Southland Harriers eNewsletter

What a week for Cross-Country.

Primary Schools Waimumu, Secondary School Nationals in Whangarei, and the 70th Gore Harriers Cross-Country.

Congratulations to every runner who stood on the start line of these events and ran with heart and true Southland sportsmanship. Of course it was hard not to notice some fantastic results coming in from Southland registered runners at both the Primary School Champs and Secondary School Nationals.

Southland Harriers is very proud of all out place getters at Southland Primary Schools Cross -Country. CJ and Sean Iverson, Baxter and Poppy Tamariki, Lily Wiegersma, Mahi Ah Kuoi, and Freya Gilmour.

At Nationals, Sienna Mackley took out the Senior Girls title and is the National Champ, and the Senior Mixed-Relay Champs this year (Hunter Flowers, Millie McFadzien, James Webber and Sienna Mackley), is Southland.

70th Gore Cross Country

Thank you Gore for hosting Southland Runners and their families on Saturday. Gore Harrier club were honored to have Daphne Dixey attend and present trophies and certificates. Daphne's husband Doug was a life member of the Gore Harriers and passed away recently, his contribution to athletics was recognized and remembered on Saturday.

Thank you Bradley Hitchens for this weeks race report. This is Bradley's first year running as a Southland Harrier (St.Pauls) and we are really loving his grit and smiley face at our events this year.

"Yesterday we were greeted with a pristine day in Gore full of sunshine with little to no breeze. Hamilton park running track felt mostly dryish under foot and well marked out for the 70th Gore Harriers Cross-Country. The Juniors started off and did 1 lap, followed by the under 16's who ran two laps, both CJ Iverson and Logan Jordan ran fast. Jordan picked up under 16 age group 1st place crown by 2 seconds and CJ won the race.

The Seniors handicap run began immediately after the under 16's where we ran 5.6kms. Some of us got slightly easier handicaps than others. Ian from Fiordland Harriers club ran a great race starting out 1 minute in front of myself and Grant Baker, Grant Baker gutted it out but could not close the gap and finished approx. 35 seconds behind in second place.

The handicapping looked fairly spot on for the most pat and the race was over within 5 minutes of Ian crossing the finishing line. Josie Taube took out first female and ultimately gave St. Pauls the best first male and female placing. Bobby Douglas had the fastest time, Bryce McIvor the fastest Gore Harrier time, and Grant Baker the fastest over 50 time.

Gore Harriers also recognize contributions to the sport a their event. This year Lillian and Henry Tudor were the winners of this prestige's JH Baird Memorial Trophy.

All in all it was great, fun event with many attending from Invercargill, Winton and surrounding area. A big thank you to Gore Harriers for organizing such a great event, and amazing spread for afternoon tea and many spot prizes. "

If you are keen on photos headed to the Gore Harriers or Southland Harries Facebook pages, there are so many, and the haybale jumping photos are fantastic.

Gore: https://www.facebook.com/groups/170640026905863

Harriers:https://www.facebook.com/southlandharriers

2nd Annual KartSport Challenge and 5km Champs

June 28th,at 2pm

Pitt Road, Sandy Point Invercargill

To register: follow link or email southlandharriers@gmail.com https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=384292

The 5km champs were the grand idea of Kelvin Mead who served on the Southland Harriers committee for many years in different roles and was a strong, competitive runner, who represented Southland often at National competitions, excelling at the long-distance trail running events. He helped with organizing and set up at many of our events throughout the year, and is definitely missed as he left us for far sunnier pastures (Christchurch) this year.

The idea was an event were our senior and master runners could battle it out for the top prize of the fastest 5km male and female runner in Southland, and in doing so help prepare our runners for the competitive nature of National Events. We would love a great club turnout, so see you all there in your colours. If you have a club flag or marquee bring it along too. Our vision is to create a fun club supportive event.

The format has changed slightly this year. All runners registered to a Southland Club (competitive) competing the in 5km event will be eligible for the Champ trophy and age grades will be recognized with certificates. Under 10's and 12's will complete a 3 laps (2kms), but there will be no prize giving's in these categories (these age groups will be recognized at road champs later in the year).

Of course everyone is eligible for a doughnut at the finish line!!

Costs: Juniors $5, Seniors $10 Bank Account Number: Southland Harriers 03-1750-0096798-000 (please use your first initial and last name as a reference)

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