Southland Harriers eNewsletter

From The Southland Harriers Chair

Thank You to each and everyone of the 106 runners who showed up with their families and support crew on Saturday and made our Teretonga 10K event something very special. Whether you were out on the track to run with mates, or to leave them in your dust, the Southland Harriers were stoked to have so much company out on the track participating in a sport we all love.

At its heart the Teretonga 10K is a grass roots Harriers event. A start line, a finish line and a few kilometers in between. A good strong cup a tea, a piece of cake and some spot prizes. Quick results, and lots and lots of photos. That's what we do all winter long, and the Teretonga 10K this year was definitely the pinnacle event of our season.

The race may have began with a “false start” but once the runners were off, it was on and every face that came across the finish line looked like they had left it all out on the track. From what I heard there were quite a few PB's achieved. A highlight of the day was having the school teams participate, Thank You Drummond for showing up in force, rumour has it the challenge may go out to Winton Primary next year.

I watched from the sidelines this year, but when one of our young club runner Mums told me that her son was probably going to sleep with his medal, I knew the day was a success.

See you all next year for another day out on the track!!

Event Results: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=401466

Free Downloadable Photos: https://southlandsnaps.pixieset.com/

Race Report: Thank You Sagar Khemani Fiordland Club

First Across The Line Over 10KMS

The Teretonga 10K was back on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and what a day! Running on a motor racing circuit is always a bit special-nice and flat and a really fast surface. The weather was perfect too: sunny, mild temps, and just a bit of wind that faded as the day went on.

106 runners across three distances-2.5km, 5km, and 10km-with people doing 1,2, or 4 laps depending on their race. There were even school relay teams, which made the track super lively. Families and friends were out cheering everyone on, and after the races there was a sausage sizzle, coffee and cake. Big thanks to the organisers for putting on a fun day!

The 10km race also doubled as the Southland Road Championships for club runners. I got off to a fast start, but soon ended up in a front group with Craig Iversen and some of the young guns including Lewis Blay and Lucas Huia. We stuck together for a couple of laps and then Craig and I manged to break away. Craig did most of the pacing and kept the tempo honest-which helped me snag a PB. I managed to pull ahead in the last K, just edging clear while Craig crossed second after a gutsy effort that really shaped the race.

The shorter races were just as fun, with plenty of juior talent and runners of all ages giving it their al on the fast, flat course.

A huge shoutout to Southland Harriers for putting on a brilliant, family- friendly day. These events do not happen without all the volunteers who are the real heroes-thank you!! Well done to everyone who ran as well, whether competitive or just for fun-it was a top day all around.

Who will be the 2025 King and Queen of the Hill. One of our shortest but toughest events. From Stirling Point to Bluff Hill Lookout, and those who know, know it is no easy climb. Last year Lachie Watson took out King of the Hill in 14 minutes and 47 seconds. Queen of the Hill was Abby O'Boyle in 17 minutes 43 seconds. Will they be back to hold onto their crowns? Will someone new come in and take out top spot?

Like all of our handicap events there will be a staggered start, so everyone will have the experience of being chased or chasing another runner up the hill. Stirling Point Car Park can get busy so allow time to walk to the start line. Arrive early for check in and a 2pm sharp start time.

Join us afterwards for a drink and Hayz, downtown Bluff.

Registration Link: https://www.webscorer.com/members/myracedetails?raceid=384299

If you are registered for this event already and cant come could you please send us a quick email: southlandharriers@gmail.com, this is just to assist with our start list and handicap times for this event.