It’s not just the ocean views, the electric atmosphere or the PBs waiting to be broken, it’s the people who make the BMA Mackay Marina Run unforgettable.
From Olympic heroes who are now Ambassadors to our record holders and local legends who have helped shape our event into what it is today – we salute you our MMR Legends!
In 2026, an incredible line-up of talent is set to take to the course, bringing with them incredible stories of grit, resilience and world-class performance.
Whether you’re chasing a PB, soaking up the tropical atmosphere or ticking off your first race, this is your chance to run alongside some of Australia’s best.
Benita Willis | Olympian and Westfund Event Ambassador
Born and raised in Mackay, Benita Willis is regarded as Australia’s greatest female distance runner. A three-time national champion in the 5,000 meters, when she won the World Cross Country Championships in 2004, becoming the only Australian to do so.
Benita has represented Australia at four Olympics, held numerous championship records and was inducted into the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame in 2018.
Today, she coaches channels her passion into coaching and developing the next generation of runners. As a proud ambassador of Mackay Marina Run, she returns in 2026 sharing race day with her young family and the community that first set her on her path to success.
Genevieve Gregson | Olympian and Westfund Event Ambassador
Genevieve Gregson is Australia’s finest steeplechaser and a four-time Olympian. In the 3000m steeplechase, she’s broken the national record multiple times to deliver the nation’s highest-ever finishes at the World Championships.
After suffering a serious Achilles injury at the Tokyo Olympics, Genevieve made an inspiring return two years later, transitioning to road racing and marathons.
Her marathon debut on the Gold Coast was nothing short of remarkable, clocking 2:28:33 to record one of the fastest debut times by an Australian woman. Later that year, she ran 2:23:08 to become the third fastest Australian of all time.
Ryan Gregson | Olympian and Westfund Event Ambassador
Ryan Gregson is a two-time Olympian and former Australian record holder who made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the first Australian male in 40 years to reach the Olympic 1500m final.
After a track career that included 32 sub-four-minute miles, he transitioned to road racing to come second at both the 2023 & 2024 Melbourne Marathons with a PB of 2:13:31.
Off the track, he’s a dedicated coach, co-founder of Gregson Running and a proud dad, balancing elite performance with family alongside his wife Genevieve.
Liam Boudin | Elite Runner & Current 21.1km Record Holder
One of Australia’s most exciting rising stars, Liam Boudin, returns to Mackay as the reigning 21.1km course record holder, with a blistering 1:04:42 in 2024.
His results don’t stop there, with an impressive marathon debut of 2:13:56 on the Gold Coast, followed by a 2:13:35 in Kobe. Also in 2024, Liam won the Australian half-marathon title in 1:02:32, won his second Bridge to Brisbane 10km race in 28:52 and delivered a standout track finish at Zatopek with a PB of 28:49.49.
Now selected to represent Australia in the marathon at the Tokyo World Championship, he returns to Mackay in 2026. The question is, will he break his own race record and take the win plus the sweet cash bonus?
Tim Vincent – Elite Runner
Brisbane-based runner Tim Vincent returns for his fourth BMA Mackay Marina Run, lining up for the 10km and the 5km events.
After a career in long-distance track, cross country and half-marathons, he made his marathon debut in 2023. In 2024, he ran a remarkable 2:09:40 at the Frankfurt Marathon, launching himself to #9 on Australia’s all-time marathon rankings and one of only 10 Australians to break the 2:10 barrier. Tim’s success extends to half marathons with a PB of 1:01:17 in Ghent in 2026.
In May 2025, he was selected in his seventh Australian team to compete in the marathon at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Damon Jaenke – MMR Legend
Damon made MMR history in 2023 as our first ever registered competitor in a wheelchair. Damon has been playing basketball at an elite level for over two decades and has competed all over Australia in the National Wheelchair Basketball League.
Since retiring from basketball, he has moved into the world of marathons and was the first ever participant to take our 21.1km half-marathon and demonstrate that our course is accessible.
Born with Spina bifida, Damon has used a wheelchair all his life and has three big passions – sports, fitness and mental health. We’re adding the BMA Mackay Marina Run to that list of passions!
Fred Farmer | MMR Legend
Fred Farmer is one of the founding figures behind the Mackay Marina Run and a long-time champion of the Mackay running community, lining up in one of the first Mackay Road Runners events back in 1976.
A dedicated marathon runner, Fred completed 17 marathons, recording an impressive PB of 2:35. His contribution to the sport was recognised in 2000 when he was honoured to carry the Olympic Torch through Mackay.
Today, Fred’s legacy lives on as thousands of runners take part in the BMA Mackay Marina Run each year, taking part in an event he helped establish and shape into one of Queensland’s most loved running events.
Frank Marchetti | MMR Legend
A passionate runner, Frank Marchetti was always the first person to reach the roundabout from our starting line. Frank’s fluro green racing shirt was infamously expected at the start of every BMA Mackay Marina Run Half Marathon. Frank’s sprint became the stuff of legend and to celebrate his life and legacy, we now award a trophy to the half marathon runner that makes it to that roundabout first!
Frank was a local legend not just at our race, but also around Mackay and broader running circles. He was a well-known scholar, teacher, diver, Reserve Army Officer and athlete. He loved running, his community and fundraising so think of him as you dash past our roundabout in June.