Michael Scholer prepares for ultra marathon after award-winning year in Mackay road runner season

Despite running a half ironman, full ironman and ultra marathon in the past year, Michael Scholer is ready to race in the ultimate event of the Mackay season.

Despite starting as a way to keep fit after an amateur football career, Michael Scholer has launched out of the blocks in the region’s running scene.

The Mackay road runner will take to the picturesque trails in Eungella for his second Blackhall 100km event.

Scholer, who has completed a half and a full ironman in 2021, said his packed season schedule would hold him in good stead for Saturday’s race.

“Training has been pretty consistent all year, the number of events throughout the year means I’ve kept pretty fit,” he said.

2021 Handicap Points Champion, Joe Grech (left) with Michael Scholer (2nd) and Carmel Mahon (3rd) at the Mackay Road Runners awards ceremony. Picture: Contributed

“I am a little sore, this will be the pinnacle event of the year for me, so I can have a six-week break before getting back into training for an Ironman next year.”

The gruelling event can take about 16 hours to complete, with the course to incline more than 3500 metres throughout the run.

Scholer said he had learned from his 2020 run and would use his knowledge to his advantage.

Alex Couldrey (2nd left) and Demi Caldwell (2nd right) congratulated by John Claydon (left) and Sharon Stewart-Harris (right) with taking out the Forsyth's Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 10km Club Championship perpetual Trophy at the Mackay Road Runners awards ceremony. Picture: Contributed

“Last year I think I went a bit strong at the start, and you’re out there for anywhere between 12 and 16 hours,” he said.

“I learned a few things, especially around pacing myself a little bit better, managing the hills a little bit more efficiently, as well as maintaining nutrition and hydration.

“I don’t do it for the race, it’s a matter of getting it done, once you get to a certain pain threshold it doesn’t get worse but you’ve got to be able to maintain it and withstand that level for the length of the race.”

At the Mackay Road Runners Club 45th birthday and presentation night, the ultra athlete won multiple awards, including finishing second in the handicap championship and claiming a monthly runner award.

Other award winners for the club included

Open Male and Female Club Champions: Rodney Elworthy and Demi Caldwell

Junior Male and female Club Champions: Luke Leven and Lily Leven

Col & Rhonda Meng Club person of the Year: Jim Ford

Laura Pettifer Junior Male and Female Eungella King of the Mountain: Damien Rutland and Lily Leven.

Overall Handicap Points Champion: Joe Grech

Inaugural Male and Female Trail Series Champions: Matthew Graves and Glynis Forse

Monthly Medals: Michael Scholer, Joe Grech, Robin Stinson, Jose short, Camel Mahon and Glynis Forse.

Forsyth’s Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 10km Club Championship: Alex Couldrey and Demi Caldwell

Open M-Test Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain: Cristian Smith and Ainslie Heinke.

Podiatry Mackay Junior Role Model of the Year: Alex Couldrey

Benita Willis Handicap 10km Trophy: Brenda Windsor

Most Improved: Glynis Forse

Encouragement Award: Werner van der Linde

Most Supportive: Jaylene Harrison

Most Committed runner: Carmel Mahon