Road Runners go to war
Ousted president opens fire on ‘narrow minded fickle elders’
AN internal brawl has erupted among the Townsville Road Runners club, with its president “blindsided” by a shock vote that saw him ousted from the top job.
The controversy played out publicly on the club’s Facebook page, which saw dozens of members weigh in to the debacle.
Tony Gordon, who has served as president since 2014, was sensationally voted out at Saturday’s annual general meeting in favour of Colleen Newnham.
Later that night Mr Gordon left a parting – and scathing – message on the club’s official Facebook Page to announce the change in leadership.
“Let’s be real, if I had known there was dissension in the ranks that deep, I would have doped the early season registrations and asked the general punters in my corner to attend,” Mr Gordon’s post read.
“I’ll be humble and wear it, no use stewing. But like I said to the room, I had plans and direction that the narrow minded-fickle elders of the club couldn’t stomach.
“Congratulations, you have your club/ festival back.”
Incoming g president Ms Newnham also later posted on the club’s s Facebook page, thanking Mr Gordon for his service to the organisation.
“He has enthusiastically promoted the club, often with a humorous flair. He has been an incredible driving force, encouraging hundreds of runners to push themselves harder and fu further while at the same time accomplishing many running accolades of his own,” her post, which has also since been deleted, read.
“Putting his heart and soul into the club was never in question. Today’s vote was conducted democratically and constitutionally. Proxy votes at an AGM are a standard and common procedure.
“Although people may be disappointed by the final result, everyone had an equal opportunity to become financial and attend the meeting or to submit a proxy vote. Everyone.” Ms Newnham declined to make an official comment when contacted by the Townsville Bulletin.
Mr Gordon’s wife Rebecca commented on the post, writing how much work her husband had put into his previous role.
“I speak today with no anger, with no judgment. Yes, I’m disappointed with the turn of events today and I feel my words need to be said … my husband has dedicated his life to this group,” Mrs Gordon wrote.
“He has not only been your leader but also your friend. Whenever anyone has needed help he is the first person to raise his hand and offers his time. Thanks for supporting Tony Gordon all these years. I hope you still can for the future.”
It is understood Mr Gordon will challenge the result.
The organisation has been involved in a number of running festivals and fundraisers including the 2019 Mcdonalds Townsville Running Festival.