How good was it to start the 2023 season in pristine country, with the Hyde /Waipiata four leg relay, in the company of Caversham, Ariki, Leith, Civil Service and also some unregistered runners making up 15 team of 4 being 60 runners. This was followed by a cleanup of homemade pies and refreshments at Waipiata Country Hotel.
The relay’s were started, in memory by our late patron Kevin Murphy’s son Richard. A sad but nice moment.
Before we start a summary of race amendments to records shown, in 2022 Meg McKay(now Barnes) broke Tania Smellie’s female record 1st leg to 32.39. And in leg 4 two records were also broken Nathan Shanks broke Jeff Spillanes by 2sec to 31.22 and Margie Campbell broke Mary Davies record running 38.03.
Into a decent head wind, late replacement Luke Geddes broke Caden Shields men’s record on the 8km first leg. And Margie Campbell broke her own record running a quick 36.26. Our young star Zara Geddes also ran under Margie’s last year time with a fast 37.33 Well done. Finally, a great effort by Ian McDonald who completed the entire relay (26.5 km) by himself in 2.19.37!
Some other highlights:
leg 1 8km was a good run Lewis Anglemyer running a tough 52.27, his dad advised that he missed the summer season and ran it cold. This was a great run for Lewis at only 9 years old! The first lady was Claudia Sole 38.16.
leg 2 5km Alistair McAlevey was quick running 23.32, Emily Blake ran 28.30.
Leg 3 4.2km Cherie McKinnon (a good race walker) 31.17 Keiran Columb 31.42
Leg 4 apart from two that broke leg record. Leon Miyahara 34.01 Aly Craigie 39.18.
A big thanks to timekeepers Dave, Bruce, Donald, Phil, Tail end Charlie, Helen, boys that were in safety areas on highway, And Leia, Richard, Mark, Tim, and committee to make it a great start to season, for those at home you needed to be here. [A massive thanks, too, to Phil Morris who did a wonderful job handicapping and selecting teams/ orders].
Don’t forget Lovelock Relays, entries close Monday, Its open for all seniors veterans, high school teams and Kids teams.
Thanks Leia for a good start as harrier manager.
Cheers for a great day (Shorty) Phil Morris
Hill City–University 