In this week’s newsletter:

First Up
Masters Sensation Gibbs Sets Another Global Record
Agency 10,000m Results
Former Wellington Harrier Runs Boston Half Marathon
Scottish Night of Miles
Twilight Track Races
Upcoming Events

First Up

It was a special night at Newtown Park on Saturday as Sally Gibbs from Wanganui Harriers set a new 10,000m world record for W60s. Gibbs took nearly 20 seconds off the previous mark in running 37:38.98, with Scottish’s Paul Barwick providing expert pacing. Four years ago at the Agency event, Sally set the W55-59 world record with a time of 36:46. Gibbs only took up competitive running at age 45. 
It was also a great night for WHAC’s male vets, who won the M40s, M50s and M60s divisions. Paul Hewitson set a new Wellington M60s record with his speedy 35:49, taking more than 45 seconds off the previous mark held by Scottish’s Richard Brent. Dan Clendon was fast as ever, taking out the M40s in 33:16, while Graeme Morrison set a new PB to take first in the M50s in 36:20.
Graeme even backed up his run the next morning with a sub-39 minute effort in the Honest 10K. There was a great turnout of more than 50 runners at the Honest 10. Ayesha Shafi was first overall in the 5K, running 18:55, while Ross Porter was first man home in the 5K in 28:37. The 10K winner was Thomas Callan (34:52) with Madeleine Watson first woman home (40:28).
Good luck to Paul Hewitson, who next week travels to Taiwan to compete for New Zealand in the World 24 Hour Champs. The athletes run a 2km loop for 24 hours straight. New Zealand is sending five men and five women, and the top three from each count toward the team results, so Hewi’s first goal is to make the top three NZ men. It’s amazing that at age 60, Hewi was chosen as a SM to represent New Zealand. There should be a livestream of the event for those interested in watching. For more information, click here
For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com

Sally Gibbs at the Agency 10,000m with WHAC’s Mark Schomaker in the background.
Photo by Kristian Day
 

Masters Sensation Gibbs Sets Another Global Record

From Athletics New Zealand
 

Leading masters athlete Sally Gibbs added another chapter to her remarkable career by smashing the World Masters Athletics W60 10,000m record (subject to ratification) at the Agency Group 10,000m Festival at Newtown Park, Wellington last weekend.

The 60-year-old Whanganui-based athlete shattered the previous mark of Japan’s Mariko Yegeta by almost 20 seconds, covering the 25-lap distance in 37:38.98 to add the W60 world record to the W55 global mark she set coincidentally at the 2019 edition of the Agency Group 10,000m Festival.

Gibbs, who celebrated her 60^th birthday in June, has since set New Zealand W60 records for 3000m (11:00.85) and 10km on the road (39:12), but although she targeted the world 10,000m record she admits to having a few doubts in the lead up to the race.

“I wasn’t overconfident, three weeks after the Auckland Marathon (where she placed seventh in 3:03:22) and having struggled with time trials, but the Agency Group 10,000m is the ideal event for a record attempt. There’s so much support and encouragement from the organisers, fellow runners, and the sidelines to help people achieve their goal times.

“I’m very happy – especially because I managed even pace, thanks to the amazing 38-minute group pacer, and felt good all the way. World level records or titles make me very proud to be a New Zealand masters runner. They also make me very grateful for all the support and opportunities I have.”

Full story here

Agency 10,000m Results

Congratulations to all those who ran in the Agency Group 10,000m Festival, the most popular event of its kind in the country.
Here are the results of WHAC athletes:

Nathan Tse, 4th in Elite Men: 30:36
Dan Clendon, 10th in Elite Men and 1st M40: 33:16
Jamie Duncan, 1st in A Race: 33:37
John Stewart, 3rd in A Race: 34:12
Paul Hewitson, 11th in A Race and 1st M60: 35:49
Will Bell, 13th in A Race: 36:12
Graeme Morrison, 15th in A Race and 1st M50: 36:20
Dan Lawrey, 20th in A Race: 37:28
Mark Schomaker, 28th in A Race: 38:36
Kumiko Otani, 5th woman in A Race: 38:39
Wullie Gunn, 30th in A Race: 39:19
Terry Fraser, 6th in B Race: 40:42
Harrison Cooper, 7th in B Race: 41:04
Kelvin Wong, 24th in B Race: 46:26

Former Wellington Harrier Runs Boston Half Marathon

From John Barrance
 
Derek Froude joined Wellington Harriers in 1972. He won the colts race at the Dorne Cup that year, the beginning of an illustrious running career. He went on to represent New Zealand at World Champs and Olympic Games. He was part of the winning Wellington Harrier SM team at the NZRR Wellington to Masterton in 1984. In 1994 he married fellow club member Barbara Moore, who was Commonwealth Games bronze medalist for 10000 metres. They live in Tampa, Florida, USA.
 
On November 12, Derek competed in the Boston Half Marathon. He finished 5th M60 in 1:36:28. He was not very happy with the run, saying he was not prepared for it and the hilly course and 0 degrees C didn’t help. The photo shows Derek proudly wearing our latest racing singlet. We wish him many successes in the future.

Scottish Night of Miles

From Wellington Scottish 

When: Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Newtown Park track

Save the date for this year’s Night of Miles. The event will have all the usual festivities (yes, that includes Santa of course). This year we’ll be supporting the Porirua chapter of Trailblazers that provides kids with mentors/gear and other support to get out and enjoy running. Stay tuned for more details.

The Night of Miles is returning for an afternoon of pre-Christmas fun for the whole family! From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.,. come and run a mile around the track (that’s only 4 laps!), chase Santa, win the chocolate, and help young kids getting into our sport. So get your festive spirit on, and enter here before Friday 15 December. The $10 entry fee will go to Trailblazers, but if you have any issues with the payment, please get in touch with Emily Solsberg or Nico Vessiot.

Twilight Track Races

From Wellington Scottish

Dates: 15 November to 28 February
Location: Newtown Park track
Get involved in a series of fun, friendly, informal midweek track meetings at Newtown Park, run by Wellington Scottish and Athletics Wellington. These races are open to anyone who is a registered Athletics Wellington member. It’s a supportive environment and newcomers to track are really welcome. 
There will be four or five events per meet – a couple of sprints (100m,200m), one or two middle distance (600m to 1500m) and a 3000m or 5000m. The first event is 6:30 p.m. (finished by 7:30 p.m.).

We’re are always looking for volunteers to help with entries, starting duties and post event pack down.

