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For older miscellaneous results (before October 2008), check the links at the foot of this page

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.

Wairarapa Marathon and Half Marathon, 11 October 2009 Rohan Biggs continued his harvest of marathon titles in the lower North Island with a 2:43:49 win in Masterton. Former Scottish member Heidi-Jane Humphries ran 3:39 (1W). In the half, Chris Leatham ran 1:34; Karyn McLean, 1:50; Daryl Bloomfield, 1:54. Scottish life member and Masterton local, Peter Tearle, walked the 10k in 1:25. Results

St George Melbourne Marathon or Half, 11 October 2009 Sally Anderson ran 3:03; Helen Anderson, 3:14; Felix Delbrück, 4:07; Joanne Kwok, 4:31. Results

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


Captain Cook's Landing
, 26k trail run, Queen Charlotte Track, 18 July 2009
Aubrey Begley reports: Fantastic event. Two challenging climbs at the beginning then an undulating course that winds through the Queen Charlotte track and ends at Punga Cove. We could not have asked for better conditions: sunshine and no wind. Reasonably smooth track with gate climbs, a swing bridge and quite a bit of mud! The Wellington contingent did really well with Tim Rickerby, 3rd male in 2:13; Matt McCrudden, 2:19; Anthony Venning, 2:32; Aubrey Begley, 1st woman and eighth overall, in 2:23; Alice McCubbin-Howell, 3rd woman in 2:32. Fun post-race celebrations at Furneaux Lodge! That's where Dave McAllister, injured, paused and waited for the rest of the crowd to return from the finish at Punga Cove.  Results | Photo: Matt, Aubrey, Tim, Alice and Nick Smith (from Nelson) at Ship Cove before the start. 


Wellington Cross Country Championships, Waikanae Park, Ngarara Rd, Waikanae, 18 July 2009  
Under unexpected blue skies, nearly 90 Scottish members competed in the centre cross-Country championships. In the open grades, seven of the first 10 men were from this club, as were five of the first 10 women. Rees Buck and Melissa Moon are the Wellington Champions for 2009. Good placings by Scottish in both males and females 19 and under (Ben Barry and Nicole Mitchell took gold). The 40s and older were led in by Grant McLean and Michele Allison (second only to WHAC's Gabby O'Rourke). Results (Courtesy of Kapiti Harriers) | Photo of Rees Buck skimming over the top gate by Rowan Greig

Road Walk Races, over various distances, QEII Park, McKays Crossing, near Paekakariki, 18 July 2009 The day was a little cool and overcast but no rain and a gentle breeze, good conditions for walking. We had a great turn out with 30 walkers from eight clubs starting in the 10k walks with five Scottish walkers finishing in the top 10 for the judged walk. It was also good to see the juniors walking in the 2k race. With the inclusion of 2k events for the juniors it is hoped that their numbers will increase. 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 4th 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 2nd place between us and the Race Walking Auckland Team 2. Throughout Terri’s race the placing for 2nd and 3rd kept changing and after 62:30mins Terri was in 3rd 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 4th 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 3rd team giving the Scottish team a comfortable 2nd 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 2nd 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

Mukamuka Munter, Southern Rimutakas, 29k of beach, hilly trails, Mt Matthews, rocky river beds, 13 June 2009, posted 21 June 2009 The race was held in near perfect conditions with little wind, ideal race temperatures and a forgiving river flow. Appearing from Scottish were Phil Valentine (4:49), Ben Candy (4:55) and Don Stevens (5:32). Also among the results are former members Tim Finn (4:33) and Hamish Farrar (4:30). At the front, Liam Drew managed to defend his King of the Munter crown again (3:00) and Fleur Pawsey again not only successfully defended the Munter Queen crown (3:14), but also taught the boys a thing or two by coming third overall for the second time. Results (.xls)

NZ Secondary School Cross Country Champs, Saxton Field, Nelson, 20 June 2009 Runners up last year, champions this year, Aaron Pulford of Hauraki Plains and Olivia Burne of Palmerston North collected the senior secondary schools cross country titles at Saxton Field Nelson on Saturday afternoon. Raced in perfect conditions on a firm fast course Pulford was in the leading group from the start of the senior boys 6k before hitting out on his own mid-way through the event to win comfortably in 18m 36s. Mohamed Ali of Fairfield College in Hamilton, second in the junior boys last year, worked his way through from 10th early on to claim second in 18m 52s. Scott Russell from Botany Downs in Auckland was third in 19m 3s. Olivia Burne of Palmerston North had a great battle with Nicki McFadzien of Villa Maria in the senior girls 4k. Burne eventually broke clear with 800m to go to win by three seconds in 13m 44s. McFadzien was third to Burne's second placing last year. Auckland Grammar School triumphed in the senior boys teams race while St Hildas won both the three person and six person teams races in the girls. Margot Gibson of St Margaret's College Christchurch made it two years in a row in the junior girls 3k. Look for the following Scottish members: Y9B: Sam Pietras. JB: Max Butchers, Patrick Twiss. JG: Ariana Harper. SB: Ethan Lankshear, Hector Farmer, Malcolm Hodge, Aaron Twiss, Stephen Isaac. SG: Nicole Mitchell, Florence Reynolds, Amber Kennedy. Results | Rowan Greig's Photos

Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships team announced, ANZ release, posted 16 June 2009 New Zealand will have a strong contingent competing at the Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships in Keswick, England, in mid-September. National mountain running champion Glenn Hughes of Wellington Scottish will contest both the 12k up hill race on 18 September and the up and down 12k race on 20 September. James Coubrough of Wellington Scottish will also take part in both races. The remainder of the men's team, Dougal Thorburn and Michael Wakelin of Otago, and Auckland's Aaron Jackson and Michael Banks will compete only in the up and down race. Former world mountain running champion Melissa Moon of Wellington along with Lara Phillips of Canterbury, Sarah Biss of Rotorua and overseas based Anna Frost have been selected for both women's races over 8k. The mountain running championships will be held in conjunction with the Commonwealth Ultra-distance Championships. Val Muskett of Waikouaiti, Lisa Tamati (New Plymouth), Vivian Cheng (Wellington Scottish) and Alex McKenzie (Auckland) have already been announced as New Zealand's representatives in the 24-hour race on 17-18 September.

