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Letter from Scottish member in the 1960s, Jim Swadling, lately of Vancouver, posted 18 January 2010 Sent in by Don Dalgliesh, who joined the club in about the same year as Jim, 1961: I guess Scottish has changed a lot over the years. I don't recognise too many names from the website. I did bump into David Lonsdale in 2004 at the World Masters Association event in Auckland - oh and Bruce McLean too, though I think he had moved away from Wellington - and David seemed to be more into race walking. Apart from that I don't think I have had contact with any of our running contemporaries from the 1960-70s (except Jim Conway - more of that in a bit).

A quick update on what I've been up to: After leaving Wellington in 1970, I spent a year in Australia, came back to Auckland and married Erin, who I had met in Wellington. We lived in various parts of NZ for about 10 years, had two kids (both boys) in Tokoroa. Then at the worst of the Muldoon era we packed up and moved to Canada, where we still live in Vancouver.  I have more or less kept up my running (sometimes jogging!) over the years. Around 1990 at a race in Vancouver I  met Jimmie Conway who had also moved here. He talked me into joining a running club - Lions Gate Road Runners - and I have run with then ever since. Quite a good bunch of not too fast - but plenty competitive - runners. Jimmie was quite involved in organising the Vancouver Marathon for a number of years but unfortunately he developed lung cancer (no doubt from his time working on the wharves and ships with asbestos contamination). He passed away in the late '90s - we still have a "Silver Fox" club trophy in his memory. I became a bit competitve in age-group running and also did a few ultras, representing Canada once at a "world challenge" 100k in Holland. That's behind me now and in the past year I have been off  running as much as on, with various tendon injuries. I'll be back, though!

I have almost retired from work after some company downsizing a couple of years ago, but I am doing IT contract work a few hours a week for pocket money. Suits me fine. On the personal front we have an 18-month grandson and life is generally quite good (if only I could run more!). We still get back to NZ once in a while, but since Mum passed away in 1998 and my brother last year, we probably won't go there so often, although I still have a sister in Auckland. Cheers, Jim

Scottish Night of Miles, Newtown Park, 19 December 2009 Report by David Lonsdale: A change to the entry system requiring written or email entries was a great success. So much so that we ran out of forms before the entries for the Open Mile and Spiral races closed. Over 200 athletes competed and they with a good crowd of spectators saw some close races despite the wind. $1,000 was raised as a donation to the Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown from entry fees and donations. Before the start of the All Comers race Father Christmas was seen in deep conversation with the Minister of Finance Hon Bill English. Presumably he was arranging a loan to cover the cost of buying bulk lots of presents from China. The All Comers race had 42 starters and Father Christmas ran very well to finish strongly in seventh place. His skills at throwing lollies to the children improves every year! The six runners in front of Father Christmas should be worried now about just what presents they will get after running away from him! First in the All Comers' Mile was Greg Mitchell (Scot), while first female was Jess Kerr (Olympic).  The Junior Men's mile was won convincingly by Mike Krause (WHAC), the NZSS 2009 1500m champion. He finished untroubled in 4:31.28 from Matt Pavitt 4:34.35 also of WHAC and ahead of Malcolm Hodge (Scot) in 4:38.34. 

The Women's Mile was one of the races of the night with Jacinda Swain (Lower Hutt) pulling away over the last 300m to a comfortable win in 4:57.95 from Barbara Roy (WHAC) 5:02.36 and Tina Harris (Scot) 5:03.52. Anne Hare (Scot) ran an excellent W45 time in 5:09.90. In the Handicap Walk, Peter Baillie (scot) blitzed the field with a M60 best performance of 7:56.85 (4:56.6 per k). Bob Gardner won on handicap. Behind him the placings changed frequently, but Alison Samson (WHAC) held on for second fastest time 9:33.91. Nick Willis (Lower Hutt), the Beijing Olympic 1500m Silver Medalist, kindly came out to act as pacemaker for the first 1300m in the feature race, the Scottish Open Mile. There was a good field of 17 starters but only Hamish Carson (Scot, photo above) and Cory Casey (Scot) were strong enough to go with Nick's pace. After a first lap of about 63s and half of 67s Hamish and Corey raced hard for good early season times of 4:11.79 for Hamish and 4:12.84 for Casey. Luke O'Donnell (Scot) M19 held off all of the challengers for third place in 4:26.12. In the Spiral Handicap race over 3.4k, the first three placegetters were Tom Mackley, Thomas McCallum and Phillip Grimmett. Results | Handicap walk  

Splash and Dash (730S/3R), Freyberg Beach, 16 December 2009 Under a beautiful blue sky, Cameron Goldsmid backed up his win a fortnight ago with another this evening. He was followed home by Martin van Barneveld. Other Scottish competitors were: Warren Sutherland, Simon Maister, John Skinnon (1M50), Anna Marshall, Jane Loughnan, Karen Ward, Sarah Beable. Results

NZ Secondary Schools Championships, Aorangi Stadium, Timaru, 12-13 December 2009 Quick scan for Scottish members: Junior Girls, Ariana Blackwood (Freyberg), Disc, 33.96m 3, Jav, 5, Ham, 6; Senior boys, Stephen Isaac (StP) 110H, 2, 300H, 7; JG 1500m,  Ariana Harper (Onslow), 7; SG, Melody Stein (Para), TJ, 2; SB, Malcolm Hodge (Tawa), 1500m, 7 Results

Staples Rodway Cape Kidnappers Challenge, 28k offroad, 12 December 2009 Aubrey Begley reports: "The weather was kind to us - drizzle and breeze which were welcome after the 29 degrees the day before. The first 8k along the beach were stunning with the steep cliffs towering over us and the gannets flying around. We certainly got our money's worth of hills over the next 14k, being reduced to a walk up a few of the steeper ones. The last 6k saw us zigzagging through a river (sometimes up to chest height) to complete the loop around Cape Kidnappers. A definite Challenge - well-organised though, with a good turnout for the inaugural event." Scottish members present: Aubrey Begley (4W, 3OW), Christine Carleton (5W, 2MW), Graeme Lear (8M, 1M50). Challenge

Home to Pub Multisport Event, Upper Hutt to Martinborough, 12 December 2009 Easily the worst weather that we have ever had for the Home to Pub. Howling wind and a rapidly rising river forced a truncation of the event. Equally though one of the more pleasant and social ends as well. Provisional results without the splits are attached. The splits will be done during the week. The organiser passes congratulations on to all who started the event – everyone finished and no one got lost. Most importantly, no one got injured. As for Scottish results, the team of James Coubrough and Glenn Hughes were first. Ben Candy and Hamish Farrar soloed; Diane Morgan was in a duathlon team. As well, Claire Sherrington found a team mate (not Scottish) and both finished. Results (splits to come)

Three Bridges Marathon and Half Marathon, 12 December 2009 David Colquhoun reports: The Wanganui Three Bridges run and walk spanned at least four seasons - very heavy rain at the start, and then getting hot and very windy by the end. It is an attractive course, criss-crossing the river, taking in parks and stopbanks and the old river waterfront. Despite being flat, it is not particularly fast though, especially as the rain made the off-road paths a bit muddy in places. There were seven Scottish participants. Peter Wrigley cruised around the 4-lap marathon in 4:09:35. Our ultra runner Vivian Cheng ran 4:16:39. David Colquhoun was 1M50 in the half with 1:34:26. Robyn McArthur was first woman in the half marathon walk (2:25:51). In the 10k walk, Daphne Jones was 2W60, Karen Gillespie was 6W, and Peter Tearle was 2M60. Results

Black Programme, Newtown Park, 12 December 2009 Anne Hare won the W45 800m in 2m 27.3s. 61-year-old Peter Baillie recorded 16m 27.4s in the 3000m track walk.  Results

Pearl Izumi Taupo Half Ironman, 12 December 2009 Scottish members in the half were: Shaun Barnett, Damian Walsh, Daryl Bloomfield, Michele Allison (until the first of two (!) punctures was holding out for 6th) and Carly Woodham. Results

Annual Circum Sanctuary Pack Run/Ride, Bowen St Alley, 11 December 2009 Perfect day for running - overcast, threat of rain (didn't happen) - but not for sightseeing - clouds on the tops cut visibility back to 30m. The windmill was just an indistinct shape in the cloud. From Scottish: Ken, Jo, Phil, Richard and Paul R. Non-club members: Tom, Bill, Emma, Kam, Paul J, Ben, Kailin, Jeremy, Sam, Rachael, and Peter W on a mountain bike. I measured 15.14k (without going over the top of Wrights and staying with the fenceline) for an elevation gain of 646m. Some took 1:16; the slowest was 1:50. It's a good warm-up for the 11.8k Meridian Gutbuster Run/Walk on 7 March 2010.

The Goat Alpine Adventure Run, Whakapapa to Turoa, 6 December 2009  Scottish presence on the 21k mountain run: Rees Buck (2M), 1:59; Ben Christophers (4U23), 2:23; Dave Kettles (3M40), 2:33; Graeme Lear, 2:58; Susan Joy, 3:47.  Results 

Korokoro Stream Hilly Half Marathon, 10k, 4k, 6 December 2009 Jo Badham reports: A fine day (despite the grey start) for some excellent views across the harbour from the top of Belmont Trig. A good Scottish turnout for all the Korokoro Stream events this year.  Terri and Phillip Grimmett were first home in the half marathon walk and Danielle Stevens and Sean Beresford took top honours in the 4k run.  And others managed to improve drastically on their times by not missing the turnoff for the Trig this time. 10k run: Jonathan Beresford, Juliet Stevens, Stu Beresford, Michele Glogau. Half marathon run: Peter Stevens, Peter Bratby, Matyas James, Glen Wallis, John Gardiner, Jo Badham, Karyn McLean. Results (.xls)

Contact Energy Scorching Triathlons, including the Tri Club's Sprint Championship ("Tri-Arthur-lon"), Scorching Bay, 6 December 2009  The standard 20k-40k northerly winds prevailed for the 21st Contact Energy Scorching Triathlon. Spotted in the field were the following Scottish and near-Scottish members: John Skinnon (3M50), Natalie Smith, Deano Gaskin, Sally-Ann Spencer, Karen Stevens, Paul Rodway, Cameron Goldsmid (first senior man), Richard Sweetman, James Goodchild, Jane Loughnan (2W40), Mike Frith, Seini O'Connor, Warren Sutherland, Jane Heather-Sclater, Steph Anderson, Emma Brooks, Simon Maister, James Berry, Fleur Baker, Conan Young.  Supporting or organising were: Daryl Bloomfield, Don Dalgliesh, Tom Bassindale (and the Lesser Bassindale), Fleur Baker and Dean Gaskin. Results

Gold Programme, Newtown Park, 5 December 2009 Anne Hare broke her own 400m Wellington Masters W45-49 age group record this afternoon with a hand time reading of 66.9 which breaks the electronic time of 67.99 Anne recorded on the 7 November 2009. Results to come

Summer Programme: Belmont Hills Patch Run, St Aidan's in Normandale, 5 December 2009 Perfect day for a trot in the Belmont Hills, not too hot, not too cool, just right. The day and venue drew 16 people from Scottish and from the Hutt Valley Marathon Clinic: Ken and Robyne (hosts), Ross, Howard, Bernice, Christine, Barbara and Barbara,  Phil, Gill, Alistair, Elaine, Derek, Neil, Paul, and Eddie.  We covered 12.9k, took 1hour 42min (including sight-seeing stops), for an elevation gain (and loss) of 444m and had a good recovery breakfast afterwards.