Entry Information

• $8 entry fee per meet
• Entries close at midday on the day of the event – no late entries permitted.

Entry form. Check out all the other dates and details on the Scottish website.

Upcoming Events
 

DECEMBER

3rd  (Sun)   Junior Interclub 3, Newtown Park
17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool
17th (Sun)  Junior Interclub 4, Newtown Park

WHAC Board Information

If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.

Posted on November 16, 2023November 16, 2023

WHAC Newsletter Nov. 16, 2023

View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:     First Up Hugo Jones Wins Awards Agency 10,000m New Zealander Garth Barfoot Oldest in NYC Marathon Twilight Track Series WHAC Hoodies For Sale Otairi Station Mountain Bike and Trail Run Junior Interclub Entries Upcoming Events   First Up On Saturday night, Newtown Park track hosts the Agency 10,000m Festival. It’s always a great atmosphere at this series of races, with food trucks, music and lots of cheering. You can expect some fast times in the elite races, and legendary masters runner Sally Gibbs will be aiming for another world record. Four years ago at the Agency event, Sally set the W55-59 world record with a time of 36:46. This year, she has moved up to the 60s age category and will be gunning to go under Japanese runner Mariko Yugeta’s mark of 37:57. Before Yugeta, the record was held by another Kiwi, Wellington’s Bernie Portenski, so it would be a nice mark to win back. For other runners, the opportunity to run in a pack or with pacers provides a great opportunity to post a fast time. Fully 40% of runners manage a new PB, according to the organisers. Although plenty of others — me included — have found the races tough going in the heat and inevitable Wellington wind. Don’t forget that on Sunday morning, WHAC hosts the November edition of the Honest 10K, starting at the Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg pool at 8:30 a.m. sharp. If you can help out with marshaling or pacing, please contact Paul Hewitson kiwiquaker@xtra.co.nz or Dave Carrigan taxingefox@gmail.com. Congratulations to Dan Clendon, who won the Remutaka Rail Trail Half Marathon by more than four minutes, in a time of 1:18:10. That’s a great time on a course that has a tough hill leading up to the halfway point. Full results here This week is the last week to get your orders in for WHAC hoodies, so send an email to Bertram if you want to be included. There is more information on that below. And let’s see if we can help make WHAC junior Scarlett Anderson’s movie fundraiser a big success. She is raising money to go on an Outward Bound trip and needs to sell nine more tickets to the movie Napoleon, which is screening at Brooklyn’s Penthouse theatre on Sunday, Nov. 26. More details are in the flyer below.  For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   Hugo Jones Wins Awards A massive congratulations to Hugo Jones, who won the College Sport Wellington award for Athlete of the Year in athletics for his outstanding high jump performances.  You can see the full list of winners here Hugo also won this month’s Athletics Wellington award for the Senior Athlete of the Month.  Athletics Wellington says in its citation: Hugo has made another promising start to his season, jumping 1.85m in his first meet    Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish When: Nov. 18 Where: Newtown Park track The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. Schedule: 5:30 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m B Race 6:45 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m A Race 7:30 p.m. Women’s U20 5,000m 8:00 p.m. Elite Men’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored by Te Ahumairangi Investment Management 8:45 p.m. Elite Women’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored  by Wellington Scottish For more information, click here   New Zealander Garth Barfoot Oldest in NYC Marathon The New York Times wrote a story about New Zealander Garth Barfoot, the oldest man to run this year’s New York City marathon: Garth Barfoot’s training regimen has been fairly straightforward: daily runs to his favorite coffee shop and back home. “It’s a decent distance from the retirement home,” Barfoot said. The 87-year-old New Zealander, who lives in a suburb of Auckland, is the oldest participant at this year’s marathon. About 60 other registered runners are at least 80 years old, according to the New York Road Runners Club. At just under 3 hours, he was nearing Mile 8 with an average pace of 22 minutes 27 seconds per mile. This won’t be Barfoot’s first marathon — he says he has run dozens of others, including last year’s London Marathon, which he finished in 8 hours 17 minutes and 19 seconds — but it is his first New York marathon. “I’m getting decrepit by the hour,” he said in an interview, noting a series of health issues, in recent years, including a heart valve transplant and three hip replacements. “So I’ve got to sort of hurry up and do this race before it’s too late.” Barfoot didn’t really get into running until his 50s, inspired by his wife, Judy. These days, though, she doesn’t always support his exercise regimen, he says. “‘Must you run every day, Garth?’” Barfoot said his wife says, adding, “‘You don’t have to do that — this is a retirement home.’” Full story here Twilight Track Races   From Wellington Scottish Dates: 15 November to 28 February Location: Newtown Park track Get involved in a series of fun, friendly, informal midweek track meetings at Newtown Park, run by Wellington Scottish and Athletics Wellington. These races are open to anyone who is a registered Athletics Wellington member. It’s a supportive environment and newcomers to track are really welcome.  There will be four or five events per meet – a couple of sprints (100m,200m), one or two middle distance (600m to 1500m) and a 3000m or 5000m. The first event is 6:30 p.m. (finished by 7:30 p.m.). We’re are always looking for volunteers to help with entries, starting duties and post event pack down. Entry Information $8 entry fee per meet Entries close at midday on the day of the event – no late entries permitted. First event Wednesday 15 November 6:30 p.m.: 100m 6:40 p.m.: 3000m 7:00 p.m.: 200m 7:15 p.m.: 1500m 7:30 p.m.: 400m Entry form. Check out all the other dates and details on the Scottish website.    WHAC Hoodies For Sale Last Chance to Order Hoodies From Bertram Manz We are planning to place another order for hoodies. Prices are confirmed as quoted below: Children’s sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 – $60 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed on the back). Please note that the children’s sizes do not have a draw cord (it’s a health and safety thing). Adults’ sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL – $64 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed at the back). Note that they are a large fit so consider getting a size smaller if you prefer it fitting, or if unsure, try one of the many that are walking around! Also see the sizing chart below. If interested, please email your details to Bertram Manz: membership@whac.org.nz   Otairi Station Mountain Bike and Trail Run From the organisers Race Day: Saturday 3rd February, 2024 Otairi Station is a hill country sheep and beef farm in the Turakina Valley, Hunterville. The Station has been owned and run by generations of the Duncan family since its purchase from local Iwi and subsequent development from bush over 150 years ago. Today the farm is home to a team of farmers, working hard to produce quality beef, lamb and manuka honey. \ The 19km distance from the front gate to the back paddock with formed tracks encompassing the property make it the ideal location to host such an event on a private property.  