its twin. He didn’t spit the dummy, staying with the team to become a great encouragement and support to his fellow competitors for the rest of the race. Quite a welcome smile on the road to recovery. Full marks to his crew, Harry, for starting a fashion of drinking Bourbon sans Ginger Ale.

OK own up, who drunk his precious liquid? Yes we know another was in the car, but it is the Principle involved here, innit? Good man Harry!
A vote of thanks goes to the unknown motorist who stopped one crew member during Day
three asking, “What are you nuts doing out here?•    If only he Knew. .if only he Knew.
To the many who lined the streets cheering and clapping…., to those who donated to Camp Quality along the route, Dell and the recipients of your gift give the thanks that made it all
worthwhile.
I liked the honesty shown by one crewman. Obviously city born and bred he looked for Helicopters and Hangars to assist in finding an aerodrome that was cited as a timing and location mark on one day’s run sheet!
Another crew member walked into a fruiterers to purchase running tucker and spotted some over—ripe bananas. Shopkeeper thought the man mad for buying such a large amount of almost off fruit.    The Runner said, “Yummy!”
If a Man of the Match award was given, my vote without hesitation, would go to Ray Chatterton. The man’s solid determination, spending up to 12 hours on the road battling against great odds and finishing without a murmur each day, is tribute in itself. As co- organiser, fielding telephone calls prior to the race, collating names and enquiries which must have had a detrimental effect on his training, Ray showed sufficient competitive spirit to finish with a Day Handicap Winner’s T—Shirt, respect from his fellow competitors and rare praise of his courage from those who know. Organiser Ron Grant adds this thought, “Ray was an encouragement to all with his quiet determination and wealth of courage.”

Tags: Australia, Ultra history

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