Splash and Dash, 730S/3R, Freyberg Beach, 2 December 2009 A cold and drizzly start to the season, but didn't stop a good Scottish turnout: Jane Loughnan, Karen Ward, Cameron Goldsmid, Eimear O'Brien, Evan Agnew, James Goodchild, Sorel Fagan, Warren Sutherland, Daryl Bloomfield, Paul Rodway, and in the team event, Deano Gaskin and Steve Plowman. Former Scottish members included Jeanette Bourke, Seini O'Connor, Phil Morrison. Results

North Island Masters Track and Field Championships, Palmerston North, 28 November 2009 Anne Hare broke Pam Graham's 800m NZ Masters Record and Wellington Masters Record in the 45-49 age group on Saturday morning. Anne recorded 2:23.72 beating Pam's 1995 record of 2:24.27. Anne also broke the 800m NI Masters Championship record by over 9 seconds held back in 1989. In the afternoon, Anne broke the NI Masters Championship record over 1500m by approx. 20 seconds held back in 1994. Anne's time was  4.54.34.

Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, 28 November 2009 A select group of Scottish members did the 160k ride in not the greatest of conditions: Eimear O'Brien, David Young, Karl Woolcott, Simon Maister, Ben McHale, Rachel Neutze, Anthony Venning. Results

Palmerston North, 24 November 2009 Ariana Blackwood, in a brief break from her NCEA exams, lowered her 800m PB by 2s running 2:22.85, discus 34.88m (and 36.40m tantalisingly just outside the sector), 1.40 high jump.  Melissa Blackwood also ran an 800m PB.

Lower Hutt Junior Medal Day, Petone, 22 November 2009 Ariana Harper made a clean sweep of the G14 100m, 200m and 800m to take three gold medals. Patrick Twiss also picked up a few medals for B15, including a silver for high jump. Ariana is currently ranked fastest Wellington woman over 800m so far this season with a time of 2min 23.4secs.

Southland Marathon, 22 November 2009 Perfect conditions for a marathon - calm, overcast, light drizzle for the first 40 minutes then clear: Matt Dravitzki, 2:20:45, 1st; Dave Parsons, 2:30:12, 2nd; Rohan Biggs, 2:41:11, 9th; Darren Blackhurst, 2:52:15, 23rd=; Karl Woodhead, 3:36:57, 91st. Dave's result was the stand-out, bettering a PB of 2.41 at Christchurch. Shireen Crumpton went out at 2.36 pace but blew up, finishing in 2:44:54, and so Gabby O'Rourke's course record of 2:37.58 remains. Today Gabby ran 2:48:45 for 2MW. Josie Askin ran the half in 1:38:38, 8OW, Bernie Portenski, 1:27:27, 2MW. Mandy ran 49:25 for 6W in the 10k. Results (pdf) The first time this marathon was run was in 1909; the second time was 1953!

Black Programme, Newtown Park, 21 November 2000 Results 

Molesworth Run (and now walk!), 21 November 2000  John Leonard reports: A Scottish walking team comprising Geoff Iremonger, John Leonard, Leeane Palmer and David Cooke (photo above) completed the Molesworth Run on Saturday. The course is a hilly high country dirt road at an altitude of 900m to 1100m above sea level that is 84k long. It was an exciting experience and quite an adventure overall. We camped near the Cob Cottage at the start of the race on Friday night and started with the solo runners at 8am on Saturday. Geoff did the first leg over the very demanding Ward's Pass, followed by Leeane on leg 2, John on leg 3, which were both more hilly than we thought they would be. David finished with the long haul up Jack's Pass and a steep downhill to the finish. We completed it in 10:57, quite a bit slower than the relay runners, and because of the mass starts to each leg for the relay teams, we finished ahead of some of the solo runners. This was the first walking team to enter the event. Scottish runners Vivian Cheng (first solo woman, 9:58) and Peter Wrigley and Damian Walsh (team, 7:55) also competed. Molesworth | Results

Former Scottish members in NCAA Regional 10k Cross Country Race, Bloomington, Indiana, posted 16 November 2009 From roving reporter Steve O'Leary: Former Scottish runners Terefe Ejigu (right, below) and Brendon Blacklaws finished 25th and 31st respectively in this event with Terefe (Eastern Michigan University Eagles) clocking 31:49 and Brendon 31:56.  The best Kiwi finisher in the field was Caden Shields who finished 10th in 31:22. Meanwhile, in his regional 10k XC held in Boston, Tim Hodge of Stony Brook (photo above) was 32nd in 32:18, the 3rd Kiwi home behind Dominic Channon and Julian Matthews.

Scorching Triathlons, Scorching Bay, 15 November 2009  The gale-force northerlies were trying on the bike and run. The first transition from land to sea was particularly bracing. These attending with Scottish allegiances were Tom Poland, Stephanie Anderson, Anna Marshall, Angela Campbell, John Skinnon, Paul Rodway, Karl Woolcott, Evan Agnew, Carly Woodham, Conan Young, Don Dalgliesh (photographing), Jane Loughnan (marshalling), Daryl Bloomfield (race directing), Jo Badham (spectating the prize-giving). Results  

London marathon vet Christine Jones to take on Senshu Marathon, posted 15 November 2009 Christine has won the right to run the Senshu International Marathon in February 2010. She will represent Wellington at the event put on by Wellington's sister city Sakai. Christine joins a long list of Scottish members who have run this Japanese winter marathon over the years, including Maryanne Palmer, Bev Hodge, Mick Finn, Helen and Sally Anderson, and Stu Beresford.

Paul's Patch Run, Wilton area, 14 November 2009 The opening of the patch series was a double play starting with a dry run for the Rimutaka Railway Runners a fortnight earlier (31 October). In the early session about a dozen showed up: Ken, Robyne, Diane, Christine, Phil, Karen, Paul, Howard, Bernice, Stu, Jo, Barbara, Don (and Andrena and children at the breakfast). We visited the ancient rimu, the Johnston's Hill ridge, returning to the carpark via Bell's Track and Cummings Park in 1:30. The second session attracted nine: Ken, Paul, Ross, Rebecca, Geoff, Pam, Venessa, Ioasa, Nick for a 1:40 run. Again we visited the rimu (a clearer view now), and then traversed the Karori Cemetery, Tinakori Ridge, the Ngaio Gorge. The next run starts from St. Aidan's in Normandale at 8am on 5 December and will be hosted by Ken and Robyne. Photo above: A stunning view of Wellington from South Tinakori, largely blocked by a bunch of runners. Oh well.

Central Regional Teams Competition - 2nd Round, Palmerston North, 14 November 2009  Don Dalgliesh reports: A much better showing at Palmerston North. Team Wellington progressed from 12 competitors at Hastings to 36 at Palmerston. We had four females and eight males in Hastings and 13 females and 23 males in Palmerston. In Hastings, we had six from Lower Hutt, five from Scottish and one from mid-valley. In Palmerston, we had 13 from Lower Hutt,11 from Scottish, four from Mana, three from mid-valley, two from Paraparaumu, one from Kiwi, one from Karori and one from Olympic. Unfortunately, no official results have sighted from Hastings, and no team points either. I expect results from Palmerston within the next few days, and then we can see how we rank against the other teams. Remember that the last meeting is in Wellington on 28 November, and I need a list of those competing, or likely to compete, with the events they wish to do, by the Wednesday before (25 Nov). Thanks to all those who have taken part so far,and lets see how many more we can get out for the 28. Separate report: Ariana Harper was first in the Girls 800m in 2:23. At the bell, she was tailing the field, but she ran wide around the bend, and went right through the field taking the lead from the back straight. She also set a new PB in 400m (3rd in B female division) of 60.86 seconds. 

Rimutaka Railway offroad run/walk, Wairarapa, 14 November 2009 Jo Badham reports: A good contingent of Scottish runners at the Rimutaka Railway Run this year on a chilly morning - Natalie Smith came either first or second, there being a bit of a mix-up in the timings at the end. Karen Gillespie, fuelled by a week in the sun in Australia, and Christine Jones, fuelled by adrenaline after receiving the news  about selection for the Senshu International Marathon earlier that morning, also flew across the hill. The rest of us were buoyed on by the thought of the picnic and bubbles (and Belinda, Easton and Andrena and children) waiting for us at the other end!  In attendance: Della Laird, Joanne Kwok, Margarete McGrath, Jo Badham, Vanessa Ward, Kirsty from England (a Scottish member in the making), Diane Morgan (baking goddess), Loretta Desourdy, Bernice Cavanagh, Barbara Tucker, Felix Delbruck and Robyne Blackford. Other flashes of yellow witnessed included Tim Rickerby, Alistair Duffy and Peter Plowman and, as walkers, Ian Morton, David Fisher and Peter Tearle.

Former member Alan Cox dies, posted 9 November 2009 David Lonsdale reports: Alan joined Scottish while at Rongotai College in the early 1970s and he ran road, cross-country and track. Later he joined WHAC from Scottish and I think to be coached by Graham Tattersall and ran with them for many years. Then as with most of us his level of involvement tailed off when his family came along. I think he and his children have run with Olympic and I saw him only a couple of months ago at Trentham Memorial Park at the Dorne Cup. He won the Tanadees Shield in 1974.

Napier City Pak'n Save Half Marathon and 10k, 8 November 2009 Half a dozen Scottish Harriers kept the rest honest in the annual Napier Half Marathon and 10k road races with top results from Tim Rickerby (2nd in the half in a PB of 1:21:13) and M50 runner Steve Plowman (1st overall in the 10k in 40:35) beating home a field of 90 runners. Tim came with a barnstorming late run for his personal best. Steve, the oldest runner in the race, proved the old adage that "an old head can sometimes beat young legs" true by keeping with the pace until halfway and then putting the acid on his younger rivals to establish a winning break, which he extended to over 400m at the finish. Runners faced a 17kph headwind (a mere zephyr for usual Tuesday night Brooks 5k runners!), but conditions were nigh-on perfect, although temperatures were rising throughout the morning's racing. Kim Daubney (2nd Open woman in 1:33), Alice McCubbin-Howell (4th OW, 1:35), Carly Woodham (13th OW, 1:44), and Robyne Blackford (4th W50-59) in the same event, recorded meritorious efforts, while Ken Howell was 8th, behind perennial winner Eric Phimister in the M50-59 grade in the half, with Ken clocking a very respectable 1:36:54 and looking strong at the finish. Rebecca Speirs ran a plucky 4th in the women's 10k race (48:05) after unfortunately suffering the ill effects of a virus during the week. Results

XTERRA Trail Running Series in Wellington, Event 4 - Starlight Run Makara, Makara MTB Park, 7 November 2009 Good conditions apparently for night running. With Scottish affiliations: Long course - Eimear O'Brien (2W), Catherine Dunn (3W). Short course - Jonathan Beresford (1JM), Stu Beresford (2M), Anna Marshall, Annalee O'Rourke.  Results

Gladstone Scarecrow Scamper, 5k/10k, Gladstone, 7 November 2009 John Palmer reports: A typical beautiful fine day in the Wairarapa for the running of the Gladstone School's Scarecrow Scamper.  This low-key event offered runners and walkers a 5k and 10k option on an out and back course taking in all types of terrain from grass, metal road, sealed road (2k up Admiral Hill), and then the last part to the turn round point, along a dirt track.  Competitors also had to cross two streams on the way out and again on the way back - a real cross country course! The challenging course was well marked and I believe that they run a different course each year.  An event that I can recommend taking part in if you wish to spend a day in the glorious Wairarapa weather and afterwards partake in the yummy venison burgers available at the Gladstone School Gala while waiting for the prize giving. If you are lucky enough, you can also win a spot prize! Scottish members taking part on the day and competing in the 10k were Glen Wallis (44:07), John Palmer (54:33), Maryanne Palmer (58:52) and life member Peter Tearle who walked the 10k (91:12). Results