Race Options: 40km Trail Run 40km E-Bike 40km MTB  20km Trail Run/Walk 20km E-Bike 20km MTB 5km Trail Run/Walk For more information, go to the Facebook page here   Junior Interclub Entries Entries are open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 3rd  (Sun)   Junior Interclub 3, Newtown Park 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool 17th (Sun)  Junior Interclub 4, Newtown Park   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on November 9, 2023November 9, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Nov. 9, 2023 View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:     First Up Twilight Track Races Agency 10,000m WHAC Hoodies For Sale The Debate Over Super Shoes Otairi Station Mountain Bike and Trail Run Junior Interclub Entries Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up There were a few ringers in the colourful, costumed Round the Vines fun run this year with several WHAC runners making a weekend of it over in Martinborough. Congratulations to Magnus Monahan, who won the half marathon, and Paul Hewitson, who was third (that’s according to the website, which just lists the top three without times). Willie Gunn gets a special mention for reportedly running in an all-pink kit. The Twilight Track Races return to Newtown Park next week. These are a series of fun, informal midweek track meets run by Wellington Scottish and Athletics Wellington, and are open to anybody who is an Athletics Wellington member. More details below. This month’s Honest 10K is coming up in just over a week and the club is still looking for volunteers and pacers. If you can help out, please contact Paul Hewitson kiwiquaker@xtra.co.nz or Dave Carrigan taxingefox@gmail.com. Poppy Healy is working on a sports science project and is looking for a few volunteers to do some VO2 testing. If you are interested, you can contact Poppy at poppyhealy9877@gmail.com For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   Competitors wear their game faces in Round the Vines. Jade Cvetkov Photography   Twilight Track Races From Wellington Scottish Dates: 15 November to 28 February Location: Newtown Park track Get involved in a series of fun, friendly, informal midweek track meetings at Newtown Park, run by Wellington Scottish and Athletics Wellington. These races are open to anyone who is a registered Athletics Wellington member. It’s a supportive environment and newcomers to track are really welcome.  There will be four or five events per meet – a couple of sprints (100m,200m), one or two middle distance (600m to 1500m) and a 3000m or 5000m. The first event is 6:30 p.m. (finished by 7:30 p.m.). We’re are always looking for volunteers to help with entries, starting duties and post event pack down. Entry Information $8 entry fee per meet Entries close at midday on the day of the event – no late entries permitted. First event Wednesday 15 November 6:30 p.m.: 100m 6:40 p.m.: 3000m 7:00 p.m.: 200m 7:15 p.m.: 1500m 7:30 p.m.: 400m Entry form. Check out all the other dates and details on the Scottish website.   Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish When: Nov. 18 Where: Newtown Park track The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. Schedule: 5:30 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m B Race 6:45 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m A Race 7:30 p.m. Women’s U20 5,000m 8:00 p.m. Elite Men’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored by Te Ahumairangi Investment Management 8:45 p.m. Elite Women’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored  by Wellington Scottish For more information, click here   WHAC Hoodies For Sale From Bertram Manz We are planning to place another order for hoodies. Prices are confirmed as quoted below: Children’s sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 – $60 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed on the back). Please note that the children’s sizes do not have a draw cord (it’s a health and safety thing). Adults’ sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL – $64 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed at the back). Note that they are a large fit so consider getting a size smaller if you prefer it fitting, or if unsure, try one of the many that are walking around! Also see the sizing chart below. If interested, please email your details to Bertram Manz: membership@whac.org.nz   The Debate Over Super Shoes From CNN cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaowj000r47qo9hvegdxy@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>Perhaps the most intense rivalry in distance running currently isn’t between two of the world’s top athletes, although it is being played out at major marathon races across the globe. cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaunk00033b6idshcu0qr@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>When Ethiopian Tigst Assefa crossed the finish line of the Berlin Marathon six weeks ago in an astonishing two hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds – eviscerating the previous best time by more than two minutes – the bounds of possibility in women’s running over 26.2 miles were suddenly being adjusted. cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaunk00043b6i4yc8nbuq@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>It was a ground-breaking victory not only for the Assefa, but also for Adidas – the company responsible for the sleek, platformed shoes on her feet. cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaunk00053b6ihklgjblu@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>“Tigist Assefa … we are so proud of you!” CEO Bjørn Gulden later posted on Instagram. cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaunk00063b6izgpi2h5i@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>Fast-forward two weeks, however, and a rival brand was also toasting a world record. Enter Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan sporting orange and red-tinted Nikes laced over bright pink socks at the Chicago Marathon. cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clofvaunk00073b6ijqff4xrg@published” style=”line-height: 200%;text-align: left;margin: 10px 0;padding: 0;mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #656565;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 12px;”>Kiptum, in just his third ever marathon, finished in a time of two hours and 35 seconds – 34 seconds faster than the old world record held by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, who is widely considered to be the greatest distance runner of all time. The two records in quick succession heightened the debate about how carbon-plated shoes – commonly referred to as “super shoes” – are rapidly changing the distance-running landscape. Today, they are worn by virtually all elite marathon runners, both for racing and for training, and by many casual runners, too. Full story here   Otairi Station Mountain Bike and Trail Run From the organisers Race Day: Saturday 3rd February, 2024 Otairi Station is a hill country sheep and beef farm in the Turakina Valley, Hunterville. The Station has been owned and run by generations of the Duncan family since its purchase from local Iwi and subsequent development from bush over 150 years ago. Today the farm is home to a team of farmers, working hard to produce quality beef, lamb and manuka honey. \ The 19km distance from the front gate to the back paddock with formed tracks encompassing the property make it the ideal location to host such an event on a private property.  