Athletics Whangarei concluded its winter season with the induction of four additional life members at its annual general meeting.
Ian Babe, re-elected as the club's president and a life member himself, spoke supporting each of the nominations and, once the four were elected, Val Babe and Colleen Brunker - both lifemembers already - presented them with life membership badges.
Morris Gray was influenced to take up athletics by Don Willoughby - a top coach in the 1970s. However, after his initial flurry in athletics, Gray turned to hockey, gaining representative honours in his grade.
Then in 1989 he returned to athletics, becoming a regular and enthusiastic competitor, as well as an extremely hard-working, innovative and popular administrator. Gray is currently president of Athletics Northland.
Neville Rae was a representative rugby player in his younger days, but became a dedicated runner after his first outing in the City to Sea - the forerunner of the Beach to Basin.
He has completed 127 marathons, achieving a personal best of 2hr 50min.
In 2003, he and Robert Scott teamed up on a run from Bluff to Cape Reinga. Undaunted by the distance, they took a day off and completed the Rotorua marathon.
Rae has also competed and officiated at many events, including ultra-marathons.
He has served on the club's executive and as treasurer for 10 years and still turns out regularly as an official.
Oringa Barach has served extensively as an administrator, including organising the Whangarei marathon, and is currently chairperson of the harrier committee.
It is said that she has given 30 years of work in her 17 years with the club.
Barach is also a dedicated competitor, who has successfully completed a number of Ironman competitions, including the daunting Hawaiian Ironman.
Brian Barach first joined Athletics Whangarei in 1992 and has contributed as a successful masters runner and a popular organiser, working on many committees as well as contributing as an official at events.
Brian's practical skills have been a huge benefit to the club.