Gold Programme, Newtown Park, 7 November 2009 Anne Hare ran a Wellington Masters 400m record in the 45-49 age group, breaking Joan Hurdle's time of 70.9. Anne’s official time was 67.99. Joan Hurdle was a stalwart of Wellington Harriers, sister of Pat Mitchell who was Anne's first coach in Petone. Scottish members  participating at Newtown Park were Melody Stein (100, LJ), Marissa Pritchard (200, TJ), Stephen Isaac (200), Megan Blair (400), Anne Hare (400), Ryan Mahon (1500), Malcolm Hodge (1500), Jason Waite (1500), Grant McLean (1500), Jonathon Harper (1500), Michael Browne (1500), Florence Reynolds (2000S), Ariana Harper (2000S), Rachel Kennedy (5000W), Terri Grimmett (5000W), Daphne Jones (5000W), Christine Gardner (5000W?), Bob Gardner (5000W). Happy belated birthday wishes to Michael Browne who celebrated his 79th at the end of October. That's him above the Brooks's logo at the top of this page.  (Ed: Scottish members, how about putting "Scottish" down as your club when you pre-enter?) Results (Athletics Wellington) | Wellington Masters Records

Wellington Masters 10k Championships, Sacred Heart College, Bellevue Rd, Lower Hutt, 1 November 2009 John Palmer reports: The fastest male walker was Philip Grimmett, while Terri Grimmett held that honour for the women. Fastest male runner was Grant McLean, with Nyla Carroll the fastest woman over the distance. It was also good to see some new faces taking part in the event.The number of runners was up on 2008 with 25 making the start line compared with 17 last year, but the walkers remained the same with nine taking part. The weather was fine with a light breeze to contend with on the way out. Conditions did get a little warm towards the latter part of the race. Results

The adidas Auckland Marathon and Half, 1 November 2009 A marathon with many former Scottish members in evidence. Among our current members were Evan Roberts (2:52) and Aubrey Begley (first marathon, 3:24). Former member Rowan Hooper won the event in 2:31 and Team Ruthe (Jess and Ben) came in on 2:49. In the half, Scottish life member Melissa Moon ran 1:30. Results

Hutt City Triathlon (4R/18B/300S), Naenae Pool, 1 November 2009 On a stunning day, a few Scottish members opened their triathlon season with this pool-based tri: Mike Frith (3M3655), Jane Fitchner (team), Paul Rodway (3M56+), and new mother Kendal Morgan (8W2135).  I now know what swimming in a shark-infested pool would be like. Results

College Athletics League and Open Meet, Newtown Park, 24 October 2009 Good turnout by Scottish members. Anne Hare ran in the 1500m race and broke Pam Graham’s Wellington Masters Record in the 45-49 age group (4:49.28) (new record to be ratified). Anne’s official time was 4:48.69. Results

2009 World Masters Games, Sydney, 10-18 October 2009 We spotted two Scottish members in the results: W35-39, 1500m: Suzanne Cookson, 3,  5:23; W45-49, 1500m, Anne Hare, 2, 4:49; 5000m, Anne Hare, 1 17:58.  We have yet to hear from Paul Brydges.

Ford Ironman World Championship, Kona, Hawaii, 10 October 2009 Deano Gaskin was 120th in his age division, taking 10:37:44 to complete his first Kona. His splits: Swim (3.8k): 1:05:48; Bike (180k): 5:30:49; Run (42.2k): 3:44:22. Results

College Athletics League + Open Meet, Newtown Park, 10 October 2009 Scottish members in the results were Terri and Phillp Grimmett and Peter Baillie (3000 walk). Results

Belvedere Handicap Half Marathon, West Carterton, 26 September 2009  Several Scottish teams fronted for this individual or relay half marathon (7.1k/7k/7k). Fastest overall were the Scottish Scorchers (Ben Barry, Corey Casey and Ethan Lankshear) in 1:07. Other Scottish teams were: Dads Army (with Peter Tearle), 3:02, 4th under handicap; We Three (the Wallises including our Glen), 2:06; Scottish Twissties (Bill and Cameron), 1:23; Scottish City Slickers (Luke O'Donnell, Jesse Patel, Josh Van Dalen), 1:10; and Scottish Scallywags (Patrick and Aaron Twiss, Nicholas Bailey), 1:30. Proceeds went to Child Cancer. Results

Brenda Burke dies, posted 23 September 2009 Brenda died today just a few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. She was two weeks shy of her 50th birthday. She moved to Ahipara near Kaitaia in February 2009 to make a fresh start, away from previous work areas and pursuits she could no longer do here. On her website she recently described herself as follows: "I live and write, mostly poetry, in the Far North of New Zealand, after previous lives in Wellington and Canada. Canadian-born, I have done many jobs, from senior management to supermarket stocktakes." She packed a lot in, from 28 marathons (including the 60k ultra on her beloved Ninety Mile Beach), a marathon on a gym rowing machine, 10 years with Scottish, a stint on the management committee and as women's coordinator. She contributed poems to several collections and many publications, wrote about a diverse mix of topics for the online magazine Suite 101, ranging from Buddhism, art and fitness, Maori arts, to the Green economy and barter, poverty and crime. But in the end, the race was far too short. - Paul

The Pelorus Trust Half Marathon events, 20 September 2009 This appears to have been a Scottish "away day" out in Petone with lots of yellow singlets in attendance. Tina Harris won the women's 10k and Grant McLean took out the men's. Half Run - Women: Mandy Simpson; Elisabeth Numan-Parsons. Men: Graeme Lear (4th); Simon Maister; Tim Hawkes; Anthony Venning; Alastair Duffy; Nick Whalley' Felix Delbruck; Daryl Bloomfield. Half Walk - Women: Terri Grimmett (1st); Leeane Palmer (3rd). Men: David Cooke (3rd); John Hines. 10k Run - Women: Tina Harris (1st); Karen Ward; Shelly Crestani. Men: Grant McLean (1st); Brett Story; Jamie Wite; Daniel Withinshaw; Craig Crestani.  10k Walk: Daphne Jones (2W); Geoff Iremonger (3M); Peter Tearle.  5k Run: Helen Willis (1W). Results

Club patron Alan Stevens's other life: Recently Alan returned to his other running club, Blackheath & Bromley Harrier Club, and was presented with his 50-year membership award. In return, Alan performed this rather disturbing haka. Eighteen bemused past presidents were in attendance.  More photos

2009 ITU Triathlon Age Group World Championship, 14 September 2009 Richard Sweetman reports: There were a large number of Scottish Members among the NZ age group team participating in the World Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlon Champs held on the Gold Coast last Saturday and Sunday. Scottish members included John Skinnon, Michele Allison, Angela Campbell, Dawn Kelly, Jane Heather-Sclater, Warren Sutherland and myself. Also Martin van Barneveld was in the Elite Mens race (41st). Results (good luck!)

The 16th Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, Nelson, 12 September 2009 Jo Badham reports: This can be summed up in that old cliche: Mud (there was plenty of it), Sweat (a great effort put in by all competitors) and Tears (Jo's with the pain at 8k to go and Alice's when her running kit didn't make it on to the same plane as she did...)!  Results: Aubrey Begley 3:18 (3W), Alice McCubbin-Howell 3:23 (4W), Jo Badham 4:21 (31W). Results

River Kwai Half Marathon, Thailand, 13 September 2009 From Della Laird: Extreme humidity, hills and heat. I got to the turn at 1:14 and then managed to finish in 2:20:51. Happy!  Results

25th World Mountain Running Championships, Campodolcino - Madessimo, Italy, 6 September 2009  SW Melissa Moon (Scot) was 24th in the senior women's over 8680m +550m in 47m 37s, Lara Phillips was 41st in 49m 36s and Sarah Biss 61st in 55m 31s. They were 11th in the teams. Elisa Desco of Italy won in 43m 39s. JW Samantha Blanch was 30th in the junior women's 4340m +275m in 26m 3s, Melissa Murrihy 34th in 26m 50s and Rochelle Sceats 37th in 27m 54s. They were 12th in the teams. Yasemi Can of Turkey won in 22m 18s. JM Michael Banks finished 12th in the junior men's 8680m +550m, in 41m 55s. Won by Xavier Chevrier of Italy in 38m 26s. SM James Coubrough (Scot) was 69th in the senior men 13,020m +825m in 1h 3m 29s, Dougal Thorburn was 73rd in 1h 3m 47s, Aaron Jackson 88th in 1h 5m 9s and Daniel Clendon 110th in 1h 8m 35s. Glenn Hughes (Scot) DNS. New Zealand was 17th in the teams. Geoffrey Kusuro of Uganda won in 54m 51s.

New Zealand Road Championships, Dunedin, 5 September 2009 A contingent of Scottish members competed in the champs: Walkers: David Cooke, Kevin Watson, Peter Baillie and Terri Grimmett (all first in their age grades); W16/G14: Ariana Harper (1G14); W35: Lotty Turnidge; M19: Jesse Patel, Josh van Dalen; M: Kees Keizer, Ryan Woolley, Dave Parsons; M40: Grant McLean (2M40); B12: Jonathan Beresford. Results | Photo: Ariana Harper sporting G14 gold in Dunedin.

Four Kiwis take on the mountains in lead-up to Worlds, Italy, 30 August 2009 From Gabby O'Rourke: The men's race had 151 competitors and women's race 35 finishers. Unlike the World Champs race to be held next week (which is uphill and downhill), this course was mostly uphill.  
MEN
    1    WYATT Jonathan  Nuova Zelanda    1:07:56
    2    DUPONT Jean Cristophe    Francia    1:11:16
    3    RATTI Carlo    Falchi Lecco    1:21:25
also     23    CLENDON Daniel    Nuova Zelanda    1:24:53
WOMEN
    1    VOKUEVA Janna    Russia    0:39:37
    2    MOON Melissa    Nuova Zelanda    0:42:02
    3    DUGO Meseret    Etiopia    0:42:28
    4    PHILLIPS Lara    Nuova Zelanda    0:42:33

From Lara Phillips: Unfortunately there was an avalanche on the course this year, so they had to cut race from 8k down to 6k.  but given the world champs are only next weekend, we are probably better off.  The race has a 720m climb from 1300m altitude up to 2000m.  It was a pretty slow, hard climb, full of tree roots, loose rocks and scree. Apparently there is a pretty fantastic view up the top, but it was a very cloudy day, and by the top of the mountain we were completely surrounded by dense fog. It was so smothering, it was hard to see the runner in front of you. The order was determined within the first k, with a Russian girl in front, Melissa Moon in 2nd, the Ethiopian close behind, and me about 30 seconds back. Jonathan Wyatt (the New Zealander who won the race again this year for the 11th time in a row!) dominated as usual, over a strong field from Kenya, Ethiopian, Rwanda and the US. All of the Africans were professional athletes and I spoke to one Kenyan who runs a 61-minute half marathon who said this was the toughest race of his life and he never wanted to enter a mountain race again!

33rd Intercollege Road Relays, Trentham Memorial Park, 26 August 2009 Note from Paul: Somehow I missed putting these results up. Sorry! Don Dalgliesh reports: The relays attracted an entry of 32 teams from nine colleges, for a total of 164 competitors. There were five new records created this year: Kieron McDonald (Scots) in the U16 Boys grade, Matt Grenfell (HIBs) in the Y9 Boys grade, Jean Kozyniak (St Catherines) in the Y9 Girls grade, Scots College in the Senior Boys grade and Wellington College in the Y9 Boys grade. Results (.xls)

Contact Duathlon Series (10R/40B/5R), doubling as the Oceania Champs, Palmerston North, 23 August 2009 In the men's under-23 grade, Cameron Goldsmid was third;  Steph Anderson in W2024 was second; Fleur Baker was 6W3539; John Skinnon was second in the M6064 event, behind an Australian. In the short course, Leanne Palmer was 12th open woman. Results

Shoe Clinic Hawkes Bay Marathon, Half, 22 August 2009 A good sprinkling of Scottish members in the Bay on Saturday: Garry Murcott, 1:24, was second male in the half; Alasdair Saunders, 1:25, 3; Peter Bratby, 1:29, 5; Howard Harman, 1:47; David Young, 1:55.  In the full marathon, Vivian Cheng ran 3:57, 7W.  Happy 60th, Howard! Results

XTERRA Trail Run Wellington Event 1 at the Rimutaka Forest Park, Wainuiomata, 16 August 2009  Alice McCubbin-Howell was 5th woman in the long race (16k) and 24th overall in 1:57. Carly Woodham was 20th in the medium (10k), 1:27; Annalee O'Rourke, 1:5. Results

5 Bridges Marathon and Half Marathon, 5/10k Lower Hutt, 16 August 2009 Vivian Cheng ran the marathon in 4:03. Mark Simpson did the half in 1:27; Susan Joy, 1:43; Lauren Howe, 1:44; David White, 1:50; and trio on a 2-hour Sunday run: Karen Gillespie, Christine Jones and Diane Morgan; Dave McAllister, 2:03. Terri Grimmett won the 10k walk in 1:10. Website

Ed shakes the Molesworth Run monkey off his back, Squamish, British Columbia, 8 August 2009 Ed Sargisson reports: Last week, I completed my first 50-mile (80k) run at STORMY (Squamish Test Of Running Mettle, Yeah) in Squamish, one hour north of Vancouver. Very runnable course with a nice mix of different types of trails, technical difficulty and hills. Finished in 11:53, a scant 7 minutes before the cut-off. STORMY even posted my race report.