Race Options: 40km Trail Run 40km E-Bike 40km MTB  20km Trail Run/Walk 20km E-Bike 20km MTB 5km Trail Run/Walk For more information, go to the Facebook page here   Junior Interclub Entries Entries are open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click here Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 11th             Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Oct. 5 In this week’s newsletter:   First Up Junior Interclub One WHAC Hoodies For Sale Agency 10,000m Round the Vines Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up Congratulations to Nathan Tse, who finished sixth overall in the Auckland Half Marathon in a time of 1:07:37. If I’ve got this correct, that was just three seconds outside his PB 1:07:34 that he ran at the same event last year. And more importantly, Nathan edged out the first Scottish runner, Seamus Kane, by 19 seconds. A great run as well by Paul Hewitson, who took gold in the M60s category (and 29th overall) with a 1:20:16. Speaking of golden oldies, there were a couple of other winning performances by the M60s men over the weekend. Dave Heatley was seventh overall, and first M60, at the Cape Kidnappers Trail Run 34km, which had an elevation gain of 1384 metres, in 3:41:52. And Dave Creamer was fifth overall, and first M60, at the Lower Hutt Parkrun 5K in 19:20. For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   Junior Interclub One From Julie Richards Sunday 5th November Come and join us at this fun event! If you haven’t registered there’s still time! Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: It is open to athletes aged 7-15 years as of the 31st December 2023. (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Sign up here If you are not a member of Wellington Harrier Athletic Club yet then you will need to register through the link below, before you can enter the interclub completion https://whac.org.nz/wp/   WHAC Hoodies For Sale From Bertram Manz We are planning to place another order for hoodies. Prices are confirmed as quoted below: Children’s sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 – $60 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed on the back). Please note that the children’s sizes do not have a draw cord (it’s a health and safety thing). Adults’ sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL – $64 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed at the back). Note that they are a large fit so consider getting a size smaller if you prefer it fitting, or if unsure, try one of the many that are walking around! Also see the sizing chart below. If interested, please email your details to Bertram Manz: membership@whac.org.nz   Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish When: Nov. 18 Where: Newtown Park track The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. Schedule: 5:30 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m B Race 6:45 p.m. Mixed Community 10,000m A Race 7:30 p.m. Women’s U20 5,000m 8:00 p.m. Elite Men’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored by Te Ahumairangi Investment Management 8:45 p.m. Elite Women’s 10,000m (NZ Championship) proudly sponsored  by Wellington Scottish For more information, click here   Round the Vines From the organisers Saturday 4th November 2023 Whether you’re a regular participant, or looking to join your first ever run, you’ve come to the right place. Round the Vines is an engaging and fun event, geared towards people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Round the Vines is a 10km or 21km Run / Walk around Martinborough Vineyards. Each of the five drink stations have live music, wine tasting and water and fruit. A majority of participants dress. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individuals and teams. More information here   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click  here Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 4th               Round the Vines, Martinborough 11th              Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Oct. 26, 2023 View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:     First Up Coaching Corner: Geoff Henry Athletics Wellington Meet Results Makara Monday WHAC Hoodies For Sale Agency 10,000m Round the Vines Colgate Games Entry Information Junior Interclub Entries Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up Vickie Humphries had the lovely idea of profiling our great coaches over the next month or so, and we start this week with Geoff Henry. Geoff is a club legend who first started coaching back when Robert Muldoon was our newly minted prime minister. Check out WHAC’s Facebook page for some great photos of the kids who took part in Athletics Day on Saturday. I’ve included one of the pics below. The Wellington Waterfront 5K series is back up and running again on Tuesday evenings, with races starting at 5:45 p.m. from near the diving platforms on the waterfront side of Te Papa. For more information, click here New Zealand endurance runner Sam Harvey gave it a good shot at the backyard world champs, running for 379 miles (610 kms) in 91 hourly loops at the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra. Although everybody but the winner is officially a DNF, Sam finished 9th in the number of laps completed. The winner, American Harvey Lewis, set a new world record by completing an astonishing 108 laps, a total of 450 miles (724 kms) over four-and-a-half days. Claire Bannwarth (France) was the last woman standing, completing 250 miles (402 kms) over 60 laps.  More on Sam here, and more on Harvey Lewis, Claire Bannwarth and the other competitors here Good luck to those running in the Auckland Marathon events next weekend. For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   WHAC coach Geoff Henry   Coaching Corner: Geoff Henry  I have coached athletics for more than 45 years. I am an official and a coach trainer in all disciplines, but I cater mainly for children these days. I help coach at Wellington Harrier club days on Saturdays, at our clubrooms (in winter) and at Newtown Park (at 9.00 a.m. in the summer). I also coach a children’s group on Mondays after school.  Geoff’s Top Tip: “Anything you can do, you can do better”   The youngsters had a great time at Athletics Day on Saturday   Athletics Wellington Meet Results Senior Track & Field Meet #2, 21/10/2023, Newtown Park Holly James, 4th 100m (13.95), 1st 400m (1:04.40) Nancy Li, 5th 100m (14.08), 3rd 400m (1:08.17) Analin Rudd, 1st Triple Jump (10.38m) Saravee Sos, 3rd 100m (11.68), 3rd 200m (23.09) Jag Willers, 2nd 400m (53.54), 1st 2000m Steeplechase (6:20.50) Alexander MacBeth, 1st overall 1500m (4:12.47) Wilson Li, 4th overall 1500m (4:23.84) Guy Lester, 6th overall 1500m (4:45.54) Full results here Makara Monday From Nick Perry We had five people turn out for the challenging 34 km Makara Loop on Labour Day. Luckily, we caught one of those Wellington-on-a-good-day mornings after a rainy Sunday. It started cool without much breeze, and heated up as we headed over the Johnsonville hill. The pace started easy but picked up a little as we went on. Because it’s Wellington, we saw three other club runners along the way. We tried but couldn’t convince John Barrance to join us. It wasn’t quite the same without Mark Te Punga offering drinks and shouting encouragement every 5 kms (he was out of town) so we had to make do with lugging our own water. A can of full-sugar Coke at the finish is now officially a tradition (with a shout out to Nicholas Bagnall from Scottish for starting that one). Thanks to Wullie Gunn for suggesting the run and well done to him, Magnus Monahan, Dan Lawrey, and Graeme Morrison for finishing.   WHAC Hoodies For Sale From Bertram Manz We are planning to place another order for hoodies. Prices are confirmed as quoted below: Children’s sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 – $60 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed on the back). Please note that the children’s sizes do not have a draw cord (it’s a health and safety thing). Adults’ sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL – $64 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed at the back). Note that they are a large fit so consider getting a size smaller if you prefer it fitting, or if unsure, try one of the many that are walking around! Also see the sizing chart below. If interested, please email your details to Bertram Manz: membership@whac.org.nz   Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. For more information, click here   Round the Vines From the organisers Saturday 4th November 2023 Whether you’re a regular participant, or looking to join your first ever run, you’ve come to the right place. Round the Vines is an engaging and fun event, geared towards people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Round the Vines is a 10km or 21km Run / Walk around Martinborough Vineyards. Each of the five drink stations have live music, wine tasting and water and fruit. A majority of participants dress. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individuals and teams. More information here   Colgate Games Entry Information Login details: For the 2024 Games, athletes alongside their parents will be responsible for entering themselves online. No paper entry form will be accepted. Athletes enter using their GameDay login using the entry links below. Athletes will need to be registered members of their club before they access the entry form. See North Island Colgate Games entry link here See South Island Colgate Games entry link here   Junior Interclub Entries Entries are open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 1: Sunday 5th November, Newtown Park Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click here Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 4th               Round the Vines, Martinborough 11th             Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Oct. 19, 2023 View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:     First Up Will Bell Runs Crater Rim WHAC Hoodies For Sale Labour Day Makara Loop Colgate Games Entry Information Agency 10,000m Round the Vines Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up A big thanks to the pacers and volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning of All Blacks vs. Ireland viewing to help out with the Honest 10K. From all accounts, it was one of the windiest H10s yet, and that’s saying something. Runners were coming to a complete standstill around Point Jerningham and the flag at the start-finish had to be wrestled to the ground. Mark Te Punga reports that despite the challenges, there was a real sense of accomplishment among those who finished and a couple of first-timers who had enough fun they promised to return. Counting pacers, 22 people finished. At 76, Brian Hayes showed age was no barrier in the 5K, finishing first in 26:29 with Liz Walker first woman home in 32:17. It was teenagers who shone in the 10K, with 17-year-old Lucy King first female home (50:15) while first male was 13-year-old Robert Naulls (42:55). Full results here I know we’ve all been thinking about Esther and hoping she is recovering well. I wrote to her to check in and pass on everybody’s aroha. “I’m back at my parents house recovering now. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at WHAC – their support has been absolutely incredible,” Esther wrote. “I’m currently non-weight bearing for six weeks so it’ll be a long road back but making progress every day. And can’t wait for the day I’m back out there with everyone!”  For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   Will Bell Runs Crater Rim  Congratulations to Will Bell (in the photo above) who finished the 80 km Crater Rim Ultra. Will finished in eighth place overall, seventh male and sixth in his age group. But there was also a race within the race for the Athletics New Zealand Trail Running Champs (open to club members) and Will won a national silver medal in that. A huge congrats to Will, who finished in 9 hours, 55 minutes. The rugged course around Banks Peninsula is not for the faint-hearted, with Will’s Strava showing a total elevation gain of 3,776m (for comparison, that’s slightly more than a trip to the top of Aoraki/Mt. Cook). On Strava, Will wrote about his run: “50 miles of smiles” and knowing Will, he would have been smiling the whole way. Full results here   WHAC Hoodies For Sale From Bertram Manz We are planning to place another order for hoodies. Prices are confirmed as quoted below: Children’s sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 – $60 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed on the back). Please note that the children’s sizes do not have a draw cord (it’s a health and safety thing). Adults’ sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL – $64 each (add an additional $10 if you want your name printed at the back). Note that they are a large fit so consider getting a size smaller if you prefer it fitting, or if unsure, try one of the many that are walking around! Also see the sizing chart below. If interested, please email your details to Bertram Manz: membership@whac.org.nz   Labour Day Makara Loop A few people are planning to run the 34 km Makara Loop on Monday, Oct. 23, which is the Labour Day holiday. The plan is to meet at Karori Park for a 7:30 a.m. start. If you are interested, please email Willie Gunn williegunn@gmail.com or Nick Perry nickgbperry@gmail.com   Colgate Games Entry Information Login details: For the 2024 Games, athletes alongside their parents will be responsible for entering themselves online. No paper entry form will be accepted. Athletes enter using their GameDay login using the entry links below. Athletes will need to be registered members of their club before they access the entry form. See North Island Colgate Games entry link here See South Island Colgate Games entry link here   Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. For more information, click here   Round the Vines From the organisers Saturday 4th November 2023 Whether you’re a regular participant, or looking to join your first ever run, you’ve come to the right place. Round the Vines is an engaging and fun event, geared towards people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Round the Vines is a 10km or 21km Run / Walk around Martinborough Vineyards. Each of the five drink stations have live music, wine tasting and water and fruit. A majority of participants dress. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individuals and teams. More information here   Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Entries are now open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 1: Sunday 5th November, Newtown Park Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click here Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 4th               Round the Vines, Martinborough 11th             Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Oct. 12, 2023 View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:     First Up Newtown Park Ready for Summer Colgate Games Entry Information 2023 WHAC Prizes Agency 10,000m Round the Vines Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up This Saturday marks the first day of the season for children’s athletics. It’s an open day starting at 9 a.m. at the Newtown Park track, and all children taking part are welcome to bring a friend. WHAC will have a barbeque going as well. At all of the children’s club days on Saturday mornings this season, WHAC will be running a small shop selling food and drinks. Please support the club by bringing cash, no EFTPOS is available. A reminder that this means the start time for the Saturday morning adult track crew has been pushed to the earlier time of 8:15 a.m. from now on so runners can finish their reps before 9 a.m. As it happens this Saturday, that will be just in time to vote on Election Day. Then on Sunday it’s the Honest 10K, starting at the Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Any other sporting events happening at around that time in France can surely be recorded for later viewing. Last Saturday marked the club’s annual prizegiving, and it was great to see a group of 40 or so in attendance. There is a list of the prizes below. This Saturday, Scottish is hosting the Bernie Portenski Memorial Cup in Titahi Bay, a handicapped race to celebrate the end of the harrier season and to commemorate Bernie Portenski. Details here Just a couple of weeks after the women’s marathon world record was broken, this time it was the men’s. Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum won the Chicago Marathon in an astounding 2:00:35, the first person to run under 2:01 on an eligible course. Fun fact: his average 5K pace was 14:17. Amazing. And the incredibly versatile Sifan Hassan won the women’s race in the second-fastest time ever, 2:13:44. Full story here For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com The WHAC 60s team that won silver at National Road Relays. From left: Paul May, Paul Hewitson, Steve Plowman, Ian Macfarlane, Todd Krieble, Dave Creamer. Newtown Park Ready for Summer From Athletics Wellington This Saturday sees the opening day of track & field. The stadium has been improved with an impressive cleaning of the track surface which was a fortnight long job by the cleaner. As a result of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the stadium’s new feature is the floodlighting from four large towers which will enable improved twilight meetings and training in winter hours. Other advances are refurbished change rooms, First Aid room and technical office painting. The stadium has a number of high profile meetings beginning with the Agency Group 10000 metres festival including the Athletics NZ Championships on 18 November. Full story here   Colgate Games Entry Information Login details: For the 2024 Games, athletes alongside their parents will be responsible for entering themselves online. No paper entry form will be accepted. Athletes enter using their GameDay login using the entry links below. Athletes will need to be registered members of their club before they access the entry form. See North Island Colgate Games entry link here See South Island Colgate Games entry link here   2023 WHAC Prizes McKinnon Rose Bowl    Senior Men    Nathan Tse Cornish Cup    Senior Women    Sarah Drought K O’Brien Cup    Masters Men M35    Dan Clendon Andrew McNeill Memorial Cup    Masters Men M50    Nick Perry Lester Abbey Memorial Cup    Masters Men M60    Tim Murchland John Barrance Cup    Masters Men M70    John Barrance Clare Van Rijswijk Cup    Masters Women  W35    Natalie Hardaker John Peat Memorial Cup    Masters Women W50    Victoria Humphries Alexandra Cup    Youth Women under 18    Scarlett Anderson Cup    Boys under 16    Hugo Campion Cup    Girls under16    Maddison Maclean Owens Cup    Boys under 14    Cameron Starr Froude Cup    Girls under 14    Stella Bremer Thompson Cup    Boys under12    Lachlan Ranger Oliver Cup    Boys under 10    Toby Clendon Club Cross-Country Champions                  Senior Shield    Senior Men    Nathan Tse Havill Family Cup    Senior Women    Sarah Drought Veterans Cup    Masters Men    Daniel Clendon Hawthorne Cup    Masters Women    Natalie Hardaker Edwards Shield    Junior Men under 20    Conor Chesney Joanie Hurdle Memorial Shield    Junior Women under 20    Eliza Squire Miramar Cup    Youth Men under 18    Wilson Li Owens Cup    Youth Women under 18    Poppy Healy Fred Goodall Memorial Cup    Boys under 16    George Gray Lesley Campbell Cup    Girls under 16    Xanthe Wong Colts Cup    Boys under14    Kingsley Mcguigan Spence Cup    Girls under14    Bianca Cornell Dickson Cup    Boys under 12    Wilder Campbell Mt. Victoria Cup    Boys under10    Toby Clendon Honest Endeavour Peterson Cup    Over 14    Kelvin Wong Club Cross-Country Champions on Handicap                  Senior Men    Magnus Monahan Havill Cup    Senior Women    Andrea Peat Veterans Cup    Masters Men 40    Daniel Clendon Masters Men 50    Nick Perry Masters Men 60    Dave Holland Masters Women 40    Sally McGrandle Masters Women 50    Victoria Humphries Youth Men under 18    Luca Evett Youth Women under 18    Poppy Healy Donaldson Memorial   Harrison Holmes-Poulter, Lachlan Ranger, Dean Ford Press Cup    Over 14    Peter Wood, Victoria Humphries, Peter Frawley Handicap Races                  Palmer Cup    Over 14    Peter Wood Resnick Cup    Over 14    Nick Perry Old Boys Memorial    Over 14    Tony Dawbin   Green Cup    Over 14    Scarlett Anderson Pollock Cup    Masters Men    Brendon Flanagan Points Trophy    Masters Women    Victoria Humphries Most Improved                  Hewlett Cup    Senior Men    Callum Stewart Henderson Cup    Senior Women     Esther George Special Awards                  Anne Hare Trophy    Most Outstanding Female    Sarah Drought  Tough Nut Trophy    Excellence in Mountain Running     Andrea Peat Roussos Alexopolous  Memorial Cup    Outstanding Masters Man 35-49    Jamie Duncan James W Cornish Memorial Cup    Outstanding Masters Man  over 50      Graeme Morrison     Ford / Bardsley Cup    Club Support    Georgina Wedge Note: a couple of prizes and prize winners are missing from this list, we will try to update.   Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. For more information, click here   Round the Vines From the organisers Saturday 4th November 2023 Whether you’re a regular participant, or looking to join your first ever run, you’ve come to the right place. Round the Vines is an engaging and fun event, geared towards people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Round the Vines is a 10km or 21km Run / Walk around Martinborough Vineyards. Each of the five drink stations have live music, wine tasting and water and fruit. A majority of participants dress. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individuals and teams. More information here   Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Entries are now open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 1: Sunday 5th November, Newtown Park Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click here Upcoming Events   OCTOBER     14th               Bernie Potenski Memorial Handicap TBC, Titahi Bay 15th (Sun)     Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool 15th (Sun)     Wairarapa Half Marathon, 14km & 7km, Masterton   NOVEMBER 4th               Round the Vines, Martinborough 11th             Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 18th             Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.   Posted on October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Oct. 5 In this week’s newsletter:   First Up Loburn Loping Road Relays Club Records Bays and Whippets Win at Road Relays Agency 10,000m  Round the Vines Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events     First Up I hope everybody had a great time down in Christchurch for National Road Relays. It was fantastic that around 80 WHAC runners and support crew made the trip, making it one of the largest contingents from any club in the country. There was a tremendous amount of team spirit and camaraderie. And we know that camaraderie will be put to good use in supporting Esther George, who is in the hospital with serious leg injuries after she was hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing while out on a training run in Lower Hutt earlier this week. We all wish Esther the very best with her recovery. A reminder that this weekend is prizegiving. We hope to have as many people as possible along to enjoy the day and reflect on the season. Please bring along a plate of food. There will be a short run from 2 p.m. at the clubrooms, followed by the prizegiving and snacks.  