The Rules of Running - Mackay based Middle Distance Running Squad

Congratulations Mikaela and Zaiden

Good looking PB wall this week. Well done guys.

Congratulations Ayla and Ivy.

This championship has been an emotional one for me as a coach (yes I had tears after the last race today). I can’t quite put into words how proud I am of all our athletes (face-to-face or remote, junior, intermediate and senior squads).

That pride goes well beyond this week. Over the past 10 months, they have shown resilience, adaptability and a willingness to keep going when plans had to change. I wasn’t able to be there in person for five months, and yet they continued to show up, support each other and grow. Seeing what they have achieved this year has been nothing short of incredible.

We had plans for 2026. Some had to be changed, and others had to be put aside altogether. But look at what this group has done. Every athlete has a part in that story, whether their result came with a medal, a PB, a lesson learned or simply the courage to get to the start line.

For some, the season finishes here and it’s time for a well-earned rest. For others, we still have three competitions to go.

Wherever you are in your season, please know how proud I am of you.

Thank you to our families, coaches and the whole Rules of Running village for helping our athletes through this year.

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Photo credit (1st photo) Nyssen

Introducing your 400m State Champion and record holder, Ayla Moon!

A huge congratulations, Ayla! After your 800m win, you’ve added the 400m State title and record to an extraordinary championship. Your Rules of Running squad is so proud of you.

A heartfelt thank you to Gavin Heward and Josiah McCarthy for the expertise, care and time they bring to Ayla’s development. What a moment to share with her village!

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Congratulations, Alex!

Alex ran a PB to place 2nd in the 1500m final at the QRSS 13-19 Years State Track and Field Championships, then backed up just hours later to finish 7th in the 400m final.

Two finals in one day across very different distances is a huge effort. We’re so proud of you, Alex!

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Well done, Sonny!

Sonny placed 10th in the 1500m in his first State final at the QRSS 13-19 Years State Track and Field Championships. It was a hard race, and I’m so proud of the way you saw it through.

A big thank you to Gavin Heward for the support and strength work he brings to Sonny’s training.

Your first State final is an experience to build on, Sonny. We’re proud of you!

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Nataliyah | QRSS 13-19 Years State Track and Field Championships

Unfortunately, Nataliyah was disqualified in the 3000m walk. It’s a tough way for a State Championship event to end, and we know this isn’t the result you hoped for.

We’re proud of you for making it to States and taking on the challenge, Nataliyah. We’re right behind you.

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Keira, back-to-back State 1500m Champion!

What an achievement to return to the QRSS 13-19 Years State Track and Field Championships and win the 1500m title for a second year running.

Congratulations, Keira!
Keira also placed 4th in the long jump and took on the 200m, showing her range across track and field.

Your performances and the way you keep showing up are inspiring so many.

We’re incredibly proud of you. Coach is proud.

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG

Day 3 | QRSS 13-19 Years State Track and Field Championships
What a day for Autumn. Actually what a championship for Autumn!

Autumn ran a huge PB in the 800m final to take the silver medal, then placed 4th in the 200m final. Two very different races and two outstanding results, especially in her final year of QRSS competition.

We’re so proud of you, Autumn.

A big thank you to Cheryl Dixon for the skill and care she brings to Autumn’s sprinting and development as an athlete.

TRAIN | DEVELOP | BELONG