Butterfly Creek Night Time Madness, Eastbourne, 8 August 2009 This lives up to its name: Run around in the dark and see what happens. ACC must love this. Stu Beresford reports: A small number of Scotties competed, some backing up from running the Bays Relay earlier in the day (Rees Buck, Ariana Blackford  and Ariana Harper).  Jonathan Beresford and Rees won the Adult/Child race, setting a new record in the process. Team Beresford (Sean and Stu) was second. Team Arianas was second in the youth pair grade. In the Extreme Grade (can it get madder?) Varsity's Richard Brandon and occasional Scottish runner Dave Kettles were a notable second. The weather and conditions were superb for running, and 380 people fronted up for the event. Results 

Bays Relay and Turkey Trot, Island Bay to Kilbirnie, 8 August 2009 It was a beautiful day, with just a whisper of a northerly. 61 teams took part in the relay and 27 walkers were in the morning's handicap Turkey Trot race. In the Turkey Trot, Diane Morgan was only one second off her estimate for walking over 5k. Quickest over the distance was Peter Baillie (29:41), followed a second later by Tim Dutton. In the relay, Scottish teams took second place to Wellington Harriers in the open women's event (by 2:42), first in the masters women, first in the junior women, second in the masters men 40 (pipped by some 15 seconds in the last stretch by Wellington Harriers), first, second and third in the open men's grade (some talent balancing going on there) and first in the new M50 grade. Our junior men crossed the line first, but were DQ'd (to give WHAC first place) because of a delayed change-over on the fourth lap. So some close racing across the grades. Some photos of Scottish participants in the relay are in the banner above, including, on the left, Anne Hare who broke Judy Stewart's 1991 MW lap 4 record by 39 seconds. | Rowan Greig's photos John Skinnon passes an historic Akaroa flax stalk baton to Bob Stephens (Check out the photos: all taken at the lap 3/ lap 4 changeover.) | Results (WHAC, provisional and also includes the Turkey Trot)

Grant McLean found this photo of Harry Kerr (green Australasia top and cap, 3rd from right) and Arthur Rowlands (Scottish founding member, far right) in the 1908 Olympics in London at the start of the 3500m track walk.  In a time of 15:43.4, Kerr won the bronze medal, the first Olympic medal for a Kiwi. Incidentally, colour photography has been around at least since 1861.  Was this photo originally  black and white and then subsequently tinted?  Photo courtesy of Race Walking Auckland.

Governor's Bay to Lyttelton road race (10k), Christchurch, 8 August 2009 Amy White reports: A friend suggested that, as I was in Chch for work, I try to hop into this handicap classic. The race organisers accommodated me on short notice, even though I couldn't remember my rego number and I ran this most beautiful and hilly race this morning. Canterbury has turned on golden weather and I can't say enough about the scenery and challenge of this race. It was great good fun, I seem to have been the only Wellingtonian and got a few good-on-yas in my Scottish singlet and to top it off had a PB of 46:57 on my watch (and in the results!). Many thanks to race organiser Bruce McCallum and his team. I guess by default I was the first Scottish runner home (hahahaha) and so I did my best to do the club proud. Results

Mizuno Half Marathon, Taupo, 2 August 2009 A group of Scottish headed up for the Taupo half marathon last weekend:  Aubrey Begley, 1:34; Carly Woodham, 1:49; Kate Cornege, 1:54; Matt McCrudden, 1:22; Anthony Venning, 1:27; Tim Rickerby, 1:28; Evan Agnew, 1:42. Results

NZ Cross Country Championships, Halswell Quarry, Christchurch, 1 August 2009 Seventeen Scottish members fronted for Wellington or as individuals at the Nationals. Finishing in the top 10 in their grades were: Ariana Harper, 10W16; Nicole Mitchell, 8W19; Jonathan Beresford, 5B12; Ben Barry, 4M19; Luke O'Donnell, 8M19; Melissa Moon, 6W; Rees Buck, 6M. Others running were Corey Casey, Florence Reynolds, Greg Mitchell, James Coubrough, Josh van Dalen, Stefan Smith, Stephanie Mackenzie, Ethan Lankshear, Jonathon Harper, and Stu Beresford. Australian athletes won the senior title races and the Oceania titles. Melinda Vernon came back over the final lap to outgun Canterbury's Fiona Crombie in the women's race and Tim Rowe just pipped Andrew Davidson on the line for the men's title. Results | Photo by Rowan Greig: Andrew Davidson, national cross country champion (and winner of the North Island XC champs as well)

Wellington Masters Annual 8k Road Race and 6.4k Walk Olympic Harrier Clubrooms, Johnsonville, 26 July 2009 John Palmer reports: Fastest male walker over the hilly four-lap course was Peter Baillie (Scottish) followed home by Philip Grimmett (Scottish). On the women’s side was Terri Grimmett (Scottish) followed home by Gilda Chance (Wellington). Fastest runner over the five-lap course was Grant McLean (Scottish), chased in by Ian Dent (Wellington). The first two women's places were held by Janet Crawford (Trentham United) and Jane Heather-Sclater (Scottish). This year's team prize for a mixed team was Scottish with 39 points: Grant McLean, Glen Wallis, Jane Heather-Sclater and Warren Sutherland. Fine weather was present with a light cool northerly breeze to contend with. Twenty-seven runners and 11 walkers took part in this the 25th running of this event, organised again by Brian Watson. The host club Olympic put on the usual light, but very tasty lunch. Results

Daryl Bloomfield sets PB in Challenge Roth (Ironman distances), Germany, 12 July 2009 Daryl reports: I did a PB of 13:52:13 - by 2min 10sec compared with Taupo (from this year) and I negative-split the marathon - by two minutes by walking all of the second half, bar the photo at 39k and the last 300-odd metres - calves nearly cramped along there. My first finish in daylight! PS: Chrissie Wellington (GBR) kicked and did 8:31 - a world record by 14 minutes. Other connections: Richard Ussher was 3rd male in 8:02:15 - quickest Kiwi at Ironman now, I think (2:46 marathon). Catronia Morrison (SCO) was 3rd in 8:48. She was in Wellington for a year or two from 2001, joined WSAC and the Wellington Tri Club as a novice.  She then raced in the Tri worlds in Nov 03 at Queenstown. The rest is history. 

2009 Down Under Championships, Gold Coast City Athletics Centre, Queensland, 3-5 July 2009 Jesse Patel won the M18-19 3000m in 9:00.10.

Harry Kerr Centennial Relay 2009, Mount Smart Stadium, 5x10,000m track race walking relay, 5 July 2009 Team manager Melanie Watson reports: Last year a Wellington Centre team travelled to Auckland to walk in the inaugural Harry Kerr Centennial Relay which was held to celebrate the historic occasion of New Zealand winning its first Olympic Medal, at the London Olympics in 1908, which of course was won by a walker, Harry Kerr of Taranaki. This event has now become an annual event and on Sunday 4^th July 5 Scottish race walkers (Phillip and Terri Grimmett, Kevin Watson, Robyn McArthur and Peter Baillie) competed in the Harry Kerr Relay. This event also incorporated the Race Walking New Zealand 5 x 10,000m Track Walk Relay Championship 2009. This year the event was held at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. 

The day dawned overcast and cool with a few showers passing over. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts, Race Walking Auckland, who must have been disappointed with having had only five teams entered. Three of these were from within their own club and Calliope and Scottish, the other two. They had obviously gone to some trouble to organise and run the event.  

As expected when the gun went off, Race Walking Auckland team 1 took off at a blistering pace and was not threatened at any time for the lead.

Phillip was or first walker away. Walking a very consistent race and managing to avoid the judges, he was very happy to have completed his 25 laps in 66:18mins. Terri was next and by now a battle was starting to take place for 2^nd place between us and the Race Walking Auckland Team 2. Throughout Terri’s race the placing for 2^nd and 3^rd kept changing and after 62:30mins Terri was in 3^rd place as she tagged Kevin. A few passing showers and the odd gust of wind did not deter the team and by the time Kevin completed his walk in 65:44 he had a good 600m lead over third place as he handed over to Robyn. The 4^th walker for Race Walking Auckland tried valiantly to pull Robyn in. She was starting to tire in her last few laps but held her position after 63:30mins we still had 400m on them. Peter was the anchor man and he quickly pulled away from the 3^rd team giving the Scottish team a comfortable 2^nd place win by 4 laps in a total team time of 5:12:23. Peter’s individual time was 54:21.

Each team member received a Silver Medal for placing 2^nd in the Race Walking New Zealand 5 x 10,000m Track Walk Relay Championship 2009 and a large certificate for the Harry Kerr Relay which is modelled on the original diploma awarded to Harry Kerr at the Olympics.  

The overall winner of the event was Race Walking Auckland Team 1 in a total time of 4:44:30.

Team Photo                                                 Phillip                  Robyn                    Kevin

     Terri                       Peter

The Boy From Bangalore runs the Go Green Taj Mahal road race (2.5k), 4 July 2009 Peter Plowman kept the red, gold and black singlet to the fore in the Go Green Taj Mahal road race at the same time that his clubmates were hurtling through the Taupo countryside. The only difference in the two races, apart from the obvious road and cross-country themes and a serious case of disorganisation compared to the clinical running of the Spa Park events was about 30 degrees of heat - 3 in Taupo, 33 in Agra. The 1,000 runners in the race to the Taj, were greeted by very humid early morning conditions which rose to 40 degrees by late afternoon. 

Peter had some trouble clearing the early rush but by the time he had got to halfway he had worked his way through the big field to 5th before running home strongly into 3rd place in 10:15, close behind the first two runners. "The finish line came up a little sooner than I was hoping," he said philosophically. Agra is a "slow" four and a half hours drive from New Delhi (India's capital) - a distance of 225k. Peter reports driving in India to be "a death- defying experience at every turn." He said that 5k waterfront race organiser Jim Kerr would be welcomed with open arms for his great organising abilities as one of the features of Indian running races is a level of disorganisation that borders on the farcical - races can start within one or two hours of the advertised time (a bit like the train service) and that's if they start at all. It is not unusual for officials and local dignitaries to talk for up to an hour before the start of any race, much to the frustration of most runners sweltering on the start line (some Scottish runners who went to the road champs prizegiving in Timaru two years ago may relate to the length of speeches reference). 

Peter reports that one of the more "unusual" norms in races is for the local sponsors (usually a beer company) to provide cheerleaders on podiums at every kilometre mark to cheer the runners on as they pass. "It's pretty bizarre but when you're a long way from home it's nice to have someone cheering for you all the same," Peter said. Pete is hoping to be back in time for the road champs at Heretaunga after a year working in Bangalore. At time of writing, Jim Kerr would not be drawn on whether he would be providing cheerleaders at every kilometre mark in the next 5k event. 