And some very exciting news this week. Three of our junior women have been selected to run next May at the World Schools Cross Country Champs in Kenya. Poppy Healy was selected as an individual representative while Maria Revelant and Giselle Kenworthy were part of the winning Wellington Girls’ College team which has been chosen as the representative school team. Congratulations to the girls, they have such an amazing adventure ahead of them. For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com     Loburn Loping From Nick Perry Race day started cool and windy but not as cold and howling as predicted. The setting was picturesque with the Southern Alps as a backdrop and it was great to get the team vans going again after the Bottle Lake loops last year. The wind picked up as the day went on and there was even some hail, but overall the conditions weren’t too bad. The course offered some variation, especially with the offroad hill lap. The two teams that came away with medals were our Masters Men’s 60s team with a silver and our Masters Men’s 70s team with a bronze. A great effort. Finishing in fourth place were the top Junior Women’s team, the Masters Men’s 50s team, and the Community team. Finishing fifth were the Senior Women’s and Junior Men’s teams. Our Junior Women’s B team finished sixth, the Masters Men’s 35 team eighth, the Senior Men’s team 10th, and the Open C Grade team 12th. Full results can be found here. By a marvel of mathematics, WHAC managed to place third-equal club with 44 points, alongside old rivals Scottish. The Whippets Running Project came out on top with 54 points and Don Greig Racing Stables came second with 50 points, I did wonder how we managed to get third club when I could only find 36 points for WHAC. John Barrance explained it was because some clubs entered multiple teams in the same category: Ignore the placing of the second North Harbour Bays SW team, WHAC SW are promoted to 4th and 14 points. Ignore the second and third placing of Auckland City Athletic JW, WHAC JW are promoted to 2nd and 16 points. WHAC M60 second and 14 points. WHAC total 44 points. Aha.     Road Relays Club Records Our club records for the Needle Relay, and the NZRR Loburn 68 and Loburn 39 Relays have been updated on the WHAC website. There you can also find historical records for the Bays Relay, and Adapt 2 Bottle Lake, Feilding, Rotorua, and Takahe Akaroa Relays. Look under the Our Club tab on the WHAC website and go down to Road Relays Club Records: https://whac.org.nz/wp/our-club/results/road-relays-club-records-nzrr-winners-honours-board/ . Have a look to see how many times your name appears.     Bays and Whippets Win at Road Relays From Athletics New Zealand North Harbour Bays achieved a rare double by taking first and second in the senior women’s relay at the New Zealand Road Relay Championships at Loburn North Canterbury. The Club with strength of numbers in their ranks were able to field two evenly balanced teams for the eight lap 68km event. Their A team of Esther Keown, Laura Nagel, Niamh De Hora, Lauren Gowland, Anna Bramley, Brigid Dennehy, Maisie Kilner and Charlotte Greenwood finished just 42 seconds ahead of the B team. In retaining the title, Bays have now won the championship 12 times, their first coming in 1997 on the Takehe to Akaroa course. Team captain Dennehy said it was a close and exciting finish. “We were in third after the first leg, Laura Nagel brought us into second on the next lap and Niamh De Hora took us into the lead on the third tough hilly leg.” The Whippets Running Project followed up their second placing last year collecting the senior men’s title after leading throughout. Team captain William Little said Russell Green set the team up well on the first lap. Little maintained the lead on lap two gaining some time over defending champions University of Canterbury. “Jacob Priddey had a good run on the hill which is a pretty tough leg and Cameron Swales ran a nice solid leg for lap four increasing our lead,” explained Little. Little added that UC were without two of their key runners. “I’d just like to put it out there that Chris Dryden and Oska Inkster-Baynes are away at the world half champs and if they had been running for UC, it would have been a great battle. “So credit to UC for putting up a strong challenge without those two guys there.” Full story here     Agency 10,000m  From Wellington Scottish The Wellington 10,000m Festival is the most popular set of 10,000m races in New Zealand. For the last five years, this has been a night of PBs for athletes of all speeds — 40 percent of athletes finished with a new best time. As always, we will host a number of 10,000m races, and all will have packs of many different speeds to drag you to your new PB. Races are open to men and women of all age grades. For more information, click here     Round the Vines From the organisers Saturday 4th November 2023 Whether you’re a regular participant, or looking to join your first ever run, you’ve come to the right place. Round the Vines is an engaging and fun event, geared towards people of all ages and from all walks of life.  Round the Vines is a 10km or 21km Run / Walk around Martinborough Vineyards. Each of the five drink stations have live music, wine tasting and water and fruit. A majority of participants dress. Prizes are awarded to the best dressed individuals and teams. More information here     Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Entries are now open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 1: Sunday 5th November, Newtown Park Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs     Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click  here     Upcoming Events OCTOBER     7th                 Prizegiving followed by afternoon tea, clubrooms 14th               Bernie Potenski Memorial Handicap TBC, Titahi Bay 15th (Sun)   Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   NOVEMBER 4th                Round the Vines, Martinborough 18th              Agency 10,000 Festival, Newtown Park 19th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool     WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison   Posted on September 28, 2023September 28, 2023 WHAC Newsletter Sept. 28, 2023 View this email in your browser   In this week’s newsletter:   First Up The Blue Wave is About to Surge National Road Relays Information National Road Relays Preview Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Liam Chesney Runs 10K PB Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk Upcoming Events   First Up Be prepared for a cold day out at National Road Relays on Saturday. The latest forecast I’m looking at is showing five degrees in the morning with strong southerly winds. Mark Te Punga recommends participants pack running gloves, beanies, arm warmers and other cold-weather running gear and accessories along with their regular racing kit.  Still, it will undoubtedly be a fun day out for everyone making the trip down south. If you haven’t yet paid for the trip and accommodation, please do so as soon as possible. Payments are due by tonight. If you want to see who you will be competing against, there is a provisional list of teams here For those not making the trip, the 8:30 a.m. Saturday track group will continue as normal and there are plans for an 8:30 a.m. Sunday meetup at the Botanic Garden rose garden for a trail or road run. How about Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa absolutely demolishing the world record at the Berlin Marathon. She managed to take more than two minutes off the previous record, clocking 2:11:53. Astonishing considering she has only recently taken up marathon running. And, oh yeah, Eliud Kipchoge didn’t break his own world record but did add a record fifth Berlin title to his collection, finishing in 2:02:42. More here For future newsletter items or suggestions, please email Nick Perry: nickgbperry@gmail.com   Part of the new Loburn course for National Road Relays   The Blue Wave is About to Surge From Paul Hewitson With two days to go before the 2023 National Road Relays in Canterbury, the club is both proud and excited to have one of, if not the, largest representation of athletes from the regions. Our 76 runners and four support crew include an incredibly broad range of ages in both men’s and women’s teams. This is a true testament to the hard, dedicated work that has been done by our leaders, coaches and board members. This year we celebrate a brand new course near Rangiora which will suit and/or test all of us. A new-look open 60s team is our only realistic chance of a gold medal but the objective for everyone is to have a great time. We are extremely fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity to be together as a club, support each other and celebrate what we love. GO WHAC!   