Southland Harriers eNewsletter

From The Chair

This weeks race report comes courtesy of Linda Te Au. Linda is our most recent chairperson and wore many hats during her time on the committee, including organising the Festival of Running for many years. She is a dedicated member of the Southland Harriers, and even though she has hung up her gloves when it comes to the committee, she is always happy to help out at an event. Her dedication was noted on Saturday as she was the recipient of the Ian Baird memorial trophy for service to the sport

More importantly she is a stoic and committed runner. Last year she travelled to New Plymouth for the 5 in 1 event, covering a marathon distance over 2 and a bit days, while wearing a cast on her arm!!

69th Gore Cross-Country

37 Runners participated

9 volunteers assisted in the running of the event

The sun was shining, the ground was firm (in most places), the hay bales were in place and the sausage rolls were warming in the oven. The 69th Gore Cross Country event took place on Saturday with a smaller than usual turnout but enthusiastic group of runners who lined up for their handicap start. Special mention to Tim and Josefine who both did PB's at parkrun in the morning and then another creditable run in the afternoon.

The juniors ran first and it was heartwarming to see them all at the haybale to cheer the seniors on. Or were they hoping for a good laugh as one of us fell at the first hurdle? The great thing about harrier running is the cameraderie and encouragement you get from runners as you pass them or in my case they pass me. Then there's the pre race banter about injuries or illness that might slow you down. Somehow that's all forgotten when the starter says GO. Many runners were heard to say "I'm going to take it easy today", but we all know that only lasts until someone catches up to us and we seem to find another gear so they don't get ahead of us.

Thank you to Gore club for setting up the course and providing the afternoon tea. Thanks also to the handicappers who do their best to get it right. Do we remember to thank them for their time and effort? I certainly hope so. Congratulations to everyone who took part, it was good preparation for Southland Cross Country champs at Waimumu in a few weeks. Graham Hall will have another challenging course organised for us (without hay bales I hope).

Full results coming soon!!

G Jones Trophy, first female under 20: Kimberley Iversen

Bolger Cup Fastest Time: Craig Iversen

Walker Cup, 1st Gore Club Runner, and Stewart McKercher Trophy, first over 50yrs finisher: Stephen Gemmill

Clutterbuck Trophy, for first home: Jason Russell

Murray Jones Casket Trophy: Club with first Male and Female home: Craig and Kimberley Iversen.

Southland Harriers Cross Country Championship

Date: July 13th, 2024

Time: 2pm start. Juniors run first then seniors and masters.

Location: 575 Waimumu Road, (Southland Field Days Location)

Registration: Please register early, as this is a championship event we need time to ensure club registrations, and birthdates.

Registration Link: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=348180

CATEGORIES: Masters is your age on the day. Everyone else is your age as of December 31st. Example Alex turns 14 on October 25th, because he will be 14 before the end of the year he will be in the under 16 category. Any questions send us an email.

Under 10-2kms, Under 12-3kms, Under 14-3kms, Under 16-3kms, Under 18-6kms, Senior-9kms, Masters Female-6kms, Master Male-9kms, Master 60+-6kms

Cost: $10 per seniors and $5 juniors.

Bank Account Number: Southland Harriers 03-1750-0096798-000 (please use your first intial and last name as a reference)

Any questions or queries please contact us at southlandharriers@gmail.com.