Pictured is one of the gifts in the runners' race pack (It's meant to say Nut Slab - unfortunately, someone got the spelling wrong - ouch!).

Club Away Trip - North Island Cross Country Championships, Spa Thermal Park, Taupo, 4 July 2009  The ground was as usual firm under foot, jumps have been renewed (and lowered!), and the weather was great, with the forecast rain staying away until the evening. Scottish members medalled in the senior women (Melissa Moon, 2); senior men (Stefan Smith, 3); men 35-39 (Todd Stevens, 1). 38 Scottish members competed. Good to see the fine gradations of the age groups: 10, 12, 14, 16, 19 and under, open (largely 20-34), 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. In the provisional tally, Wellington Centre topped that competition. In the club results (place and presence), Olympic Harriers knocked Pakuranga off its customary perch. Third and fourth were Hutt Valley and Scottish. Results | Photo above by Gordon Blacklaws: L to R front (open men finishing place): Edwin Henshaw (2), Stefan Smith (3), Hamish Carson (26), Andrew Davidson (1), James Coubrough (8).

The Boy From Bangalore runs the Go Green Taj Mahal road race (2.5k), 4 July 2009 Peter Plowman kept the red, gold and black singlet to the fore in the Go Green Taj Mahal road race at the same time that his clubmates were hurtling through the Taupo countryside. The only difference in the two races, apart from the obvious road and cross-country themes and a serious case of disorganisation compared to the clinical running of the Spa Park events was about 30 degrees of heat - 3 in Taupo, 33 in Agra. The 1,000 runners in the race to the Taj, were greeted by very humid early morning conditions which rose to 40 degrees by late afternoon. 

Peter had some trouble clearing the early rush but by the time he had got to halfway he had worked his way through the big field to 5th before running home strongly into 3rd place in 10:15, close behind the first two runners. "The finish line came up a little sooner than I was hoping," he said philosophically. Agra is a "slow" four and a half hours drive from New Delhi (India's capital) - a distance of 225k. Peter reports driving in India to be "a death- defying experience at every turn." He said that 5k waterfront race organiser Jim Kerr would be welcomed with open arms for his great organising abilities as one of the features of Indian running races is a level of disorganisation that borders on the farcical - races can start within one or two hours of the advertised time (a bit like the train service) and that's if they start at all. It is not unusual for officials and local dignitaries to talk for up to an hour before the start of any race, much to the frustration of most runners sweltering on the start line (some Scottish runners who went to the road champs prizegiving in Timaru two years ago may relate to the length of speeches reference). 

Peter reports that one of the more "unusual" norms in races is for the local sponsors (usually a beer company) to provide cheerleaders on podiums at every kilometre mark to cheer the runners on as they pass. "It's pretty bizarre but when you're a long way from home it's nice to have someone cheering for you all the same," Peter said. Pete is hoping to be back in time for the road champs at Heretaunga after a year working in Bangalore. At time of writing, Jim Kerr would not be drawn on whether he would be providing cheerleaders at every kilometre mark in the next 5k event. Pictured one of the gifts in the runners' race pack (It's meant to say Nut Slab - unfortunately someone got the spelling wrong).

Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon, Half, 10k, Magic Mile, Westpac Stadium, 28 June 2009 Relatively good conditions greeted the 4,249 starters in all four events on offer. The first placings  make Grant McLean and Lotty Turnidge the Wellington Centre Marathon Champions for 2009. Full: Grant McLean 1, 2:36; Rohan Biggs 2, 2:46; Ben Cornelius, 2:58 (the mighty barrier has fallen!); Lotty Turnidge 1W, 3:00; Michael Wray, 3:12; Bernie Portenski, 3:33; Warren Sutherland, 3:55; Vivian Cheng, 4:14. Half Run: (Andrew Douglas, Scotland, 1, 1:09; Kerry Faass, Christchurch, 2, 1:09); Rees Buck, 3, 1:10; Matt Dravitzki (Pace), 4 1:10; Stefan Smith (Pace), 5, 1:13; Vaile Mexted, 1:15; Peter Kelly, 1:15; (Maria Bentley, 1W 1:18 - Palmerston North); Jamie White, 1:21; Darren Blackhurst, 1:21; Matyas James, 1:26; Evan Agnew, 1:26; Damon Peachey, 1:27; Roger Macky, 1:28; Karl Woodhead, 1:28; Des Young, 1:29; Michele Allison, 1:29; Aubrey Begley, 1:29; David Colquhoun, 1:30; Betty Harp, 1:34; Chris Leatham, 1:35; Ken Howell, 1:35; Glen Wallis, 1:35; Nick Whalley, 1:37; Susan Joy, 1:38; Stu Beresford, 1:39; Felix Delbruck, 1:40; Richard Sweetman, 1:41; Ian Murray, 1:43; Amy White, 1:43; Howard Harman, 1:45; Robyne Blackford, 1:45; David White, 1:49; Mark Simpson, 1:50; Maryanne Palmer, 1:52; Joanne Kwok, 1:53; Jo Badham, 1:53; John Palmer, 1:54; Rachel McLean, 1:54; Della Laird, 1:54; Carla O'Donnell, 1:56; David Young, 2:06; Daryl Bloomfield, 2:07; Michael Browne, 2:43. Half Walk: (Andrus Lei, 1, 1:59, Palmerston North), Peter Baillie, 2, 2:03; Terri Grimmett, 3W, 2:16; Robyn McArthur, 2:20; Kevin Watson, 2:21; David Cooke, 2:29; Leeane Palmer, 2:33; John Leonard, 2:35; Ian Morton, 2:39; John Hines, 2:44; Geoff Iremonger, 2:46. (BTW, our walking team "Sweaty Sox" won the walking team category. The team name is derived from Cockney rhyming slang "sweaty sock" for a Scotsman - Sock=Jock.) 10k Run: (rounded-down minutes) Cameron Goldsmid, 1, 32; Adam Steinmetz, 3, 34; Dave Parsons, 4 35; Tomas Bridgeman, 36; Brett Story, 38; Natalie Smith, 2W, 38; Clare Miller, 3W, 38; Daniel Withinshaw, 41; Jane Heather-Sclater, 43; Anthony Venning, 43; Pam Graham, 45; Claire Hodge, 45; Dawn Kelly, 46; Josie Askin, 47; Diane Morgan, 48; Adrian Shields, 50; David Luxton, 50; Loretta Desourdy, 53; Anna Marshall, 55; Shelly Crestani, 60; Sally Pollard, 62. 10k Walk: (Peter Hague, 1, 59, Nelson), Amelia De Lorenzo, 2, 60; James Hurring, 3, 61; Daphne Jones, 74; Robyn Iremonger, 85; Peter Tearle, 90. Kids' Magic Mile: Jonathan Beresford, 1, 5:44. Results | Photos by Rowan Greig

Summer Solstice Trail Marathon, North Vancouver, Canada, 21 June 2009 Ed Sargisson reports: Very difficult trail marathon including a nasty hill gaining 400m elevation in 1.8km and the very technical North Shore trails. Had the tailend of a cold which I heartily do not recommend. Final time was 7:30:35. Winning time was 4:13:19 (by a woman). All the best to those running in Wellington next weekend! Website

Gathering of the Clan to honour Grant and Fiona Wheeler, Petone, 16 February 2009 Alan Stevens reports: 36 members and spouses/partners gathered for dinner at the Speight’s Ale House Petone to honour Grant Wheeler and his wife Fiona. Having lived in England for over 15 years, they were making a brief visit here and we took the opportunity to gather together some of his running contemporaries, including many Life Members, Past Presidents, etc. We assembled a photo gallery that included many present, in particular a 1952 photo of our then A&B Teams, of whom three were there: Brian Derwin, Don Silver and Michael Browne (who is still an active runner!!). 

Grant was one of our most successful athletes, trained by Brian Derwin and was Club Champion from 1959 to 1968, President in 1974 before transferring to Christchurch Auckland and then UK. But in particular he was a member of the first NZ Team that went to the World Cross Country Champs in Europe in 1965, organized and managed by our own Ossie Melville. We next sent a team in 1967 and again Grant was a member. Also in both those teams was Peter Welsh who in 1966 won the Commonwealth Games Steeplechase Gold Medal in record time. So it was lovely to have Peter and his wife present at our dinner - an “Honorary Scottish Member. So it was a great reunion, many stories told, often with embellishments added over the years and all pledged to attend our Centenary in 2015!! 

Those present were: Fiona & Grant Wheeler, Ruth & Colin Maclachlan, Monica & Brian Derwin, Mariana & Nick Calavrias, Elizabeth & Bruce Jenkins, Jenny & Michael Browne, Sue & David Lonsdale, Penny & Don Phillips, Lynley & Peter Welsh, Deidre & Steve Hunt, Nancy & Brian Cattermole, Fe & Ron Harris, Doris & Alan Dowland, Kathleen & Bruce Cowan, Annie & Roger Price, Helen & Alan Stevens, Steve Denholm, Brian Tyler, Peter Maunder, Don Silver.

Superbowl Sunday Gridiron Classic 4-miler, New York, 1 February 2009 In sub-zero temperatures, Scottish's Peter Plowman was stateside recently as he continues his build-up for the Auroville Quarter Marathon in Pondicherry, India on 15 February. The race is an off-road trail event. Peter finished 132nd overall out of 5,000 runners in the Superbowl Sunday Gridiron Classic in Central Park on Monday morning (NZ time). He was 29th in his age group (25-29 years). The race as won by Chris Pannone in 19:12 with 13 seconds to Abede Tsegaye with Oleksander Velychecnko third in 19:46. The women's race was won by Yuliya Gromora in 21:21. Peter was well back in the field early as a result of the "corraling," as the Americans call the staggered start based on previous best times, but stormed through late once he had cleared the ruck and ran 25:46. He reported to coach and dad, Steve Plowman, that he "still had some gas in the tank at the finish," after the finish line came up a bit more quickly than he had anticipated. He is currently stranded in Ayr in Scotland awaiting a flight back to Bangalore, India where he is working, after Heathrow Airport became snowbound and his plane had to be diverted. Last we heard Peter was settling in at a pub in Ayr for a beer and a feed of fish and chips and reported: "There is a Scottish flag outside the pub just like on our Scottish singlets, sheer magic and reminds me of home!" 

