Age no barrier to harriers

The U12 and U9 children pound the pavement during a Wanganui Harrier Club handicap event on Saturday.

It was all on for young and old when Wanganui Harriers Club athletes competed for numerous trophies on offer at a handicap event on Saturday.

Club spokeswomen Mandy Jones said age was no barrier and the club's aim was to "Have Fun, Get Fit, Go Faster" by either running or walking.

"At WHC all walkers and runners are catered for," Jones said.

"We have activities and events to suit all abilities. Age is no barrier, whether you are four or 84 and can walk or run you will enjoy the social and competitive atmosphere. With this in mind we have quite a few handicap events which enable everyone a chance to get their name on a trophy.

"The club member with the best individual performance in each age group compared to their ability usually achieves the victory."

The club chose one of its toughest courses navigated during the season on Saturday with the stil conditons a bonus.

The adult walkers and runners compete over a tough hilly 10km Wanganui East course starting at St Anne's School then climbing Bastia Hill via Georgetti Road, Shakespeare Road and Mt View Road twice.

Glen Hutchins put in a good effort in the Men's 10km run to claim the Ross Greaves Trophy this year with Jason Dawes second and Neil Mayo third. The Women's 10km Gary Wolland Memorial Trophy was claimed by Mignon Stevenson with Nelda Hazelhurst a close second and Elly Arnst not far behind when handicaps were taken into account.

The male walkers' Barry Ross Trophy was won by a relative newcomer to the sport Robin Howard.

"He has been steadily improving during the season and catching up with the top walkers," Jones said.

"Peter Monrad and Damien Wood were second and third respectively and had very close times so there will be some tough competition in the upcoming Club Road Championships in October.

"The women's walk event raced for the Bevan & Ileen Chilcott Trophy and Gail Bernard did the best with her handicap this year with Kate Quigley second and Paula Goudie third."

The kids raced on a flat course over 1km (U9s) and 2km (U12s) with the the rest of the kids racing over 4km.

"Toby Young put in a solid effort over his 1km course to make the most of his handicap and claim the victory and the Martin Miniature Cup in the U9s race. There was a large bunch of U12s who turned up for their race this week. This group is very keen and conscientious and give it their best every week.

"They ran 2km and competed for the Martin Trophy which was won by Alice Quigley with Oliver Jones running a very good time of 8.02 for second in the handicap race while Lucy Wilkinson-Smith was third. The older kids competed for the Robyn Martin Cup and was won by Ben Conder with Nathaniel Kirk second and Elliot Jones third.

"We are having a fun relay at Virginia Lake this Saturday starting at 1.30pm and new members are always welcome and the Marton to Wanganui Relay is on the following Saturday," Jones said.