National Road Relays Information There is a website with all the information about the long and short courses. You can find it here A new course: Loburn 68, it’s simple really. Loburn Domain is the central hub of the event just across the Ashley River / Rakahuri from Rangiora. The 68 is the combined distance of two loops through the central hub of 34k each. To make it more exciting and inclusive, there’s also a one loop (39k) for 6-person teams. How we got here – from T2A to Loburn 68: The iconic Takahe to Akaroa Road Relay has delighted road runners from 1935 to 2021. It was the premiere road relay for Canterbury, the South Island and probably New Zealand. However, highway safety requirements made it impractical and so a temporary solution was developed in 2022 using a course in Bottle Lake Forest near Christchurch. Some benefits of a loop-based course and an events hub were highlighted. Sure, change isn’t always easy but the amazing history of T2A will be part of the legacy for a new event, something exciting to build a stellar future. With this in mind we sought a road relay course that is safe, convenient, sustainable and appealing; the Loburn 68 was created. Bordered by hills and rivers, the rolling terrain is bisected by quiet country roads. Just north of the Rangiora township, it’s in easy reach of Christchurch, about 30 minutes drive away.   National Road Relays Preview From Athletics New Zealand   Eight times winners University of Canterbury will be defending the national senior road relay title in memory of club stalwart and organiser of previous relay championships Daniel Reese, who recently passed away. The championship will be staged on an eight lap two circuit course in Loburn, North Canterbury on Saturday. Labelled Loburn 68 because the circuit covers 34km with laps ranging from 6.2km to 11.2km. Daniel Balchin, fresh from his title win at the road championships in Palmerston North and anchor runner last year returns along with team members from last year – Saxon Morgan and Tom Moulai. Back up will come from national mountain running champion Andy Good, former national steeplechase champion Harry Ewing, Ethan Smolej, Henry McMeeking and Max Yanzick. Whippets Running Project second last year, three minutes behind University, are back with a stronger line-up of David Lee, national cross country silver medallist, New Zealand 1500m bronze medallist Russell Green, Jacob Priddey, former national junior 3000m champion, Jack Paine, the 2022 Auckland road champion, Ben Hamilton a 1:10 half marathoner, Ronan Lee second to Balchin in the national road championship, William Little a 14:06 5000m runner and Cameron Swales. Cameron Clark, Corban Straker and Ieuan Van der Peet will run for Christchurch Avon who were the 2022 senior men’s bronze medallists. Feilding Moa have put together a competitive team of Sam Perry, Isaac Murphy, George Varney, Sam Stichbury, Jamie Dennis, Harry Dixon, Andre Le Pine-Day and Ben Wall. Other notable performers include: Aaron Pulford (Pakuranga), Cameron Graves and Adrian Blincoe (North Harbour Bays), Nathan Tse (Wellington Harriers) and Daniel Jones (Wellington Scottish). Laura Nagel, Brigid Dennehy and Niamh De Hora are back in action from last year’s winning North Harbour Bays senior women’s team. They will combine with Esther Keown, Clara Lachurie, Lucy Jacobs, Maisie Kilner and Anna Bramley in the defence of the title they have now won eleven times. Bays have entered a second team and have allocated their runners evenly with the aim of trying to win two medals. Among the second combination are Lana Van Hout, a 38:42 10km runner, Jessie Speedy fourth at 2023 New Zealand Road Championships and who anchored their winning team last year, New Zealand Cross Country champion Anneke Arlidge and New Zealand mile silver medallist Holly Manning. Whippets Running Project will be looking to go one better from being second last year, with a powerful team of Tillie Hollyer, Kelly Parlane, Sabina Piras, Jaye Atkin, Olivia Rooney, Katrina Andrew national road silver medallist, Sophie Hicks and Emily Molloy. Wellington Harriers have a strong mix of seniors and masters with Natalie Hardaker, Esther George, Andrea Peat, Charlotte Kerr, Sally McGrandle, national road champion Sarah Drought, Saskia Cosgrove-Drayton and Vickie Humphries. University of Canterbury nine times previous winners and third last year will be competitive with Natalie Dryden, twelve times national track champion Angie Petty, Miriam Clark, Megan Foster, Bridie Restieaux, Penny Mouat, Alex Hawke and Rosa Twyford. Full preview here   Junior Interclub Entries Now Open Entries are now open for the Junior Interclub competition. Please note that for the 2023/24 season there is a new entry system and fee. This fee is $20 for the full season of six meets, reducing to $14 for entry after Christmas (we have only two Junior Interclub in the New Year). To register in the interclub competition please click on the link below: (Note YOU MUST be a financial member of an athletics club to register). Click here Season Calendar below. Please note there is a separate entry for the Colgate Games and Wellington Junior Athletic Champs Interclub 1: Sunday 5th November, Newtown Park Interclub 2: Sunday 19th November at Sports Bowl Masterton Interclub 3: Sunday 3rd December, Newtown Park Interclub 4: Sunday 17th December, Newtown Park North Island Colgate Games: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, South Island Colgate Games: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January at the historic Caledonian Sports Ground Dunedin. Lower Hut Medal Day: Monday 22nd January – Hutt Rec Ground Ribbon Day: 6th February, Aorangi Domain, Paraparaumu Interclub 5: Sunday 11th February, Newtown Park Interclub 6: Sunday 25th February, Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 1 Sunday 3rd March Newtown Park Wellington Junior Champs: Day 2 Sunday 10th March Newtown Park Sunday 25th March Reserve day for Wellington Junior Champs   Liam Chesney Runs 10K PB From Timothy Dawbin, Hill City-University Vice-President Liam Chesney had another strong run at the Port Road Race to close out the Dunedin harrier season. With a cool tailwind, Liam completed the 10km course in a new PB time of 31:23 – the fastest time of the day. This time is a big improvement on his previous 10km PB set at the Otago Road Champs in August (32:41). Liam was 11th across the line in the handicapped event. A great way to cap off an excellent season of running in Dunedin; congratulations Liam! Full results (inc. by grade), 10 km results, 5km and 2.5km results. Star preview, ODT preview   Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk From the organisers 21km – 14km – 7km Saturday 11 November 2023 This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom. For more information, click here Upcoming Events   SEPTEMBER 30th            New Zealand Road Relays, Christchurch   OCTOBER     7th                 Prizegiving followed by afternoon tea TBC, clubrooms 14th               Bernie Potenski Memorial Handicap TBC, Titahi Bay 15th (Sun)     Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool 15th (Sun)     Wairarapa Half Marathon, 14km & 7km, Masterton   NOVEMBER 11th            Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk, Upper Hutt 19th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   DECEMBER 17th (Sun)  Honest 10K, Whale Tail sculpture near Freyberg Pool   WHAC Board Information If you have ideas for the club or any questions, please contact a board member or the secretary, Richard Swan (secretary@whac.org.nz). Your board members are: John Barrance, Richard Swan, Frank Evett, Paul Hewitson, Julie Richards, Gordon Clarke, Georgina Wedge, Bertram Manz, Vickie Humphries, Seth Campbell, Todd Krieble, Nathan Tse, Callum Stewart, and Graeme Morrison.