3 days ago
Meet continues proud tradition
osefine Tauba was the first female home in the Gore Handicap Cross-country at Hamilton Park on Saturday. The race celebrated its 70th anniversary. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
One of Southland's longest-running athletic meets continued a proud legacy when celebrating its 70th anniversary at the weekend.
The Gore Handicap Cross-country was held at Hamilton Park on Saturday, around 60 runners lacing up for the event.
All age groups were welcome with distances ranging from 2000m for the young guns to 5000m for the 18 and up category.
Sunny skies and decent running conditions meant runners stayed on a good pace, pairing well with previous times and events.
The race was first started in 1955 by Reg Clutterbuck after whom the winner's trophy is named.
Gore Harrier president and race manager Graham Hall said Mr Clutterbuck was an early devotee of the sport, before everyone got their running shoes on.
"He was a very good supporter of the harriers and athletics. He promoted the sport with the children.
"All you needed was a pair of shorts and shoes and you could run and it has been carrying on strong since," he said.
Clutterbuck Trophy winner Ian Densie was presented the trophy by longtime race manager and the winner of the first race, Ivan Stark, linking 70 years of cross-country excellence. PHOTO: GORE HARRIERS
Mr Hall picked up the manager position from longtime harrier and first winner, Ivan Stark, who also plotted the course at Hamilton Park.
This hard work in the early days, before the boom of running, is what Mr Hall said had been the key to its continued and ongoing success.
"There's no other events [going for 70 years]. It's a credit to Reg and Ivan the event has carried on.
"I hope the run continues on for many years yet, keeping the legacy of Reg and Ivan's efforts going," he said.
Clutterbuck Trophy winner Ian Densie was presented his award by Ivan Stark. Josefine Tauba won the section for the first female home.
Bobby Douglas recorded the fastest time, Grant Baker was the fastest runner in the 50 and up category and Bryce McVicar was the first Gore club runner.
St Paul's Harrier & Athletic Club won the overall club prize for their efforts, while Lilian and Henry Tudor were presented an award for their services to the sport.