Dorne Cup, Trentham Memorial Park, 13 June 2009 Results with corrected spellings have been posted. (Note Liam Healy (30M) is from WHAC.)  Results

Nick Willis takes top award as Wellington Sportsperson of the Year, thanks his school coach Don Dalgliesh, 12 June 2009 Olympic bronze medallist Nick Willis was last night crowned king in both the overall and male categories at The Dominion Post-sponsored awards at the town hall. Other major winners included Paralympic champion Paula Tesoriero (women), World Cup-winning Kiwis mentor Stephen Kearney (coach) and the Ranfurly Shield winning Wellington Lions (team). Willis offered special thanks to his school coach Don Dalgliesh. "We sort of had the scallywag group that we trained together, the ragamuffins from Naenae College, Tawa, Onslow and Hutt Valley High, and he put in a lot of selfless hours to help us have the opportunity." Scottish finalists (category): Marissa Pritchard (women), Kate Horan (athletes with a disability), and Peter Wrigley (officials), Steph Anderson (duathlon, sportswomen) and Martin van Barneveld (triathlon, emerging sportsmen). Other categories

PNP's annual Hawkins Hill Climb, 7 June 2009. This event challenged road riders, mountain bikers & runners in a race to the top of Hawkins Hill. The Perpetual Cups donated by Makara Peak Supporters were won by Stu Houltham (MTB) in a course record time under 24 mins and Marjoline Ros (RUN) in 29:43. Other Scottish results: Alama Moller, DNF; Melissa Moon, 29:59; Mary-Ann Moller, 39:52; Jane Loughnan, 41:06; Andrew Kerr (ROAD), 32:36; Ioasa Kosena, 35:31; Phil Valentine (ROAD), 37:24; Howard Harman, 37:31. Results

Sunfeast World 10k - India's richest race, posted 6 June 2009 "The Boy From Bangalore" - Peter Plowman finished 69th in a field of 1,786 but well outside the hoped-for PB, folding up badly over the last 3k to record 45:37 after being on target for a PB until the 7k marker. "I was going well until 7k and then, basically, the wheels fell off. In fact, I could have done with some wheels at that stage. I got a stitch and the sauna-like conditions just got to me and I was down to a jog from there," Peter said of the race, which was run in 31 degrees. He added he was "very disappointed." The Sunfeast races attracted 22,000 runners. For the record, the elite 10k was won in a sprint finish by Deriba Merga of Ethiopia in 28:13, just two seconds to the good of Mark Kiptoo of Kenya with Bernard Kipyeg taking third in 28:24. Less than a minute covered the top eight runners home. The women's event saw Asslefach Merga of Ethiopia win in 32:08 in a photo finish with Mary Keitany (Kenya) who clocked 32:09 with only two seconds to Aberu Kebede in the closest finish in the history of the race. Pete's next race will be in the upcoming BSA Hercules Duathlon. "I just have to find a bike somewhere," Pete said. Shouldn't be hard in India - whether it will be a Trek Madone will be another story.  

Scottish runners shine in 9k road race at Napier Harrier Club's 75th Jubilee, Queen's Birthday weekend  Malcolm Lochrie won the men's race on handicap with fastest times going to Stefan Smith of Wellington Scottish (29:44), from Scottish's Ryan Woolley (30:20) and David Sharp, Hamilton City Hawks (31:46). Emily Stuart won the women's 4.5k race on handicap with fastest times going to Rochelle Sceats of Hastings in 16:26 from Lee-Ann Sharp Hamilton City Hawks (17:27) and Andrea Williams of Hastings (17:38).

Marathon runners selected for World Championships, posted 1 June 2009 Athletics New Zealand release: Michael Aish is the sole New Zealand men's selection for the world championship marathon to be held in Berlin on 22 August. Aish won the 2009 Christchurch marathon in 2:18:18, and has a best time of 2:13:21 in winning last year's Phoenix marathon. New Zealand will have a women's team in the world cup marathon to be run in conjunction with the world championships in Berlin on 23 August. The team is Shireen Crumpton of Dunedin and overseas based Mary Davies and Fiona Docherty. Crumpton won the Gold Coast marathon last July in 2:38:16, Davies qualified with her marathon debut in Vienna in April in 2:42:39 and Docherty with her 2:42:11 in Ottawa last week. US-based Liza Hunter-Galvan was not considered for selection due to her unavailability.