Gold Programme, Newtown Park, 31 January 2009 Rowan Greig's photo shows a perfect day at Newtown, even if the track markings have perhaps bent in the heat! Results

Splash and Dash, Freyberg Beach, 28 January 2009 Busy times in Wellington what with back to back 5k/10k and Splash and Dash, and the summer festival. Turning out from Scottish were: Cameron Goldsmid (2nd), Natalie Smith, Jane Loughnan, Fleur Baker, Angela Campbell, Caroline West, Daryl Bloomfield, Aimee Cornish, Terri Grimmett, and swim only, Anna Marshall, Jeanette Bourke, Fiona Macmaster, Karen Ward and Lumpy (harrier in waiting). Results

Potts Classic, Hastings, 24 January 2009 Several Scottish there.  Although the ANZ writeup says there was a big gap between Kim Hogarth and Brendon Blacklaws in the men's 3000m, Brendon ran a very strong final lap to pull away from the rest, who also included club-mate Nathan Bramley. Marissa Pritchard (photo) took silver in the women's 100m. Marissa also won the triple jump. In the men's 1000m, Tim Hawkes won bronze in 2:25. Also running were Hamish Carson, Stefan Smith, Jesse Patel and Scott Kinnear. Ariana Blackwood, 14, competing for Palmerston North, had her first senior women's win in a competition of this standing, winning the women's discus with 34.10m and beating the winner of the past two years' Hastings events, Aimee Maulder, by 5m. Results

Jumbo-Holdsworth Mountain races, 24 January 2009 In perfect conditions, Scottish runners did the double in these races. Carline Thomas (photo) has had a mortgage on the women's event over the years and still holds course records in both the gruelling 25k Holdsworth- Jumbo Hut-Holdsworth race and the shorter Hooper Loop race. Carline was once again dominant in winning the masters women's division of the Hooper Loop, scoring an emphatic victory in 1:06:50. Scottish's second success came from  up-and-coming mountain runner Aubrey Begley (1:10:14), who finally broke through for a well-deserved victory in the open women's event after minor placings in the last two years. Results  

NZ 10,000m Championships, Inglewood, 24 January 2009 Terri Grimmett competed in the 10,000m walk at Inglewood on Saturday night and came second out of the four women walking in a time of 64:31. They walked in 30⁰ heat even though the race started at 6 pm. Terri was hoping for a better time but was pleased to bring home a silver medal. Racheal Gilbert from Inglewood won the women’s race and Daniel Lord won the men’s. Dave Parsons and Vaile Mexted competed in the 10,000m run and came 4th (34:26) and 5th (35:07). Results (No walks yet)

Capital Classic Ocean Swim, 24 January 2009 Windy and choppy conditions which suited the larger, stronger swimmers more than the lighter stylists. In the 2.8k to the lighthouse and back were: Cameron Goldsmid, Anna Marshall (1F30), Deano Gaskin, Tom Bassindale, Emily Buskirk, Natalie Smith, Jeanette Bourke, Seini O'Connor, Dave Ward, Fiona Macmaster, Caroline West, John Skinnon, Karen Stevens. The top male and female times were 33/37 minutes and Scottish times ranged from 45 to 70. Don Mackay swam the 750m in 20 minutes. Results (Note: I changed my initial cheery conditions report - this was based on how the weather seemed to me sitting on a mountain in the southern Rimutakas at the time of the races)

Taranaki Yarrows Cycle Challenge, 24 January 2009 As you can see above, this was a busy day for Scottish members around the North Island. The challenge was a 150k cycle around the mountain, undertaken this year by 821 cyclists. The top cyclist took 3:41 and the slowest 10 hours. In the Scottish contingent: Damian Walsh, 4:17; Anthony Venning, 4:34; and John Gardiner, 5:16. Results

Waratah Invitational meeting, Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, 22 January 2009 Daniel Wallis finished 13th in the NSW State 5000m championship in 14m 51.75s.

Giving it a Tri in Wanaka: Tri NZ Sprint race and Challenge Wanaka, 16-17 January 2009 Martin van Barneveld (M 54:24), Ben Christophers (2U23 55:58) and John Atkinson (2U23 56:22) all had good races here in the rain. Jane Loughnan was first in W40 (1:14). Results Karl Woolcott also won his M30 age group at the Challenge Wanaka event on the Sunday in 10:16:21. Results 

Olympic Twilight 5k Series, Queens Wharf (aka Summer Series - Race 12), 20 January 2009 Glorious night with a southerly to nudge you home. With Scottish connections were Axel Tie, first in 16:42, Lotty Turnidge, Betty Harp, Des Young, Gary Moller, Alice McCubbin-Howell (backing up from the triathlon yesterday), Mary-Ann Moller, Jo Badham (celebrating her birthday today!), Della Laird, Mike Browne and as walkers, Chris Harp, second walker, Robyn McArthur, Terri Grimmett (another Scorching tri person), Philip Grimmett, Daphne Jones, and Robin Iremonger. Results | Cumulative results

Nick Willis to run exhibition road mile in Petone, posted 13 January 2009 Nick Willis conquered one of the world's most famous streets when he won last year's New York Fifth Avenue mile. Now he will return to where in his youth he won a junior skateboard race, to compete in an exhibition international mile event along Petone’s historic Jackson Street.

The Olympic 1500m Bronze medalist, who captured Kiwi hearts with a stunning performance in Beijing, confirmed recently he will race other Olympians and a top local field up Petone’s main street on Tuesday evening, 10 March 2009.

Confirmed for the sponsored feature event along with Willis is Canadian Nate Brannen, who won silver behind Willis at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games 1500m final and Mark Fountain, who was third in the same race. The evening will also include several build-up races including kids, veterans and novelty races including a skateboard mile, possibly a celebrity mile and a relay attempt by the Lower Hutt Junior Athletic club to break Nick's fastest mile time of 3:50.66.

Nick Willis says he really excited about coming home to the Hutt to compete in a top-level event. "As a kid, I remember doing a skateboard race down Jackson street, and I grew up going to Petone Baptist Church, which is right round the corner.

"Hopefully, we get some calm conditions (or a big tail wind), and we can run a really fast time. I would love for this event to become an evening of entertainment for the Hutt Valley and Wellington community. If we get large crowds, the event will continue to grow, and I will be able to come home and race against the best in the world in our own backyard each year.

"My training is coming along really well. I am running two top-level indoor races in the US in February, then coming home to NZ in March. I will be gunning for a sub 3:50 mile in Christchurch on 13 March, when I race the world's fastest miler of 2008, Andrew Baddeley of Great Britian, and so this race down Jackson Street on 10 March will be very important for me to help get me ready for a record attempt in Christchurch."

Local company Milestone Financial Sevices have secured naming rights for the feature race and event organiser Aaron Cardie says having a main sponsor on board was crucial for its success. It has also allowed Willis to entice other world-class milers down under. The feature event will be called the "Milestone Mile" and there will be approximately $5,000 in prize money.

Cardie believes that the uniqueness of a road mile, not often seen in New Zealand, and the fact Willis is featured in his hometown, will inevitably draw a healthy crowd from all over Wellington. "It's also a first for New Zealand to see the current Commonwealth Games gold, silver and bronze medalist race each other anywhere, let alone in a beach-side suburb such as Petone, that in itself is a real coup.

"It's a wonderfull opportunity for Nick to take the sport to the people and to showcase athletics and his world-class status in his backyard. The evening has the potential to be something special and Nick is really enthusiastic about returning home to compete." 

The start/finish line is outside the new Lone Star Cafe & Bar on the corner of Jackson Street and Buick Street. Competitors will run down Jackson Street, around the roundabout outside the Pak‘n'Save Supermarket and back to the finish line. Despite the 180-degree turn on the course and a couple of speed humps, Willis is still confident of breaking the magic four-minute barrier for the mile. There is a section of the course that it expected to be resurfaced before the event.

Willis’s last outing in September was a successful win in the prestigious New York Fifth Avenue Mile, against a world-class field. After time off and a number of engagements, he resumed training in December and 2009 promises to be a huge year for him, including the world track and field champs later in Berlin in August. He will run two mile races in New Zealand in March concluding with the New Zealand Track and Feild Championships in Wellington. The other mile will be the Christchurch Grand Prix on 13 March.

"When Wellington or the Hutt Valley puts on an event such as the fireworks, extreme air, carols by candlelight," Willis says, "the whole city embraces the event and turns up in huge numbers. My hope and dream is that this event in Petone can ignite the same excitement and buzz, and all the families in the region will want to come down and spectate and participate in the event put on in Jackson street."

The first junior race is expected to get underway around 6pm with the international mile between 7:15pm and 7:30pm.

Olympic Twilight 5k Series, Queens Wharf (aka Summer Series - Race 12), 20 January 2009 Glorious night with a southerly to nudge you home. With Scottish connections were Axel Tie, first in 16:42, Lotty Turnidge, Betty Harp, Des Young, Gary Moller, Alice McCubbin-Howell (backing up from the triathlon yesterday), Mary-Ann Moller, Jo Badham (celebrating her birthday today!), Della Laird, Mike Browne and as walkers, Chris Harp, second walker, Robyn McArthur, Terri Grimmett (another Scorching tri person), Philip Grimmett, Daphne Jones, and Robin Iremonger. Results | Cumulative results

Scottish on the Sub-continent: Bengaluru Midnight Marathon, Bangalore, India, 11 January 2009 The Ethiopians dominated both the marathon and half-marathon events, but Scottish's Peter Plowman (pictured after the run) made his presence felt in his first outing on the sub-continent as part of an eight-person relay team. The ANZ team were an ignominious last by the time Peter took over on lap three, but he flew the Scottish flag high (in the darkness) as he scythed his way through the field to improve 24 places in his 5.26k lap, clocking a very respectable 20:30 in his first outing for several months. Peter's training programme, due to the heat, high humidity and the presence of a large number of menacing stray dogs (which seem to take exception to anything moving above a crawl), is largely done five days a week on a treadmill. The marathon was won in 3:19 by Yarid Hasku of Ethiopia while the half marathon was cut out in a slick 1:05 by fellow countryman Ermiyas Negatu, who beat top Indian runner P Nagendra Rao (1:07) with Lidtu Tekelu of Ethiopia third home a minute further back. The winner of the marathon received 40,000 rupees ($1,535 NZ) in prize money, while the half marathon winner collected 20,000 rupees ($767 NZ). Peter was using the midnight marathon relay leg as a tune up for his main mission, the Auroville Quarter Marathon (10.5k) on 15 February in Pondicherry.    

South Island Colgate Games, Invercargill, 16-18 January 2009 A small swarm of Scottish athletes travelled to these soggy and windy Colgate Games. Melissa Blackwood and Sean Beresford competed in the junior (non-competitive) grades, while their older siblings competed in the medal events. Ariana Blackwood (14G) picked up a silver medal in the discus and a bronze medal in the shot. Jonathan Beresford (11B) won silver medals in both the 800m and 1500m. 

Contact Energy Scorching Triathlons, Scorching Bay, 19 January 2009 Generally a good day on the Miramar Peninsular - spot of a northerly and some rain toward the end of the morning. Scottish affiliations: Mike Frith won the sprint event (500S/20B/5R); in the longer sprint (750S): Matt Hickey, Alice McCubbin-Howell (in a team), John Skinnon, Terri Grimmett, Caroline West, Don Mackay (didn't quite make it to the end - unlike me, who didn't make it to the start!). And Maryanne Palmer competed in the medium duathlon. In the long, standard event (1500S/40B/10R) were Tom Bassindale, Michele Allison, and Aubrey Begley, keeping dry in a team which also included Tony Venning.  Results

Paekakariki Road Races, 5/10/15k, 18 January 2009 Noted mountain runner Carline Thomas of Scottish and Kapiti’s Craig Edwards took home the trophies in the Don Melrose Memorial 10k race held on Sunday. 19-year-old Edwards was over three minutes clear of fellow club member Steve McDonald in the men’s event, while Thomas had a 24-second margin over Wendy Ford. All three men’s winners from 2008 repeated their wins this year with Tim Stewart winning the 5k and Kelvin Read the 15k. Peter Wrigley was 3rd in the 15k. Promising junior Holly White broke 20 minutes to win the women’s 5k with Paraparaumu postie Diana Borman winning the women’s 15k. The walking events were won by Terri Grimmett (10k) and Melanie Watson (5k). Other Scottish walkers in the 10k were Kevin Watson, Philip Grimmett, David Cooke, and Leeanne Palmer. Results

Hutt River Trail Events (10k/21k/42k/60k), 17 January 2009 Glen Wallis reports: Scottish Results from Saturdays Hutt River Trail events (Official times to come), held on Saturday in hot conditions. Graham Lear was second in a field of 15 (including two from Australia ) in the 60km Ultra-marathon in 4:54, behind winner Graham Butcher of Masterton who finished in 4:45. Matyas James led a Scottish men's clean sweep of the half marathon with a winning time of 1:31, second was Ioasa Kosena (1:37), and fourth (3M) Glen Wallis (1:38). Dianne Morgan was spotted in the 10km run. I have a grey Scottish jacket left behind at the prize giving, please call me on 479-9773 if it belongs to you.

