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Congratulations to all the Southland Harrier Competitors who took part in the New Zealand Cross-Country Nationals in Napier. We are proud of all the competitors and cant wait to have a look the those gold medals when Dwight and Debbie be get home. A real inspiration!!  |
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From the Chair This week I hand the column over to one of our gold medalist Dwight Grieve……….thank you Dwight. I hit a solid build up for the National Cross Country Champs with multiple 130km plus weeks. My bigger goal is Crater Rim Ultra in October which is a qualifier for the World Trail team, making this team is my big goal. The course at Mission Estate Winery In Napier was very much like Waimumu with a soft surface after some heavy rain before race day, even enough mud to make Gores Graham happy, but much smaller hills. There were very some very solid fields entered with many top masters in attendance. I had at least 4 others entered in my age group alone and I knew from the start I could take the outright race. A blow out one week out against my training buddy Sagar had me confident I could go well. My race had the Masters Men from 35 to 64 doing 8km, 4 x 2km laps. The start as normal was fast as you target a clear line into the corners. A small group of us cleared away at the front as we set into a rhythm, in the end two 37 year olds pulled ahead in a solid surge, but my base held me well as I stayed consistent throughout and others dropped off. The race leader extended into a solid lead and he held to the line, some 16 seconds ahead while I managed to fight my way to 3 seconds behind Otago's Oliver O'Sullivan. Very happy to take out the 45-49 age-group, a 49 second win. The National champs are so competitive and a true test, the nerves are so high. For us from Southland it is cool to match the big centers and have all of us wearing Southland tops. So proud to be flying the flag. I highly recommend people to have a go, the atmosphere at these events is just amazing, my first trip had me 18th or so and gave me the drive to get where I am now. Come join in the comraderie you get with runners Nation wide, from there you never know what might happen. It really is an amazing experience to be apart of a national champs. SOUTHLAND RESULTS Dwight Grieve: 45-49 8km- 1st in 28:21:30 Debbie Telefer: 56-69 6km- 1st in 30:30:00 Sienna Mackley:U18 5km- 2nd in 19:13:40 Abby Obyle: U16 4km-12th in 16:36:00 Kelvin Meade: 35-64 8km-9th in 31:16:30 Benny Britton: Senior 10km- 30th in 36:30:50 |
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And for those who didn't travel to Napier but choose to stay closer to home and compete at Te Anau's Half Marathon and 10km congratulations, rumour has it, there was some solid results in their age groups from the Southland Harriers at this event as well. A great local event. 10km Female: Gail Kirkman first in her age group, Tara Simpson 2nd, Jackie Blay 2nd, Lisa Simpson 4th, Andrea Malstrome 5th, and Saige Malstrome 6th. 10km Males: Lewis Blay, Gary Kirkman, placed first respectively in their age groups. Richard Ford 3rd and Mahe Breaksma 3rd. Half Marathon Female: Josephine Taube 2nd in her age group. If I missed anyone apologies, and please if anyone has photos send them through, below is Tara and Lewis off to a blazing start! |
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Committee Meeting- rescheduled to Tuesday the 6th of August, 7pm. St. Pauls Club room-All Welcome. More info about Tuatara Teretonga Ten K (Triple T) coming out later this week due to committee meeting postponement. Thanks for your patience. We have a very big month of running ahead of us!!! |
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Race 5-Shoe Clinic Series-Oreti Sands Date: 10th of August, 2024 Where: Old Oreti Sands Golf Course off Dunns Road. Time: 2pm start, please arrive early for sign in. Registration: only if you have not already registered for the series https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=347738 Seniors will run approximately 6.8kms Across the old course, through the trees and over the hill. This course has been designed by Ian and Grant, so you can guarantee there will be a little bit of something for everyone! Good news, we just found out that the club rooms have been fixed and our open, so no matter what the weather may be we will have shelter from the storm, or cross fingers the sun. PLEASE NOTE: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, most of our committee members are away this weekend (Nicole, Grant, Kelvin and Chris). Thankfully Ian knows what he is doing, and our extraordinary timer Lillian will be there, but please put your hand up if you can help. Either message us on Messenger, email us or talk to Ian on the day. The costs to enter these events is: |
HANDY LINKS Results: https://www.webscorer.com/southlandharriers |