SBS Christchurch Half and Full Marathon, 31 May 2009 Michael Aish won the full marathon in 2:18:18 looking fresh as a daisy. A strong headwind over the last 10k scuttled any record attempt (he was on track at 30k). So Mike cruised home, enjoying the spectator support. By all accounts, bitterly cold. Marathon: Grant McLean 2:38, 8, 1M40; Dave Parsons 2:42, 10; Rohan Biggs  2:44; Evan Roberts 2:50; Matt McCrudden 2:57; Lotty Turnidge 2:59, 7W; Ben Cornelius 3:00:36 (missing a sub-3 by less than a minute for the second year in a row!); Matyas James 3:10; Simon Maister 3:20; David White 3:38; Vivian Cheng 4:02. Matt Dravitzki ran the first half in 1:11, but has no finish time recorded. Half: Sam Kidd 1:10, 11M; Scott Ferguson 1:13; Vaile Mexted 1:14; Peter Kelly 1:15; Jamie White 1:19, Natalie Smith 1:24; Aubrey Begley 1:30; Andrew Kerr 1:30; Alice McCubbin-Howell 1:32; Susan Joy 1:34; Kirsty Berry 1:37; Claire Hodge 1:42, 6W19; Amy White 1:45; Josie Askin 1:53; Mandy Simpson 1:57. 10k: Deano Gaskin, 35:04; Elisabeth Numan-Parsons 50:28. Results | Aish profile (2001) | Buck interviews Aish (April 2009)

Aurora Handicap Marathon, 31 May 2009 Barbara Tucker reports: Sleet, hail, polyprops, beanies, gloves and paras and a bit of sunshine, too. Cold conditions for the run. Results: Marathon Walk: Terri Grimmett 5:27, 10; Philip Grimmett 5:27, 11. Marathon Relay teams: Ken Howell and Barbara Tucker took 4th place (composite) in 3:46; Angela Martin and Robyne Blackford were 9th (women's) in 3:45. Although the temperature was freezing, we all agreed that it was a well-run event, well signposted and a great meal was supplied before the prize giving. A warm pot of soup and a cuppa were available and appreciated by the participants at the end of the run. | Banner photo by Rowan Greig: The Grimmetts in full flight.

Tim Hodge returns for the winter, posted 31 May 2009 For any Scottish member involved in employing people on a part time/ contract/ casual basis: Tim Hodge will be back in Wellington and available for work from 8 June-21 August (most of these dates).  He is keen and able to work and can turn his hand to almost anything.  When he is not studying for his biology degree, he is training and racing. Recent result: Track and Field East Regional, NCAA Div 1 at Greensboro Nth Carolina, 29 May. 5000m run in pouring rain, flooding all over the track with much pushing and shoving and people falling over, reminiscent of a cross-country race.  The race pace was slow with nearly all runners running slower than their qualifying times. Tim placed 20th out of 35 starters in a time of 14:34. Needless to say, he is looking forward to running with Scottish again. Contact details for Tim are thodgy@hotmail.com or phone Bev or Martin 232 3246 anytime or Tim on this number after 8 June.

7th Annual Iron Knee Trail Race (20.2k), North Vancourver, Canada, 31 May 2009 Scottie abroad Ed Sargisson reports: Just completed the Iron Knee trail race in North Vancouver. Watch time: 2:22:50 (chip timing was claiming 2:19). Very hot (22 degrees) with two big hills including one steeper than Tip Track. Hanging out at the beach after the race was very pleasant. Blurb: " . . . Canada's largest long distance trail race. From the start at Grouse Mountain's spectacular base to the finish on the shores of Deep Cove, racers will be treated to some of the most amazing trails on the planet . . . not to mention the punishment of the infamous Powerline Climb."  Website | Map

College Sport Wellington Cross Country Championships, Trentham Memorial Park, 27 May 2009 Jonathon Harper reports: In the senior girls race, Nicole Mitchell (Tawa) won over Florence Reynolds (Well Girls).  Business as usual for Scottish speedster Ariana Harper (Onslow College) in the Intermediate Girls (GU16) event over 3k. She ran an anti-social race clearing out after only a few hundred metres and staying well in front from then on to  take the gold medal easily. Her training buddy Emily Stotter (from Hutt Valley High) took the silver. Emily and Ariana were displaying the fruits of training with Scottish coach Don Dalgleish's group. Among Don's senior boys, Scottish runners Hector Farmer and Malcolm Hodge (Tawa College)  finished well up in the large and competitive field. Hector held on as one of the tight five leading runners for almost the entire 6k, only dropping back a couple of places over the last 400m. Another new recruit for Don, Scottish runner Seth Delpachitra (Onslow College) finished well up in the Intermediate boys race. Top places


Eikiden Walking Relay, Trentham, 24 May 2009
David Lonsdale reports: The amazing efforts the Race Walking Auckland team members went to get to this race paid off when they won by almost three minutes from the Manawatu Centre Team. Most of their team members had the frustrating experience of flying to Wellington on Saturday, only to fly back without landing in the stormy weather. Many busy hours on the phone and internet on Saturday afternoon resulted in all of them flying in on very early flights on Sunday.  A great effort to make it to what has become an important event in the walkers’ calendar.

Race Walking Auckland led from the start and although Manawatu worked hard when Mike Parker scorched around the 10k lap in 50m 32s, the race was all but over. Taranaki A and Scottish Gold had a great race and although Taranaki were 52 seconds faster they had a one-minute time penalty added for technical faults.  This resulted in Scottish taking third place. In the B Division, Trentham United led for the first lap with Michael Walton doing one of he day’s fastest first laps. However, Run Walk Hawkes Bay took the lead on the second of the six legs and went on to a convincing win over Manawatu Striders. There were 19 teams all from the North Island. Results (.xls) | Rowan Greig's photo of Peter Baillie handing on to Terri Grimmett

A Division Race, Walking New Zealand Road Racing Relay Championship, 42.2k
1  Race Walking Auckland No 1  4h 00m 30s
2  Manawatu Centre                    4h 03m 07s
3  Wellington Scottish Gold         4h 15m 01s
4  Taranaki Race Walking            4h 15m 09s
B Division
1  Run Walk Hawkes Bay            4h 15m 53s
2  Manawatu Striders No 1          4h 22m 59s
3  Trentham United HC                4h 29m 09s


