Southland Harriers eNewsletter

Race 1 Shoe Clinic Series

No Watch Run at Sandy Point

55 runners participated in our event on Saturday

8 volunteers assisted during the set up and running of this event

Ian Densie did predict the break in the weather on Saturday with a little help from his weather app, and wow how lucky were we!

The sky took a break long enough for 55 runners and walkers to take part in our No Watch Run. Closest Senior to their predicted time (18.30) was Bobby Douglas running a 18.24, just six seconds off. Six seconds was the closest prediction for the Juniors as well with two runners getting their predictions almost spot on! Congratulations to Dela Gentle and Paxton Gilmore who collected Shoe Clinic prizes.

RACE REPORT: Last years winner Cassie Horton (2secs off her time) has written us a race report, thanks Cassie.

The downpour earlier in the day didn't exactly help as motivation for attending this race however, Harriers is a winter sport and therefore dressing appropriately is important plus it was the first of seven in the series and I had already committed to registering to the series!

I travelled to the meeting point, making special note to leave my watch at home. It was pleasing to see a diverse group of runners and walkers already congregated around the sign in table and warming up on arrival.

After a light warm up and briefing we all made the walk to the start, with some needing to drop jackets somewhere last minute as the showers had cleared by then.

Final words by organizers and we had a mass start, some of us reaching to start our watches that weren't there and reminded that wouldn't be happening today for obvious reasons so away we started.

I had all intentions of not going all out at the start to meet my target time and keep at threshold pace for the two laps, though my results showed I was faster and I think that was because of the people around me that naturally got me pushing myself faster even though that wasn't intended.

Terrain was flat on petries and undulating on rover to keep it interesting, with enough space to pass people if needed so people could feel comfortable running in their own time without feeling crowded.

Overall an enjoyable experience to start off the series. People were so supportive and positive, making all feel welcome. Well done to those to se to got close to their times. Look forward to seeing people at the next event. "

Southern Lakes Half Marathon and 10km

A popular run, due to its alleged down hill grade, where PB's are “almost” guaranteed, a number of Southland Harriers took part in this event on Saturday. Committee member Jason Russel, took out his personal best time by eight minutes and had this race report "Perfect race conditions, about 3 degrees at the start, no wind, so very fast course. Very scenic course snow capped mountains running into Wanaka just magic.'

Laykn Ah Kuoi was spotted in the event video wearing her St. Pauls singlet and completed the 10km event with her Dad (who may or may not be wearing pink socks). We love runners who wear there singlets at events!!

Congrats to all club runners who took part. Some results below. Extra shout out to Kimberley who was misdirected during the race but still completed the half in a fantastic time.

ANDERSONS PARK CROSS-COUNTRY RELAY

10th May 2024

Free Event (start/finish by duckpond)

Check In/Register at 1:30pm

Briefing at 1:45pm

Start at 2pm

This is a team event with teams doing laps of a 1.25km course, 6.25kms in total.

Teams can be made up of 2-5 runners. Teams can be made by clubs, schools, families, friends before the start or we can help make teams on the day. This is a really fun event, and a create introduction into what Southland Harriers is all about. It is open to all runners and walkers you do not need to be a Southland Harrier.

Runners complete a lap or 2 or 3 then change in change over are till team completes 5 laps. Walkers laps will count for two laps.

Event registration link: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=384287