Southland Harriers eNewsletter

From the Chair

I hope that everyone had a good break over Kings Birthday weekend. Perhaps a quality training run or two with friends before we head into a very busy Championship season, both locally and nationally.

As a community we are still buzzing from our big event at Oreti Sands, and are grateful for all the positive feedback we have received.

Below is a fantastic Southland Tribune Article about the efforts put in by volunteers on the ground at SISS Cross-Country Festival, and other events across the running calendar. It is a timely reminder that many hands make for memorable events across the season.

LINK: In Praise of the People Who Make Sports Events Happen

Entries are really starting to roll in for our 3rd annual 5km Championships at Kart Sport next weekend. This event is open to all runners, not just club runners and with the long term forecast looking favorable, this is a great chance for anyone chasing a 5km PB to come out a race some of Southlands quickest, on a notoriously fast course. If you keen on a laugh have a read of Ian's sporting Facebook post below about Kartsport entries. Also a reminder to pay online if you can, this will speed the check in process up. Bank account details are on the webscorer registration page (link below with Kart Sport info ). If paying on the day please bring cash and correct change.

LINK: Kartsport Challenge Entries-The Race To The Start Lne

On the 12th of June, our Junior Runners head to Waimumu for the Southland Primary Schools Cross-Country Championships. If any of our young ones are keen on writing us a race report, we sure would appreciate the effort. Some idea's for content could be, the course, the weather, support of their school, race strategy. You don't need to be in the top 10, 20 or even 30 to write us a report, we love hearing from all our runners!! Photos are great too (thanks Mom and Dad).

A strong contingent of Southland Runners (buoyed by their success's at Oreti Sands last weekend) will head to Wellington on the 20th of June for the 52nd Secondary Schools Cross-Country Champs. As above, all of us at home would love some race reports and photos from anyone travelling north.

Our own Southland Cross-Country Championships will be held again in Te Anau on the 4th of July, and there is plenty of opportunity for competition before then. Millers Farm and our Classic 3 in 1 day are both happening in June. Two of our favorite non-champ events, and not just because of the amazing after event spreads!! Don't forget to get your registrations in, it is appreciated by our organizing committee and most of all our handicapper.

3rd Annual Kartsport Challenge (5km Champs)

We will be hosting this event at Kartsport Southland located on Pitt Road at Sandy Point. U10 and U12 runners will run 2km, all other grades will complete 5km and will run together. This venue is a fantastic spectators venue, and our vision is not only to have a safe, fast, road event but also to create an awesome club atmosphere.

The hot coffee and doughnuts at the finish line are also a highlight.

Registration Link: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=425023

REGISTER EARY……DONT BE DISSAPOINTED, REGISTRATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 3rd JUNE. NO ENTRIES AFTER THIS DATE!!!!

Event starts at 2pm sharp, please arrive early to sign in, warm up and hear race briefing.

This event is open to all runners and walkers, you do not need to be a club member to take part. We welcome and love the company of non-club runners!!

However, the event will encompass the Southland 5km Champs. To be eligible for club trophies and age grade certificates for the 5km event you will need to be registered to a Southland Athletics Club as a competitive member, wearing a club singlet/t-shirt and be running 5kms.

Juniors will receive a certificate for participation (no placings).

For this event you may use a support person to count laps. The run will consist of 8 laps around the Kartsport Track for the 5kms event, Under 10's and 12's will run 3 laps for 2kms. This event is known for PB's!!!

CATEGORIES: Masters is your age on the day. Everyone else is your age as of December 31st 2026. 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.

Cost: $10 Seniors/Masters and $5 for Juniors. Please see webscorer registration for bank account details, or bring cash on the day.

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

Shoe Clinic Series- Race 3 Millers Farm

The Miller Family has been hosting us at their Te Tipua farm for years, fondly known by those who know as the Miller Killer, this event is one of our season favourites. After the event ensure you leave time in your schedule to stay and enjoy an afternoon tea with the Miller Family in their wool shed. The hot soup and cake will make all the hills worth it.

Spot Prizes will be given out at the Shoe Clinic Race Series Events. Races 1-5 on the calendar.

Distances: This varies every year depending on the course. Seniors and Masters 6-7kms, Juniors 2-3kms. The course is set by Mr. Miller and we will update info when we know more.

Registration Link: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=425020

The costs to enter these events is:
• All runners and walkers registered to a NZ Athletics Club-Free
• All other runners and walkers $5 per race, or $25 for all 5 races
• To be in with a chance of winning a bonus spot prize make sure you attend the last event and prizegiving on September 18th.