Race profile: Vosseler Shield, Interclub Hilly Cross Country Races (up to 10k), Mt Victoria, 23 May 2009
The prospect of bad weather - rain and southerly wind gusts up to 140k/h - kept many club members away. Small numbers were particularly evident in the junior grades. Ariana Harper was winner of the W16/19s. Wellington Harriers were clear winners of the M19 team event, but Ben Barry running his first season for Scottish won the individual M19 title. Melissa Moon won the open women's event, ahead of Demelza Murrihy-Topp (Taum) and Vickie Humphries (WHAC, recorded as M35). In the men's race, Scottish took out eight of the top 10 places, with wily campaigner James Coubrough leading in Stef Smith and Cameron Goldsmid. Team results for Scottish: 1M, 1W, 1W35, 2M50, 2B13/11. Scottish also won the Barry Everitt Plate for placing and participation. Scottish results (Jim Kerr) | Full results (WHAC) | Photos by Rowan Greig: L to R, Barry, Moon, Harper and Coubrough

A Handful of Scottish Athletes selected for World Mountain Running Championships, Campodolcino, Italy, 6 September 2009, posted 20 May 2009 Selected are former world champion Melissa Moon, current New Zealand Champion Glenn Hughes, James Coubrough, former member Dougal Thorburn (Dunedin). They join Jonathon Wyatt (six times world champion), Aaron Jackson, Daniel Clendon, Lara Phillips, and Sarah Biss in the senior teams. Melissa won the world title in 2001 in Italy and again in 2003 in Alaska. Her last world championship was in 2006 in Turkey where she finished 14th. At the recent New Zealand championships in Wainuiomata, she was second, as was Dougal Thorburn. Glenn Hughes was 74th in the world championships last year and 12th at the 2000 world junior championships. ANZ release

Metlink City Safari, 17 May 2009 Rogaining around Welly, three- and six-hour versions. Florence and Martyn Reynolds were fifth overall in the three-hour race and third mixed. Jane Loughnan was in Loughnan Girls Team. Go the Sisterhood! Former Scottish member Cam Durno teamed up with Dean Ford (Taupo) and were third in the six-hour event. The Safari is a rogaine - a form of orienteering for teams. But because of the sponsor, in this event you can jump on a bus or a train or the cablecar or the ferry to speed up the process. Results

Scottish Three Peaks, Event Two: “Eastern Watertowers” – Maupuia, Seatoun Heights, Beacon Hill, 17 May 2009 It was howling, but 67 turned up, and nearly all did all three peaks. Admittedly these peaks were a little easier than some others but it was still a solid run. Cameron Goldsmid has opened up what looks like an unassailable lead in the race for the nine-peak title, but he still has to turn up, of course. Alasdair Saunders, Peter Kelly and Ramon Steenson are battling it out behind him. The Anderson twins slightly increased their lead for the women's title, but Natalie Smith and Laura Evans are not too far behind. Results

Contact Duathlon Series, Christchurch, 16 May 2009 Two Scottish athletes took on the standard duathlon course (10R/40C/5R): Evan Agnew, 9M2529; Damon Peachey, 2M3034. Results

Scottish members among the finalists for Wellington Sportsperson of the Year, posted 17 May 2009 It is very pleasing to see that two of our track athletes and one official are finalists: Marissa Pritchard (sportswoman), Kate Horan (athlete with a disability), and Peter Wrigley (official). Marissa Pritchard is almost certainly to be one of our Commonwealth Games team members next year and Kate Horan will certainly be there in India, if she decides to compete.  Peter Wrigley flies out to France this Friday for yet another international judging appointment in Metz, France for the European Race Walking Champs. Also among the finalists are members Steph Anderson (duathlon, sportswoman) and Martin van Barneveld (triathlon, emerging sportsman). Other finalists from athletics are: Nick Willis (sportsman), Jonathan Wyatt (sportsman), Geoff Henry (volunteer). The winners in each category will be announced at a formal dinner in the Wellington Town Hall on 11 June 2009. Details


32nd Scottish Secondary Schools Cross Country Relay, Karori Park, 13 May 2009
These annual events attracted an entry of 99 teams from 22 colleges, including nine teams from Wanganui. This represents a total of 505 competitors. There was one new record, to Barkhad Mohamed (Rongotai), in the Year 9 Boys grade.  Senior Boys: 1st Scots 41.20, 2nd Collegiate 41.34, 3rd Wgtn 41.39, 4th Tawa, 5th St Pats Town, 6th Wanganui High, 7th St Pats Stream, 8th HIBs, 9th Wgtn, 10th Paraparaumu. Senior Girls:  1st Collegiate 32.3, 2nd Wgtn Girls 33.10, 3rd Tawa 33.35, 4th Wgtn Girls, 5th St Marys, 6th Chilton, 7th Wanganui High, 8th Onslow, 9th Collegiate, 10th Marsden. U16 Boys:  1st Wgtn 46.11, 2nd St Pats Town 46.36, 3rd Scots 46.48, 4th Scots, 5th Wanganui High, 6th Wgtn, 7th HVHS, 8th Rongotai, 9th St Pats Stream, 10th Scots. U16 Girls: 1st St Marys 33.56, 2nd Onslow 35.37, 3rd 35.59, 4th Chilton, 5th Wanganui High, 6th HVHS, 7th Sacred Heart, 8th Wgtn Girls, 9th Queen Margarets, 10th Wgtn Girls. Year 9 Boys: 1st HIBS 45.53, 2nd Wgtn 46.54, 3rd St Pats Stream 49.31, 4th HIBS, 5th Rongotai, 6th Wgtn, 7th Scots, 8th St Pats Town, 9th Wgtn,10th St Pats Stream. Year 9 Girls: 1st Wgtn Girls 35.03, 2nd Marsden 35.33, 3rd Chilton 36.45, 4th Collegiate, 5th Wanganui High, 6th Chilton, 7th Wgtn Girls, 8th Queen Margarets, 9th Onslow, 10th Wgtn Girls. Full results (.xls) | Photo by Rowan Greig: Amber Kennedy (Wellington Girls) | More of Rowan's photos

Pencarrow Lighthouse Fun Run/Walk, half marathon, 5/10k, 10 May 2009 Lucky with the weather: In the half marathon run, Tomas Bridgeman, 1:24 2M; Alice McCubbin-Howell, 1:36, 3W; Warren Sutherland,1:42. In the half marathon walk, the Grimmetts, Phillip and Terri, took out the top spot in 2:36 (competition?). In the 10k, Garry Murcott ran 38:48, 1M. The date will for 2010 will be 11 April, exactly one week after Easter.

