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Macdonald retains his mountain crown

TOOWOOMBA'S Matt Macdonald continues to rule the mountain after capping a gruelling week with victory in Sunday's Podiatry Point King Of The Range.

TOOWOOMBA'S Matt Macdonald continues to rule the mountain after capping a gruelling week with victory in Sunday's Podiatry Point King Of The Range.

Macdonald made it successive wins on the new 10km King And Queen Of The Range course from Murphys Creek to Cabarlah with a 29-second victory over Will Barton and Daniel Crawford who was almost three minutes behind in third place.

Meg Reeves is the 2019 Queen Of The Range after conquering the tough course in 50:15.7 minutes.

Reeves finished 38 seconds ahead of Alex Young with Selina Ward 41 seconds further back in third.

2019 Queen Of The Range winner Meg Reeves nears the Cabarlah finish line. Picture: Bev Lacey
2019 Queen Of The Range winner Meg Reeves nears the Cabarlah finish line. Picture: Bev Lacey

Macdonald's run of 44.20.0 minutes shaved 22 seconds off his winning time of last year when the event moved to Murphys Creek for the first time.

The win followed his success in the previous Sunday's Milne Bay Military Challenge and victory in Saturday's Queensland Cross-Country Short-course Masters Championship.

"I had three big races in eight days so I was pretty pleased with how it panned out," Macdonald said.

"I was also happy to win my short-course event representing Darling Downs Athletics Club which also had a full women's contingent competing.

"I felt a bit sorry for Will Barton in the Range run.

"He ran so well and the time he ran would have won the event last year.

"He got away and I had to chase him down so it was a good test for me.

"The conditions were absolutely beautiful and the course is unique.

"You get to see a bit of wildlife including wallabies along the way.

"We had a few people from places like Kilcoy and Ipswich running which was also good to see.

"I've got quite a bit on now with my studies and I'll have a little rest before running the 40 For Fortey next month."

Will Barton races home for second place in Sunday's King Of The Range run. Picture: Bev Lacey
Will Barton races home for second place in Sunday's King Of The Range run. Picture: Bev Lacey
Queen Of The Range runner-up Alex Young heads for home. Picture: Bev Lacey
Queen Of The Range runner-up Alex Young heads for home. Picture: Bev Lacey

AT THE FINISH LINE

King and Queen Of The Range

KING EVENT

Matt Macdonald 44:20

Will Barton 44:49

Daniel Crawford 47:42

QUEEN EVENT

Meg Reeves 50:24

Alex Young 51:02

Selina Ward 51:43

Originally published as Macdonald retains his mountain crown

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/macdonald-retains-his-mountain-crown/news-story/9e3be0971d7f5206f79519bba651d864