Marathon attracts all kinds of runners

Marcus and Sandy Achterberg
Marcus and Sandy Achterberg

THE fifth annual Tamborine Mountain Relay and Marathon field was a mix of elite athletes, youngsters competing with their families and even a caterpillar!

Held on Australia Day at the Tamborine Mountain Sports Centre, 250 participants ran the 42 kilometre course solo, or as a part of a relay team of two, three or six. The course consisted of a seven kilometre loop that was run by participants six times.

Mayor Tom Sharp, along with MP Scott Buchholz and Cr Steve Moriarty attended the day, Mayor Sharp saying “well done to all of you, it’s a great turn out.”

Three Hassell brothers ran the marathon, finishing strong as they crossed the finish line together. (Make sure to keep an eye out for a future story on ultra-marathon runner Will Hassell!)

The caterpillar attracted a lot of attention, with six men running, tied together as a green caterpillar made of zip-tied children’s stretchy toys from Bunnings.

“It’s a South African tradition where runners connect themselves together,” said Dean Miller, leader of the caterpillar. 

“The idea stemmed from that.”

The idea of them entering was thrown around in November 2024, though nothing was decided until two weeks prior to the event when the team finally started training.

The solo marathon was won by elite athlete Wayne Spies who ran the 42 kilometres in 2:54:18, well ahead of his nearest rivals Hayley Teale (3:39:48) and Michael Griffin (3:44:46).

Local team Marcus Chasers took out the six person team relay in a time of 3:07:37.The results of the day are as follows:

2025 Tamborine Mountain Relay Results 

Solo: 1st Wayne Spies (2:54:18). 2nd Hayley Teale (3:39:48). 3rd Michael Griffin (3:44:46).

Two person team relay: 1st Swift Taylors (2:59:11). 2nd Ups and Downs (3:02:25). 3rd  Tamborine Mountain G.O.A.T’s(3:23:37).

Three person team relay: 1st Homers (3:01:45). 2nd Mt Fitness Sole Sisters (3:09:14). 3rd Homers 3 (3:15:22).

Six person team relay: : 1st Marcus Chasers (3:07:37). 2nd  Slammin Salmons (3:35:34). 3rd VAR Burleigh Running Club.

Six person walking team relay: : 1st The Ninjas 2 (8:15:57). 2nd The Ninjas          (8:16:00).

Full results are available at:

https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/892/results?fbclid=IwY2xjawICqKhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQYxybK64V7QE8NYOeA9PEL7edWmcRxMo0j91VZbiH0x98lMd2_-yg_L7g_aem_B78dIedi3G0ugPihhspWpQ