Masters Classic Cross Country Relay, Trentham Memorial Park, Upper Hutt, 10 May 2009 Only two Scottish teams made it onto the results sheets: The first and last walkers' teams. The conditions underfoot were a bit boggy in parts having been cut up by the Kids Bike Jam held in the morning. This year had only 16 teams: this was partly because of the later start time owing to a double-booking of the grounds again! Fastest laps were contributed by Peter Versey (14:45) and Janet Crawford (14:59).  Fastest walkers were Peter Baillie (22:35) and Vivian Butt (31:02). There were only two runners for Scottish (not enough to make up a team) who kept running laps and didn’t put in a lap recording sheet and hence no Scottish runners appear among the results. Results  

Scorching Duathlons, Mothers' Day Special, Scorching Bay, 10 May 2009  The rain kept away but a cold southerly breeze ensured most wore tights and polyprops. Doing the 4R/24B/4R options from Scottish were Deano Gaskin (3M, photo), Evan Agnew (6M), Richard Sweetman, Paul Rodway and Cameron Goldsmid (who streamed away from the field in the 4k opening run, but whose race came to a halt with a puncture). In the short event (2/12/2) was Sam Pietras (2M). In attendance on the sidelines were Natalie Smith and Don Dalgliesh. The next event is on 6 September (Fathers' Day Special in Upper Hutt). In the meantime, Daryl Bloomfield is off to Germany to compete in the Challenge Roth long triathlon (2.8/180/42) on 12 July and then spend the following month checking out the scene and rehydrating using local beverages. Results

Michael Aish on running, Clubhouse, 7pm, 28 May 2009 Another event brought to you by the Wellington Scottish Supporters Trust. Over the past decade, Michael has forged an outstanding running career which has included two Olympic Games, 27:46 for 10,000m and let's not forget a few 2:13 marathons. Now you have the chance to listen to one of New Zealand's elite distance runners. Michael will be in New Zealand to run the Christchurch marathon on 31 May. The evening will be Q&A style, so come along with your questions: anything from the secrets of running fast(!), selection policies, the Olympic experience, to the benefits of US scholarships. Entry by gold coin donation. Rees Buck interviews Michael Aish

Scottish member selected to represent NZ in first Commonwealth Ultra distance and Mountain running championships, England, September 2009, posted 6 May 2009 Vivian Cheng has been selected, along with Val Muskett and Lisa Tamati, to represent New Zealand in the women's 24 hour race at the inaugural Commonwealth Ultra distance running championship in England in September. Vivian Cheng of Wellington Scottish has competed in a number of ultra distance events. Muskett of Waikouaiti was eleventh in the International Association of Ultra Runners 24-hour championship in Seoul last October covering a personal best distance of 205.140k. Tamati of New Plymouth has competed in the Badwater Ultra marathon of 217k through Death Valley in the States. Alex McKenzie of Auckland will compete in the men's 24-hour event. Last November he ran 200k in 24 hours.

29th Nelson Shoe Clinic Half Marathon, 3 May 2009 John Palmer reports: Only a small representation from Scottish at the Nelson Half held in prefect running conditions on a typically beautiful sunny Nelson day. There was a light chilly breeze coming in from the south which was only evident when you came out of the shelter of the park at Monaco and lined up on the road at the start line.  Once you got underway and were on the walkways and railway reserve there was no breeze to content with. A total of 370 competitors took part in the half marathon run and walk and the quarter marathon (10.55k) - this being the more popular choice of entrants. Male winner of the half marathon was Kim Hogarth in 1:07:50 and first female was Paula Canning in 1:25:56. The two Scottish entrants didn't have good runs on the day - John Palmer 1:55:31 and Maryanne Palmer 1:56:50 for 2W5564. A well organised event over a fast, flat 2 lap course taking in the walk ways around Monaco and Stoke with a good array of spot prizes handed out at the prize giving.

New Balance Tai Tapu 15k Road Race, Christchurch, 3 May 2009 Dave Parsons finished 8M in 51:04. In addition, Richard Parkes ran 1:07 for 26M40. With a strong field, the race was won by Matt Smith in 44:45, with Rowan Hooper (formerly Scottish) 2nd in 44:53. Perfect Christchurch conditions; cool, fine and still. Results

Crazyman Multisport and Mtn Bike Duathlon Event, 2 May 2009  You don't have to be crazy, but it clearly helps! In the Run/MtnBike Duathlon: Alex Revell, 2M; John Gardiner, 2MM; Marjolein Ros, 1W. Duo Teams: Jo Badham/Vicki Connor 1W (As Jo reports, she along with her team mate is " the very proud owner of a Crazyman medal. A gold one, no less"); Mary-Ann Moller/Alofa Kosena, 6W.  In the Kayak/Run/MtnBike event, James Coubrough was 2M. Results (top left)

Martin heads for Europe, posted 2 May 2009 Scottish club member Martin van Barneveld heads for Europe on Monday to participate in the northern hemisphere triathlon season. We'll see him again in September.