Splash and Dash (730S/4R), Freyberg Beach, 14 January 2009 What a great evening for a splash and a dash! Calm sea and a prosperous voyage, running on land with no wind. Heaps of Scottish members in attendance. Notable was Natalie Smith, back in the fray so soon after Saturday's Half Ironman. Also spotted were Angela Campbell, Cameron Goldsmid, Jeanette Bourke, Fiona Macmaster, Sally-Ann Spencer, Emily Buskirk, Jane Loughnan, Caroline West, Terri Grimmett, Tom Bassindale, Dave and Karen Ward plus mini-Ward raising its profile by the week (all doing a supportive swim), Paul Rodway, and Anna Marshall (swim only). Baracking from the sidelines were Steve Plowman, John Skinnon, Dean Gaskin. Results

North Island Colgate Games, Cooks Gardens, Wanganui, 9-11 January 2009 Running for Scottish, Ariana Harper picked up her first Colgate medal, a bronze in the G13 1500 (4:59). She was 6th in the 800m final. Representing Palmerston North, the other Ariana (Blackwood), won a bronze in the G14 discus with a 29.10m throw. AB was 4th in the 1500 and 4th in the 800. She also won silver in the G14 4x100 taking her team from third into the lead with a good sprint on the bend. In his Onslow summer plumage, Jonathan Beresford (B11) was 7th in the 1500 and 10th in the 800. Results | Photo: Ariana Harper cruises to third in the G13 1500.

20th anniversary Port of Tauranga Half Ironman (2S/90C/21R), Mt Maunganui, 10 January 2009 Eight Scottish (or former) members competed in the half. Natalie Smith was second in her W25 grade in 4:47, partner Dean Gaskin picked up a 5th in the M35 with a time of 4:17 and Richard Sweetman was 3rd in the M60 category (5:13). Details: Smith, 2W25; Rebecca-Seini O'Connor, 11W25; Maria Kemp, 15W30. Ben Revell, 6M25; Nick Buck, 13M25; Gaskin, 5M35; Rob Hanratty, 45M35; Richard Sweetman, 3M60. Olympic distance world series champion Samantha Warriner smashed the race record while winning the women's event in 4:10:47.  She broke the 13-year record held by two-time world champion Jenny Rose by 2m 30s. Taupo's Duncan Milne took out the men's title for the first time in 3:56:55, holding off a brilliant finish by eight-time champion Cameron Brown, who recovered from more than six minutes lost late on the bike leg to a puncture. Brown closed to just 27s behind Milne. Results

Wellington Scottish Summer Harrier Programme, Belmont Regional Park, 10 January 2009 The 15 who ran today got their 2:20-3:00 run in before the rain, but it still produced some creek hopping, bull dodging and an unfortunate injury. Ken treated us again with a look at his dirty magazines and the airstrip, all dating from WWII. On show today were Pam Graham, Ken Howell, Lee (HVMC), Adrian Shields, Rebecca Speirs, Karen Gillespie, Ross Lake, Bernice Cavanagh, Christine Jones, Don Stevens, Ioasa Kosena, Barbara Tucker, Jo Badham, Phil Valentine, and Paul Rodway. | Photo: WWII ammunition magazines in Belmont Regional Park  

Contact National Series Whangamata (S1500/C40/R10), 4 January 2009 A few Scottish members made the trip north for a race over the standard tri distance - Martin van Barneveld was 4th overall (2:04, 3M20), John Atkinson (2:09, 6M20); Jane Loughnan (2:55, 1W40); Richard Sweetman (2:49, 2M60); Ben Christophers got a puncture and DNF. Results

Olympic Twilight 5k Series (aka Summer Series Race 10), Queens Wharf, 6 January 2009 As usual on a Tuesday, a gusty northerly tested competitors on the return and gave them a sand blast past Oriental Beach. The following Scottish associates fronted: Robyn McArthur, Daphne and Bart Jones (walkers), Ioasa Kosena, Alistair Duffy (back from Colorado), Gary Moller, Rebecca Speirs (2W), Mary-Ann Moller, Paul Rodway. Results (Olympic website) | Cumulative Summer 2008/09 results

Tauranga Twilight Meeting (incl. WBoP 3000m Champs), 1 January 2008 A couple of photos from the Tauranga Twilight Meeting. Above, Tim Hawkes about to overtake Gareth Hyatt (WHAC) to win the 800 in 1:51, and, below, Brendon Blacklaws, Glenn Hughes and Hamish Carson in the 3000. Brendon came second in 8:30 with Glenn third (8:31) and Hamish fourth (8:44), behind winner Luke Hurring (Ariki, in 8:25). Tina Harris ran 10:21 in the 3000, ahead of former Scottish member Alice Wilson (Tauranga) in 10:26 and WHAC's Gabby O'Rourke (10:28). Competing for Palmerston North, Ariana Blackwood (G14) came third in the women's discus, and also competed in the javelin and 800. | Results | Photos by Gordon Blacklaws

Life member Colin Maclachlan photographed here in the Christmas 5-mile handicap race near London on 20 December. Colin was a guest of Alan Stevens's old club, Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC. He ran 50:42 for the 8k cross country race which gave him fifth place under handicap. It's good to see the Scottish uniform being worn triumphantly on the other side of the world. Website

Scottish Night of Miles, Newtown Park, 20 December 2008 Numbers were down this year - not surprising given the rotten weather just a few hours before the 5pm start. As it was, puddles remained on some parts of the track and infield, but despite that, conditions were surprisingly good, if a little gusty. Participants and spectators contributed about $550 for the Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown. At one point, there were three sub-four minute milers in the ground. Events ranged from long and high jumps and shotput to metric sprints to miles and the handicap spiral race over 2.114 miles. Participants' ages covered a span from 3 to 78 (and Santa - who knows how old he is). Grant McLean's daughter, Ayesha, G4, ran a PB in the kids'  60m - her first ever race! Winner of the all comers' mile was Jamie White (4:38), just ahead of Grant McLean, and first woman was Anne Hare (5:23) - S Claus was about two thirds of the way down the mile field (6:14) - not a bad showing, given the amount of training he has had time for; winner of the mile walk was Peter Baillie (8:16) with Alison Samson first under handicap; first in the M19 mile was Jesse Patel with a strong kick over the last 500 yards, but showing some tying-up at the finish (4:31); winner of the open women's mile was 18-year-old Barbara Roy (5:08), just pipping Jacinda Swain; winner of the men's mile was Simon Rogers in 4:19 (field of 18). The handicap spiral race was won by 8-year-old Sean Beresford. Sam Kidd was the fastest. Results (PS Alama Moller is a B9, not G9.) | Handicap mile walk results | Full handicap spiral race results | Above photo of Santa greeting his 55 fellow participants in the all comers' mile. More photos by Rowan Greig And below the start of the mile walk

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Splash and Dash, Freyberg Beach (730S/3R), 17 December 2008 What a contrast with a fortnight ago - so this is what a calm sea looks like! As a consequence, we saw a big Scottish turnout for race two of the Wellington Summer series: Ben Christophers (swim only), John Atkinson (1st), Cameron Goldsmid, Shane Hollis, Jane Loughnan, Jeanette Bourke (swim), Fiona Macmaster, Karen Ward (swim, baby due in April), Daryl Bloomfield, Emily Buskirk (swim), Natalie Smith, Rob Hanratty, Fleur Baker, Seini O'Connor, Angela Campbell, Anna Marshall (swim only, recovering well), Carolyn West, Terri Grimmett, Paul Rodway, and vociferous in his sideline support, John Skinnon. Also offering lower-key support was Deano Gaskin. Results | Photos | Photo: John Atkinson (by Rowan Greig)

Olympic Twilight 5k Series (aka Summer Series Race 8), Queens Wharf, 16 December 2008 A strong northerly tested competitors on the return. Scottish males took places 1-13 among the runners. Grant McLean (1), Stephen Day (2), Rob Little (3), Todd Stevens, Julian Cook, Matt Pepler, Rohan Biggs, Matt Mintrom, Vaile Mexted, James White, Dave Parsons, Damian Walsh, Jeremy Pitt, Hautahi Kingi, Evan Roberts, Karl Woodhead, Mark Venning, Terri Grimmett, Mike Browne, Philip Grimmett (2W), Daphne Jones. Results (Olympic website) Don't forget for next Tuesday: those dressed using a Christmas theme are eligible for spot prizes.

Three Bridges Marathon and Half Marathon, Wanganui, 13 December 2008 Peter Wrigley ran the marathon in a shade over 4 hours. Vivian Cheng ran it in 4:22. David Cooke and John Leonard did the half marathon walk in 2:32 and 2:34. Graeme Lear cut our the half in 1:22. Leeane Palmer did the 5k walk. Results ( Cool Running) 

New Zealand Secondary Schools Champs, Hamilton, 13 December 2008 Results

Rotorua Half Ironman (2S/90B/21R), 13 December 2008 The organisers' summary: Lake ‐ stunningly calm; Bike - big south-easterly; Run - stinking hot. Lots of Scottish members in action in Rotorua. Doing the full event were Shanon Barnett (5:28), Angela Campbell (6:26), Kate Hadfield, (6:26), Mandy Simpson (6:46) and Daryl Bloomfield (6:51).  Winning the mixed team event - "A nutter, 2 nuts and a Nat" - Emily Buskirk, Deano Gaskin and Natalie Smith (4:33), and getting "Nemo's Little Helpers" under way with a good swim was Anna Marshall.  Results 

Taupo Half Ironman (2S/90B/21R), 13 December 2008 A couple of Scottish names: Karl Woolcott, 4:45; Richard Parkes, 5:00. Results

A big celebration for Robert Bennett, posted 12 December 2008 This Sunday, long-time member Robert Bennett celebrates his 70th birthday. Robert moved to Auckland this year. For many years he performed as a mime at Wellington schools and was a regular feature in the Waterfront 5k walks. Happy birthday, Robert, from Scottish!

News about the Boy from Bangalore, posted 11 December 2008 Scottish member Peter Plowman began a job in Bangalore a few months ago. Here is a story about a run there as reported by his dad, Steve: Pete went down to run what he thought would be his first race in Bangalore the other day. On the warm-up from his place to the start in the gloom of the morning (6am) he was attacked by a dog, but being the canny fellow he is had a length of hose pipe to deter the miscreant with a quick knock on the nose. He jogged on and came to a chain fence in Cubbon Park where the race was meant to be and jumped it as usual only to find that someone had since his last visit placed a length of barbed wire just above the chain and he hit that full noise and canned out on the concrete, grazing his face, knee, arm and elbow. Picked himself up and carried on in true Scottish style, getting to the start to find no one around. He eventually found that the scheduled race had been replaced by a Nike Runners Club training run just up the road. He was so disappointed he elected to jog home but on the way was struck hard on the arm by a hornet, which had deposited its barbed sting in his arm! This was, he reports, turning out to be not one of his best runs. He swiped the beast to the ground and despatched it but the sting was still imbedded and his arm was going numb. He managed to get the barb out and has since discovered he does not have an allergy to Indian hornets, thankfully. And here endeth the tale.

