Southland Harriers eNewsletter

Race 5- Shoe Clinic Series Salford

25 Runners and 9 Volunteers Participated and……

heaps and heaps of support crew were there to cheer us all on!!

Its one of those you have to be there moments, the last event of our Shoe Clinic Series. The weather was on our side, well the wet weather any way, the wind was still a bit spice down the back stretch.

A classic Southland Harriers event. Fantastic course, a small crew of keen runners, some fantastic handicapping, and a mean afternoon tea. Thank you as always to everyone who played a part in the last handicap event of the season, runners, volunteers and support crew.

This last event comes with a twist of some fantastic dress-up for those who are keen, and I thank everyone who joined in. The dress up is a bit of fun for those of us who worked really hard this season, putting all the events together for runners. Its a chance for us to let our hair down and have some fun. Unfortunately our photographer extraordinaire decided a holiday in America was a far better way to spend her weekend. Young Ella Densie took some photos which you can check out on our Facebook page (link at the bottom of the newsletter).

The handicapping also came with a twist, not only was it a staggered start but our outstanding handicapper, sent the runners out on 1-2-3 or 4 laps to spice things up even more. Seeing all the runners on that last stretch staggered out along the flood bank track of the Waihopai was pretty cool, and as always the game of chase or be chased was on.

Salford School let us use their Hall for our final afternoon tea and prize giving of the season, and a afternoon tea it was. Harriers sure know how to put on a spread!! As chair it was a chance to thank all of the amazing volunteers, runners and supporters of the season.

An outstanding committee of volunteers, Grant, Ian , Joe , Vanessa , Jason and Bruce. Our amazing timers, Henry and Lillian, and our regular crew of on the day helpers.

For the last 4 years as Chair, I have given a shout out to a few of our crew, who throughout the season have stood out for all sorts of different reasons. This year the Chair chocolate's went out to Archie Davies, an awesome wee dude who has just vibed with me since our first event of the season, a great little runner who brings his spark to every event. Mark Boniface, who I have ran alongside for years at Park Run, who joined Southland Harriers this year, has supported almost every event, lends a hand to clean up and who has been a great addition to the Harrier family this season. And finally the Sanginit family, who are everywhere, on the committee, out on the course, on the finish line supporting, and most importantly always good for a laugh.

Shoe Clinic Spot Prize Winners: $25- Debbie Telfer and Bradley Hitchens, $50- Archie Davies and Charlotte McVicar.

Good-luck to everyone particpating in St. Pauls Off-Road next week, and we will see you all next year, have a great summers season!!