45th Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon, 5/10k, 2 May 2009 Scottish results: Grant McLean was 7M and 1M40 (2:34, with plenty of air in front and behind him); Bernie Portenski, 7W and 1W55 (3:07); Michele Allison, 1W50 (3:15); Betty Harp, 3W45 (3:23); Karen GIllespie (3:42); Jane Fichtner (3:57); Richard Sweetman (4:11); Barbara Tucker, 2W60 (4:48). Walk/Competitive: Peter Baillie, 11th, 1M60 (4:51); Geoff Iremonger, 5M60 (5:24); John Hines, 2M70 (5:35). Walk: Robyn McArthur, 2W45 (5:18).  There were 1,901 running finishers; 62 in the competitive walk and 419 in the open walk. Male overall marathon winner was Scott Winton (2:27) ahead of Steve O'Callaghan who stumbled near the finishing line; women's winner was Lara Phillips in 2:55. Results

Anzac Day Road Races, Dalefield, 25 April 2009 A fair showing of Scottish members at this road event, raising money for the Child Cancer Foundation. In the 2k race, Melissa McAdam was 3U12 in 8:36. In the 10k walk, Scottish won the trifecta: Robyn McArthur (63:06), Terri Grimmett (63:06), Ian Morton (63:26). The 10k run saw Lottie Turnidge third overall and 1W (38:04), former member Ben Winder (3M, 39:54), Peter Wrigley (2M45, 40:55), Glen Wallis (4M45, 42:15), Karen Gillespie (3W, 42:51), John Palmer (1M60, 48:53), Maryann Palmer (1W55, 52:20). Results (from Ray Wallis, organiser)

Arthur Mahan, 19 June 1930 – 5 April 2009, posted 27 April 2009 Colin Maclachlan reports: Arthur was out riding his mountain bike not far from his home in Riccarton on Sunday, 5 April, when, after pulling up for a “pit-stop,” he suffered a fatal heart attack. He will be remembered by club members from the sixties as a very efficient administrator and official, for both the club and the Wellington Centre. Arthur was a club member from 1962-69, during which time he was Club Secretary, on the Centre Harrier Sub-committee, Administrative Committee and was Centre Secretary for two years. His job with AMP took him to Invercargill in 1969 and later to Christchurch, where he continued to give his time to the sport with the TOCH Club and the Canterbury Centre. He was an official at the 1974 Commonwealth Games. During all this time he continued to compete in Masters Track and Field, with success, eventually taking up biking in addition to his golf. Arthur is survived by his wife Margaret and his three daughters and their families.

45th Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon, 2 May 2009, posted 18 April 2009 I spotted these Scottish members among the entrants for this year's 42.2k race around the lake: Barbara Tucker, Richard Sweetman, Bernie Portenski (of course), Michele Allison, Betty Harp, Grant McLean, Jane Fichtner, Karen Gillespie, Robyn McArthur, John Hines, Peter Baillie, and Geoff Iremonger, among an entry field of 2,116. Good luck, guys!

Flora London Marathon, 26 April 2009 Todd Stevens was the first Kiwi to finish in the London marathon. Todd ran as part of a group of accountants from New Zealand and finished 566th in 2:53:48. Other Scottish members: Karl Woolcott clocked 3:24 as second Kiwi; Christine Jones, 3:48 (fastest Kiwi woman); Robyne Blackford, 3:57. Samuel Warjiru (Ken) won the men's race in 2:05:10, while Irina Mikitenko (Ger) led the women in in 2:22:11. Other Wellingtonians include John Shewan (3:38); and former member David Humfrey (6:17).  Results  


Event One: “City Circuit” – Mt Victoria, Tinakori Hill, Johnston's Hill,
26 April 2009 The first of the 2009 Wellington Three Peaks Series was run on Sunday. 85 entered, which was a good turnout, given that quite a few regulars did not want to weary themselves before Rotorua next week. Most people did all three peaks and there were some good times. Most debate over the routes afterwards centred around the quickest ways to get to and from Tinakori Hill from the other two peaks. But the various options seem to be about the same. Cameron Goldsmid won the men's race, with the Three Peaks champion of 2006, Daniel Lawrey, coming second and showing that he might want his title back.  Allister Adams was third. In the women's race, Helen and Sally Anderson came through despite a fall to one of them on one of the trails, and Natalie Smith was close behind for third. Results

One more for the Scottish family, one more for the Dravitzki Clan, posted 23 April 2009 Kez reports: Jessica Ann Dravitzki was born on Saturday, 19 April at 2.30pm, weighing 3.58kg. Her arrival caused Matt to miss racing the Le Gaye Cup - which shows that Jessie already has daddy wrapped around her little finger!


Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake, 18 April 2009 Alastair Duffy reports: A group of us travelled down to the Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake race around Lake Rotoiti. As most will know, it is one of the great Nelson Striders trail runs. LtL is approx 25k, no big hills but quite technical, including crossing the Travers River at the head of the lake. It is an awesome run and we all had a blast! This year they shifted the start down to the lakefront, adding about 2 minutes to the course. The race was won by Adam Gausel of Nelson in 1:45:18. Women's winner Tania Causer (Chch) broke her own WU40 course record in 1:54:51, a time that, given the extended course this year, would have to be considered marginally better that Carline McDonald's 2004 overall women's course record of 1:53:38. In our little group, the highlight was Aubrey Begley being 5th woman around the lake in 2:11:39, following up on her 3rd place last year with a similar time despite the longer course. Other Scottish members in our group were Alastair Duffy, whose 2:09:15 won him a large number of bets from people who didn't think he could beat Aubrey; James Goodchild, who was unwittingly part of a group that found a creative way to cut off the top of the course to come in at 2:17:08; Peter Dyer (he should be in Scottish!), who started strong but had a tough lesson in pacing taught to him over the last few km; and Tony Venning, who was surprised to find James ahead of him when he arrived at the finish in 2:28:35. James swears that had he not made this mistake he would still have beaten Tony, but the truth will never be known. Race organisers deemed that the "shortcut" across the river would have actually taken the renegade group longer than sticking to the course - Tony found this rather amusing, as did another guy in our group who had to pass his father twice!  Scottish results: Alastair Duffy, 2:09; Aubrey Begley, 5W, 2:11; James Goodchild, 2:17; Chris Leatham, 2:17; Alice McCubbin-Howell, 2:19; Anthony Venning, 2:28; Dave McAllister, 3:00. Results Photo: Some of the prime suspects.  Would you buy a looped lake from this crowd?

