HomeSportBlokart Marathon at Woodgate a success

Blokart Marathon at Woodgate a success

Blokart Marathon Woodgate
A trio of experienced blokart racers in the performance category race tightly as they head for the turning point to complete a lap in Saturday’s Marathon at Woodgate Beach.

The success of the inaugural SEQ Blokart Club Marathon at Woodgate Beach has prompted thoughts of making the race an annual event.

Organiser Mick Ralph said 32 competitors lined up for the race which involved laps around a 4km course at the southern end of Woodgate Beach over two-and-a-half-hours.

“The racers just loved it,” Mick said. “The beach is perfect, and we had a really strong breeze which assisted the racers to get up to around 75kmh in their blokarts.

“We have had a few minor events here in the past, but this location really does lend itself perfectly to our sport.”

Competitors arrived for practice on Friday, raced Saturday afternoon and held a casual morning on Sunday where interested persons were invited to try “land sailing“.

Mick said the competitors had travelled from across Queensland for the event and had stayed at the local caravan park.

“I’m certain it has been a worthwhile injection of funds into the local economy,” he said.

“We were happy to support the Woodgate SES which came on board to provided catering during the event.”

Blokart Marathon Woodgate
Blokart Marathon organiser Mick Ralph watches a competitor navigate around a flag to complete a lap during Saturday’s race at Woodgate Beach.

Chamber president thrilled with event

Childers Chamber of Commerce president Teena Mammino said the Blokart Marathon was an event that made excellent use of a local asset.

“As locals, we are fully aware of the potential for Woodgate Beach. For years it’s been touted as the region’s best kept secret,” she said.

“There certainly is scope to grow events that utilise the broad expanse of beach which becomes available at low tide. Perhaps beach athletics championships or endurance runs could be options.

“The SEQ Blokart Club needs to be congratulated on the success of this event and encouraged to add it to a calendar of events for Blokarters as well as an event for our region.”

Mick Ralph said blokart racing was a worldwide sport and championships were scheduled for New Zealand next year.

“It’s not an overly expensive sport to get involved in with an entry-level Blokart costing upwards of $2500,” he said.

“We really enjoyed the experience at Woodgate Beach. Everyone was super friendly, and we had an excellent crowd watching the races.

“Hopefully we will be back for another marathon.”

Mick said that visiting blokart Facebook pages was the best avenue for anyone interested in learning about the sport or joining a club.

“We have quite a few members in Bundaberg so interest in the sport is certainly growing in the regional areas,” he said.

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