Zach Mach 2021

Zach Mach Adventure Challenge
Huge Success

Over 220 competitors converged on Pinnacle on the Mother’s Day weekend to compete in the 9th annual Zach Mach Adventure Challenge. It started to honour the memory of a young adventurer and ex- Mackay Christian College graduate, Zach Roberts, who lost his life in a vehicle accident 10 years ago.

The challenge has taken on a life of its own with com-petitors coming from Townsville and Gladstone among other places to test their kayaking, running and cycling skills in the multi-stage course through private proper-ties and on beautiful Teemburra Dam.

As Mayor, Greg Williamson said in his address to the competitors before starting the first leg of the race on Saturday, 8th May, this is what makes the competition and the Valley great. The strength of the local communi-ty in supporting ventures like this, lifts the profile of Val-ley communities as desirable destinations, and he com-mended property owners on having the vision to be part of ‘this adrenalin sport’. Key among the host of sponsors who also value the challenge event is Mackay Christian College, which has maintained its support in Zach Rob-erts’ memory since its inception.

Hosted by Pinnacle Family Hotel’s Karen and Andrew Guthrie, the challenge proved to be a huge economic boost to the Valley and for the first time, the local search and rescue team, QRAT, was taken on board as supporters. They were on-hand on Saturday for the main event but, happily, were not required as there were no incidents.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, saw the mini-Mach run, with around 100 junior and first-time competitors lining up for an 8 o’clock start on a fun-filled course, including a ‘treasure hunt’ orienteering activity in the creek. They rode, ran and ‘accidentally’ fell in the creek to their heart’s content, while still maintaining a competitive edge. Their energy and enthusiasm for the event, many partnered by a parent or two, was infectious and there were smiles and high-fives all round at the finish line…. especially as they negotiated the final ‘challenge’, leap-ing, rolling or falling over a stack of hay bales, proudly donated by Lazy Flats Hay.

Congratulations must go to the driving force behind the event, Peter Lister, and his dedicated team including the organizing committee and the many volunteers who put up their hand every year to assist in any small way they can. As Peter said on many occasions over the weekend, without the volunteers, the event would not be nearly as successful as it is. You would have to go a long way to find an event that generates as much goodwill and team spirit as Zach Mach!!! Roll on 2022!

To find out more about Zach Mach or to check out the photos already posted, search for their Facebook page and enjoy Marty Strecker’s photos as they captured the spirit of the event.
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Contributed by Wendy Sievers (Event staff member)

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