Moonshine Half Marathon and 10k, 19 April 2009 In the half marathon run were Scottish members John Gardiner (1:56), Jo Badham (2:10) and in the walk Terri Grimmett was first in 2:44, with Phillip Grimmett second (2:49), and Diane Morgan (3:08). In the 10k, Jane Heather-Sclater featured twice!  Results

Ocean Swim Series, King of the Bays, North Shore, 19 April 2009 John Skinnon fronted it with the Aussies in the tough conditions up north, covering the 2.8k distance in 1:07:51 for 21st in the M6069 group. His time in the Capital Classic under more benign conditions was 1:04. Also there was Fiona Macmaster recording 1:08:14 for 33W4049.  Results


NZ Mountain Running Championships, Wainuiomata, 18 April 2009
Glenn Hughes won the open men's 12k race, ahead of Ariki's Dougal Thorburn, and ACA's Aaron Jackson. In the women's 8k race, Melissa Moon came second, to ACA's Lara Phillips, while Demelza Murrihy-Topp (Taumaranui) was third. James Coubrough, 4M; Stephen Day, 8M; David Young, 14M; Clare Miller, 5W; Susan Joy, 6W, Olivia Johnson-Sullivan, 4W19(4k), and masters men (8k), Stu Beresford, 3M35; Hicham Joumad-Baron, 1M40; Peter Stevens, 3M40. In the non-championships events, Jonathon Beresford was the first male over the 4k course, surrounded by Murrihy females. Also present were Mary-Ann Moller and Rupert Watson (both 8k).  Results (Champs) | Results (Non-Champs) | Rowan Greig photo: Glenn Hughes.

Le Gaye Cup, 4.8k Club Road Race, Peter Tearle Walk Race, J-Team Scratch Race, Island Bay, 18 April 2009 Winner of the Le Gaye Cup for 2009 was Jenny Mason. She undercut handicapper Bob Stephens's expectations by the largest margin (1:40).  Runners-up were Amber Kennedy and Patrick Twiss. Fastest male around the course was Hamish Carson who powered up the Severn St hill and back along the Parade into a northerly in 14:49.  Fastest female was Natalie Smith in 17:52. Winner of the Peter Tearle Walk Trophy for 2009 was Margaret Bray who beat the handicapper by 1:51. Second and third were Kevin Watson and Ian Morton. Fastest over the 6k was Kevin Watson (37:30), followed by Jan Bliekendaal and Robin McArthur. Three improvised new, longer courses: Terri Grimmett, Rachel Kennedy and Andrew Shelley. In the J-team 2k race, Cameron Twiss led in the boys, while Vida Long was the quickest girl. Results


Report from the Mountaineering Division of Wellington Scottish, posted 15 April 2009
Richard Brent reports: I tried a little altitude training recently, by dragging myself up to just over 3000m to the summit of Mt Aspiring. As a training exercise it achieved very little, by the time my feet had recovered enough from the ordeal to actually run again, I was definitely no fitter than before. This, however, was more than compensated for by the mind-blowing views and the exhilaration of climbing the final snow and ice ridge to the summit on a perfect day. The rock climbing below that was a little less enjoyable with my rigid "concrete gumboot" style ice climbing boots not really suited to the terrain, and sometime in the 25 years since I last climbed that route, the rock seemed to have got steeper and the drops down to the glacier somewhat larger! Pictured on top are myself with my brother and his wife. Time from hut to top 5 hours, and 5 hours back down again. Time from hut to road end 11 hours. (Time from road end to hut was 2 hours, but we cheated and took a helicopter most of the way!)

Bangalore (24C and humid): The Dream, posted 10 April 2009 The Dream 5k race, a fundraising venture to support local children in need, attracted over 100 competitors and among them was Scottish's Peter Plowman, who is currently domiciled in the southern Indian city of 6.2 million people. Peter kept the Scottish singlet to the fore in finishing second in a time of 19:38 (his PB is 19:31), just three seconds shy of the winner, the 20th ranked marathon runner in India. India is strong in the marathon, their team finishing 3rd in the recent Asian Marathon Championships in Hong Kong (earning $80,000 in the process), though on home soil most of the top Indian races are won by Kenyan, Eritrean and Ethiopian runners who travel around the sub-continent battling each other for the major share of the prize money on offer. Peter's next mission is on 21 May in the Sunfeast World 10k where he will get to rub shoulders briefly with some of the best runners in the world, lured to the Times of India-sponsored event by the big prize money on offer. Last year 20,000 runners converged on Bangalore for the event. The race was won by Zersenay Tedesse of Eritrea in 27:51. Tedesse pocketed $US20,000 for his win in the 2008 edition. To give you an idea of the quality of the field, Kenya’s multiple World champion Paul Tergat, finished 19th in last year's race.  

Paris Marathon, 5 April 2009 Ken "Running on Memory" Howell reports: Just to tell you, in spite of my three weeks' training, I managed to finish the marathon. My chip time was 3:42:56. (I note the official results are not chip time.) Anyway, I was 8211th, and 1007th in the M5059 age group. Given my lack of training, I was very happy. Thanks to Gary Moller and others for getting me to the start line! I got into a rhythm of about 5 minute ks, but the last 6 or 7k were hard work which wasn't surprising given my lack of training. The weather was about 10 degrees at the start but ended about 15, and so it was good marathon weather.


