Welcome to year five of The Guzzler! Now is time for a bit of fun and to see who is racing. Is anyone flying under the radar? Be sure to let us know who your race predictions are as well.
Above: Alanna Dicks, 10km winner, 2022
THE DRY RUN 10KM
The Dry Run is back after a successful inaugural year, and returning with it is 2022 champ (and regular on the South East Queensland Trail Run Series podium) Alanna Dicks. Can she make it a back-to-back win? Second place finisher Renee Robb is also back for more. Will Renee move up to the top spot? Rikki Hopkins and Jodie Jurgs will be on the chase – both ladies finished just off the podium last year. Michaela McDonald is the dark horse in the field, with a recent 3rd place finish at The Glow Worm Tunnel half marathon, who might find herself up front.
The men’s podium is open season. None of last year’s winners are running. Who will it be this time? Be sure to dob in your mates who have their eye on the crown!
“The men’s [10km] podium is open season. None of last year’s winners are running.”
Meagan Brown
Above: Dani Taylor
THE BIG SIPPER 21KM
Dani Taylor – a regular runner at the front of the South East Queensland Trail Running Series – might have nabbed herself a late entry. If the rumours are true, she could very well take line honours. Donna Butler who finished 4th last year could also find herself moving up onto the podium. Go ladies!
An exciting entrant on the men’s list is professional triathlete Taylor Charlton. Taylor is a fan of the trails, getting out on his mountain bike. How will he go running them, and can he give the 2021 course record of 1:27:42, set by Ben Duffus a nudge? Only time will tell.
Above left: Katie Mackenzie, right: Meagan Brown
THE GLASS HALF FULL 50KM
The 50km looks like it will be the race of the day.
In the women’s field there is speedster Katie Mackenzie – a regular on the podium and always one to watch, Rebecca Goad – who has placed 4th here in the past, and Danielle Hollis – with previous success in the 100km and dipping her toe in the 50km event this time. I’m also running and look forward to spending time with all of the fierce females on the trails – make sure to say 'hi'!
Above: Ben Duffus. 50km and 21km men's course record holder
Ben Duffus – who just won BTU30 – is going to be leading the men’s charge. A very speedy Andrew Dey will also be there and looks to be in great form, winning this year’s Noosa Ultra Trail 50km, and running a 71minute half marathon for 2nd place at the Brisbane Marathon Festival. Luke Davison, a previous Blackall 50km champ and regular at the pointy end will be also be pushing the pace. As will be Nicholas Tutticci, who has taken the win here in 2020 and a 2nd place finish in 2021.
“The 50km looks like it will be the race of the day”
Meagan Brown
Other speedy men to watch are David Vroom, Dale Cameron and dark horse Dean Cane. Dean is a professional triathlete and was the Australian under 18’s triathlon champ. Will the field push each other for a new course record? Ben also holds this record from 2019 in 4:09:36. It will be an exciting race to watch unfold!
Above left: Jill Ellis, right: Amber Wood
THE GUZZLER ULTRA 100KM
After a strong run for 2nd at the Buffalo Stampede 100km earlier this year, Jill Ellis is the one to beat in the The Guzzler Ultra. Jill had a cracking run down south and will be primed for the tough 100km course. Local Amber Wood knows what it takes to tackle The Guzzler, with a previous 5th place in the 50km and a top 10 in the 100km. Earlier this year, Amber finished third place at Brisbane Trail Marathon too – go Amber!
In the men’s race, Shaun Pettit looks like he will be out front. Shaun set the course record here in 2021, then had a tough 2022. Earlier this year Shaun was back in the top spot at the Noosa Ultra 80km and will likely be targeting the top spot at The Guzzler again. Also look out for Iain Best – who had a top 10 finish in UTA50, 2nd in the Alpine 100 and won BTU60 last year, and Tim Locker – a past winner of the GNW Miler and 100km, and an impressive 8th at Tarawera 100. Shout out to regular men's 100km front-runners on the chase; five-time entrants, John Walsh and Rowan Cassidy too.
“The best thing about racing – anything can happen on the day”
Meagan Brown
The best thing about racing – anything can happen on the day. Now there’s nothing to it, but to do it! Good luck and enjoy everyone.
Above: Shaun Pettit, men's 100km course record holder, chased by Noelis Rheault and Travis Haslam at The Guzzler Ultra, 2022