Korokoro Stream Fun Runs/Walks, Belmont, 7 December 2008 Lovely day for it, if a little bit hot. A good smattering of Scottish members through the three (hilly) distances 21k/10k/4k. Half: Damian Walsh (3, 1:33), David Colquhoun, Peter Stevens, Christine Carleton (1W, 1:58, just getting over the hamstring strain that forced her out of the Heaphy Track run last week), Karyn McLean. 10k: Ioasa Kosena (3, 49min), Gary Moller, Chris Leatham, Stu Beresford, Jo Badham, Roisin Doherty. 4k for juniors (Four in the top five, go the juniors!): Jonathan Beresford (1, 17:38), Alama Moller (2, 18:02), Julieta Stevens (4, 1G, 19:30), Sean Beresford (5, 19:36). Results

Contact Energy Scorching Triathlon, Event 2, 7 December 2008 One of those few days when Scorching Bay actually lives up to its name. A good turn-out of Scottish members for the Xmas Scorcher, in fact a bit like an away trip for the club. Medium triathlon (500S/20C/5R), ex-Scottish Maria Kemp. (750S/20C/5R) John Atkinson (1st), Ben Christophers (2nd), Karl Woolcott, Seini O'Connor, Jane Loughnan, Fleur Baker, John Skinnon (you're back!), Richard Sweetman, Angela Campbell, Kate Hadfield, Terri Grimmett. Long triathlon (1500S/40C/10R): Tom Bassindale. Mix and match: Emily Buskirk, Don Mackay, Hannah Grimmett. Results

The 21st Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt, Te Anau, 6 December 2008 Great conditions saw Phil Costley, the current record holder in the 60k Kepler Challenge (4:37), set a record in the 27k Luxmore Grunt of 1:52. Martin Lukes won the longer event in 4:56. In the women's race, Chigaya Mase from Tokyo shaved 10 minutes off her winning time last year to take the title for the second year in a row finishing in 6:06. Scottish participation in the Kepler included: Matt Pepler, 10th, 5:47; Simon Maister, 34th, 6:28; John Gardiner, 218th, 8:34. The field is limited to 400. Entrants came from US, UK, Australia, Japan, Switzerland and New Zealand. Results

The Goat Alpine Adventure Run, 21k, Ruapehu, 6 December 2008 No current Scottish members in this event, but former member Ben Ruthe was third. Results

Black Programme, Newtown Park, 6 December 2008 In the 3000m today, Richard Brent ran a great race to break the Wellington M55-59 age-group record. The time was about 9:50, which broke his own record by about 9 seconds. 

Pacific School Games, Canberra, 30 November-7 December 2008 The two Arianas competed: Harper in the 13 Girls 1500m (16th, 5:26), Blackwood in 14 Girls javelin (12th, 24.61m), discus (10th, 32.96m) and 2000m steeples (15th, 8:29). Also from the centre, Masterton's Stevie Paine won the 13 Girls 800m in a time of 2:14 and was 9th in the 1500 (4:49). Results

New portal for expatriates and internationals in Wellington, posted 6 December 2008 A new portal for people living in our city from abroad has just been launched. Wellington Scottish is linked. Over the years we've had members who have been posted to Wellington or chosen to move here and wanted to keep up (or start!) their running and walking. If you are new to the city, and that sounds like you, make contact with us. Scottish  Here is the portal: wellington.ixpat.com 

Wellington Scottish Summer Harrier Programme, Adrian, Ross and Pam's patch, Whitireia Park, 6 December 2008 A dozen went on Adrian's Three-Peak Whitireia Wander on a day that couldn't be topped. At one point we could see the two glistening arms of Porirua Harbour, Plimmerton, Mana Island and the Tasman. For me, highlights were the vertiginous cliffs above Rocky Bay and Te Paokapo to the north west of the peninsula, with seabirds hang-gliding on the updrafts. The hosts put on a great recovery breakfast afterwards. Thanks, team! Attending were the usual suspects: Adrian Shields, Pam Graham, Ross Lake and Bernice Cavanagh, Robyne Blackford, Ken Howell, Phil Valentine, Barbara Tucker, Jonathon Harper, Howard Harman, Paul Rodway (to say nothing of the dog, Barkis). Next up in the series: 10 January - Ken and Robyne's patch. Belmont Regional Park- Kilmister Block, airstrip, etc. Meet end of Norfolk St., Belmont (first right into Carter St. past Kelson off motorway, first right into Norfolk St.).

Splash and Dash, Freyberg Beach, 3 December 2008 Wicked conditions in the water and not much better on land with a strong northerly. Swimmers were battered like fish. From Scottish: Ben Christophers len in the field, followed by Tom Bassindale, Natalie Smith, Shane Hollis, Seini O'Connor, Anthony Venning, Jane Loughnan, Kate Hadfield, Angela Campbell, Carolyn West, Daryl Bloomfield, Hanna Grimmett, Martin van Barneveld, Emily Buskirk, Anna Marshall. Results

Olympic Twilight 5k Series (aka Race 6 - Summer Series), Queens Wharf, 2 December 2008 Among the 66 finishers, attending with a Scottish affiliation were runners Ewan Gestro, Mike Browne, Della Laird, Terri Grimmett (with daughter Hannah), Howard Harman, Stephen Day (1st, 16:48), Damian Walsh, Todd Stevens (4th, 1st in Team PWC), Jimmy Tie (2nd, 16:58), Axel Tie (3rd, 17:00), Richard Day (from a few years ago!), Barbara Tucker, Paul Rodway, and as walkers, Bart and Daphne Jones, Geoff and Robyn Iremonger, and John Leonard. Also present was a moderate northerly, of course. Results (Olympic Harriers) | Cumulative Summer 2008/09 results

Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, 29 November 2008 With 10,500 entrants, searching for Scottish results is like trying to find a needle in a bike tyre. Among those doing the single (160k) lap, we spotted Glenn Hughes, 4:09, Martin van Barneveld, 4:07, Rob Hanratty, 4:21, Damian Walsh, 4:30, and James Coubrough, 4:45. Tony Venning (new Scottish member) did the loop in 6:16 with a 20min puncture repair break! Team "Wellington Scottish" (Mandy Simpson and Aubrey Begley) completed the event in 6:01. Don Mackay was half of a 2-person team, “Silveradoes,” in 6:17 and watched Mandy rocket past between Tokaanu and Turangi. Ex-Scottish: Ben Revell, 4:21, Craig Kirkwood 4:14, and Jeremy Salmond, 6:07. Jeremy went through 80k in 2:17, about his expected time. Then a few k down the road (flat) there was a loud crack and he looked down to see his front tyre torn open. He patched the tyre with a powerbar wrapper (go Kiwi ingenuity!) and went back to the 80k point looking for a bike mechanic. No luck, but someone had come a cropper and was in the first-aid tent. Jeremy persuaded him to lend his tyre and asked whether he'd like chocolates or wine. "Wine," came the reply. "I won't be riding for while." Jeremy rode to the finish, accompanying his daughter over the final 5k in the Heart Children ride. Overall, not a great time, but a great experience. Results

Regional League Third Round, Inglewood, 29 November 2008

The Inaugural Macpac Heaphy Five-0, Heaphy Track, Collingwood - Karamea, 29 November 2008 The Heaphy trail run was on this weekend. Five-0 for 50 or so miles (80k). This is the one Christine Carleton and Graeme Lear have been training for. Graeme was 7th overall in 7:44. Unfortunately, Christine did not finish. Other Wellington residents include Paul Bird (7:50), Billie Marshall (8:56, 2W), and 5k regular Brian Garmonsway (7:39, 5th overall). Results

NZMA North Island Track and Field Championships, Mt Smart, Penrose, 28+ November 2008 No Scottish masters participated.  In fact, there were only three Wellington-area entrants: Colleena and Jim Blair and Peter Hanson. Results (pdf)

Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Races, Auckland, 22-23 November 2008 Vivian Cheng completed 162.4k in 24 hours and placed 4th overall and 2nd in the women. Fantastic result and well done, Vivian!  Results

Olympic Twilight 5k Series (Summer Series - Race 4), Chicago Bar, 18 November 2008 The weather cleared after the hail of mid-afternoon, the sun shone and about 50 showed up to challenge the remaining gentle southerly. Scottish presence: Axel Tie (2R), Damian Walsh (3R), Todd Stevens, Rob Hanratty, Dawn Kelly, Michael Browne (he's just off the plane from the UK), Daphne Jones, Terri Grimmett (3W) and Philip Grimmett, Paul Rodway. Also spotted along the waterfront were Jim Kerr, Diane Morgan, Rohan Biggs, Bart Jones, Amelia de Lorenzo and James Hurring. Results (Olympic Harriers) | Cumulative Summer 2008/09 results

Win in Wellington Secondary Schools League, posted 18 November 2008  Ariana Blackwood's versatility proved itself after receiving an award on Saturday for  winning the MVP (Female) for this year's Wellington Secondary Schools League.  Ariana had wins in the steeples, discus, shot and javelin in the enjoyable competition held in October.

Scorching Triathlons, Scorching Bay, 16 November 2008 Breezy but reasonably fine. Long (1000S/30C/7.5R): Emily Buskirk, Fleur Baker, Kate Hadfield, Angela Campbell. Medium (500S/20C/5R); John Atkinson (1st).  Short (250S/15C/2.5R): Matthew Hickey, Jane Loughnan. Results 

NCAA Cross Country Regional Championships, Bronx, New York, 15 November 2008 New Zealand athletes on American athletic scholarships competed in their Northeast regional champs. For the men the distance was 10k and for the women 6k. Results: 16 Tim Hodge 32m 19s, 18 Hayden McLaren 32m 30s, 27 Dominic Channon 32m 50s. 12 Holly Van Dalen 22m 0s, 14 Lucy Van
Dalen 22m 3s, 19 Hayley Green 22m 11s, 33 Sarah Morgan 22m 31s. ANZ release

Host families wanted for cross country enthusiasts, posted 12 November 2008 Robyn O'Connor at AFS writes: Bailey and Taylor from the United States are due to arrive in NZ in February as exchange students with AFS Intercultural Programmes. At present the two girls are anxiously waiting to hear that host families have been found for them and that their dream to live with a NZ family will be fulfilled. Owing to secondary school and visa deadlines, we need to find host families for these young people immediately.

You will notice from the profile below that both students enjoy cross country running. While not necessary, we often find that families enjoy hosting an exchange student that shares their interests. 

AFS has been conducting student exchanges for 60 years with an objective of facilitating intercultural tolerance and understanding. AFS is a not-for-profit organization and does not pay families to host students. We believe that the experience of hosting a secondary student from a different culture is reward enough. In a world where money seems a prime motivator we are proud that there are still so many generous families that are prepared to welcome these young people into their homes and their hearts. Many of these relationships will last a lifetime. 

It should be noted that AFS host families come in all shapes and sizes including single parent families, parents and teenagers, parents with younger children. AFS host families are as diverse as their students! 

Bailey - USA, 16 years old (6 month student): Bailey is an actress/dancer in the community plays and her after school activities include ballet and drama classes. She is also on the school crosscountry team and the city's soccer team which she trains really hard for. Bailey hopes to become a teacher like her mum and when she not at school she spends time in the classroom with her mum teaching special needs kids. Her parents describe her as a blessing. 

Taylor - USA, 16 years old (6 month student): Taylor is captain of her local cross country team and loves running her dream is to compete in the Olympics doing the 1 mile, 2 mile, 800m or the 4x4relay. She has played soccer for 12 years, snowboard and wakeboards. Taylor is an active member of her community working on several projects such as clean up around the parks and rivers and animal shelters. 

Please help us to welcome Bailey and Taylor into warm and caring NZ families.

Enquiries should be directed to Robyn O'Connor at AFS on 027 280 6269 or email robyn.oconnor@afs.org.

Scorching Duathlons, last event, Scorching Bay, 5 October 2008 Day began with a light shower and hardly any wind (quite a contrast with yesterday's fierce north-westerly). Besides race organiser Daryl Bloomfield, Scottish participation was limited to Fleur Baker (8R/36B/4R) and Paul Rodway (4R/24B/4R) (for some reason, most of the club decamped to the Mainland for the weekend!). Results  A few weeks ago, Fleur announced her engagement to duathlete Gene McNaught - they met in a Scorching Bay event! The first Scorching Triathlon is on 16 November 2008.

Older Miscellaneous results  Miscellaneous results before October 2008 | Miscellaneous results before October 2007 | Miscellaneous results before October 2006 | Miscellaneous results before October 2005 | Miscellaneous results before October 2004 |  Miscellaneous results before October 2003 | Miscellaneous results before October 2002  

Wellington Scottish Athletics Club, PO Box 6239, Te Aro, Wellington. Clubhouse, Prince of Wales Park (map), Salisbury Terrace, Mt Cook   

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