Southland Harriers eNewsletter

71st Gore Country-Country

64 Runners, 12 Volunteers Participated

A massive shout out to Gore Harrier Club for hosting the Southland Harrier runners, volunteers and supporters this past Saturday for the 71st Gore Cross-Country at Hamilton Park. A true cross-country event if there ever was one. Even the weather decided to show up and make a little bit more glorious mud for us.

The heating upgrades to the hall were definitely appreciated, and the afternoon tea, and spot prizes as always were a highlight of the afternoon.

Graham Hall and his team created an outstanding course through the park, complete with everyone's favourite hay bales, rope jumps, puddles, and muddy twist and turns. Something to test even the most agile of runners.

The hail and rain decided to show up between the “sunny breaks” just as the youngest of our runners were ready to head out. Twenty-one under twelve boys and girls completed a lap of the 2km course. A quick decision was made to keep them dry until their “go” time, and maybe for the first time in history we had our wee runners lined up inside the hall, an extra 7 meters added to the course as they had to race from the hall to the start line.

Next up was the Under 16's, an elite start line if I ever did see one. This seasoned bunch of runners completed the 4km course in under 20 minutes (minus there handicaps of course), with some phenomenal athleticism on display, and hopefully a good shake out before next weekend's Cross-Country Champs in Christchurch.

Finally, it was the Under 18's, Under 20's, Seniors and Masters turn to run. With plenty of handicap banter going down on the start line on the South side of Hamilton Park. An extra 1.4kms added to the course for a 5.4km blow out. Now for those not in the know, this event is a trophy event, which always makes for a bit of extra banter, but the golden rule is always, always, DONT MESS WITH THE HANDICAPPER.

Handicapping is a tough and thankless job, and we thank Pat Houlihan for taking the time to create this year's starting lineup.

First across the line was Ian Densie. Ian has been running really well this year, if you ask him, it's the track sprints that are the secret to his success. Fastest time was Hunter Gough, who was only seconds (again) ahead of Dwight Grieve. When Dwight, Hunter and Kelvin Meade raced by me in the last 500 meters it was honestly a little bit scary. These 3 runners were on a mission, and I think catching Ian was that mission!!

First female across the line was Ava Simeon, with Marie Fox taking home the female trophy for this event (registered runner over 18). It has been a Fox family tradition this year for Marie and Harry to cross the finish line together, but it turns out when there is a trophy up for grabs Marie has a competitive side.

An apology from the results team, as there was a mix up Saturday with the female results. The final results to not take anything away from Ava who was fist across the line, and being new to the sport, had a fantastic run!!

First team was St Pauls (Brad Hitchens and Marie Fox). First Gore runner, the mighty Bryce McVicar and John Wallace was the first over 50 runner.

The recipients of the JH Baird Memorial Trophy which is awarded to volunteers in the sport this year was Fiona and Stephen Gemmill. A well-deserved recognition. Thank you, Stephen and Fiona, for everything you do, volunteers are the backbone of our sport, and we couldn't do what we do without you.

Another big shout out to Graham Hall. It was Graham's last year running/organizing the event and we wait with bait breath to see who will take up the mantle. The Gore Cross-Country is a special event on the winter calendar and we really hope we will get invited back for another year, next year.

Results Link: 71st Gore Cross Country | Race results | Webscorer