North Island Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, Newtown Park, 4-5 April 2009
Junior Girls 1500m final won by Scottish runner Ariana Harper PB time (by 6 secs) of 4:50.02. Senior Girls 3000m: second was Nicole Mitchell (PB) in 10:18.46 Photo shows Ariana's 1500 coming up to the bell. She took the lead after 1 1/2 laps and finished strongly increasing her decisive lead in the last 200m. 

Scorching Triathlons, 31 March 2009 The usual Scottish suspects rounding out the season and competing in the Wellington Triathlon and Multisport Club's standard distance champs. In the short distance tri (250S/15B/2.5R) first was new-comer Hayden Shearman. Others: Tom Poland and Chris Hickey. Medium/sprint (750S/20B/5R): Matt Hickey. Long/standard (1500S/40B/10R): Cameron Goldsmid (3rd), Natalie Smith, Richard Parkes, Angela Campbell, Jane Loughnan, Terri Grimmett, Anna Marshall.  Results


Pub Charity New Zealand Track and Field Championships, Newtown Park, 27-29 March 2009
Some Scottish highlights: Tim Hawkes took the 800m title in a time of 1:49.21 in a close finish with Gareth Hyett, Brendon Blacklaws added the M19 1500m title to his 3000m title with a time of 3:51.93. It was a top class field and he and four others entered the final 300m in a tight bunch. Brendon made a move to take the lead to avoid being boxed in. He took off again with a huge grimaced face all the way down the home straight to hold out Simon Rogers, Eric Speakman, Aaron Pulford, who had earlier beaten him in the 5000m, and Corey Casey, also from Scottish, for a good win. It was good to see Andrew Underwood return from injury and take out the bronze in the M19 400m. Stephen Day picked up silver in the M3000m steeplechase. W16 800m Ariana Harper was 4th in a PB time of 2:17.84 (reduced her PB by another 3 secs). Florence Reynolds picked up a thrid in the W16 2k s/c.  Results | Rowan's photos | Video (NZ Run)


Sister Act track results, Palmerston North, 31 March 2009
G9 Melissa Blackwood has continued burning up the track at Palmy with a G9 & 10 2k record of 8:37, 45 seconds under the previous record. This follows a 77.24 400m record two weeks earlier, with an 18.94m discus (very close to the record). Older sister Ariana retook the G14-16 track 1000m record with 3:09.81 (4s PB). Both girls are looking forward to the harrier runs with Scottish. 

Wellington Children's Athletics Championships (interclub), Newtown Park, 15 and 22 March 2009 More PBs for Ariana Harper at the children's champs. She may have further reduced her 100m time in the final. Jonathon Beresford's 1500 was exceptional at 4:59. Ariana Harper (G13) results: 100m - 4th, set a PB in the heat of 13.76s; 200m - 4th, set a PB in the heat of 27.55s; 400m - silver medal, equalled PB of 1:01.57; 800m - silver medal, sliced 2s off PB - to 2:20.70;  1500m Gold Medal - 5:01.66s; Long Jump - silver medal,  4.22m. Ariana Blackwood (G14) 1st discus, 2nd 800, 1st 1000m steeples (3:29.04) on a very cold day, winning by 20s.  Saturday at Manawatu Intersecondaries (15 schools) a very taxing day, 4 x 1sts - 800m, discus (32.25), javelin (28.85 SPB, stadium record G14, big enough to medal at NZSS champs last December), 4 x 100 (53s); 3rd 1500, 4th high (1.40), 6th shot.  Won discus & javelin by over 7m.

Black programme, Newtown Park, 21 March 2009 Last chance for some competitive training before the New Zealand Track and Field Champs at Newtown Park next weekend. Good conditions before the southerly rolled in. One of the highlights was Brendon Blacklaws and Hamish Carson battling it out over 800, with Hamish just winning in 1:51.91 and Brendon getting a 6 sec PB in 1:51.98 and with Hamish and Corey Casey also getting PBs (and probably there were a number of other PBs also). Bearing the Scottish tag were Adam Hunt, Adam Steinmetz, Andrew Underwood, Brendon Blacklaws, Corey Casey, Florence Reynolds, Grant McLean, Hamish Carson, Jesse Patel, Kate Horan, Laura Roozendaal, Malcolm Hodge, Michael Browne, Nathan Bramley Peter Baillie, Stefan Smith, Stephen Day, Stephen Isaac, Tina Harris. Go well next week, Scotties! Results | Photos (Gordon Blacklaws): Almost a century's worth of life experience here: Michael Browne (Wellington provincial mile champion in 1951) and Laura Roozendaal compete against each other in the 800m.

National Standard Distance Championships (Contact Tri Series), Waitangi Park, Wellington (S1500/C40/R10), 14 March 2009 Good conditions. Elite: Martin van Barneveld, 6th, 1:54; U23: Ben Christophers, DNF. Age grades: W2529: Natalie Smith, 3rd, 2:21; W3034: Jacinda Papps, 2nd, 2:17; Sally-Ann Spencer, 11th, 2:31; W4044: Dawn Kelly, 7th, 2:28; Jane Loughnan, 10th, 2:33; Angela Campbell, 16th, 2:42; W5054: Michele Allison, 3rd, 2:31; M2024: Cameron Goldsmid, 5th, 2:04; M3034: Carl Daucher (he's back!), 16th, 2:11; Robert Palmer (son of . . . ), 24th, 2:14; M6064: Richard Sweetman, 3rd, 2:31. In addition to the Scottish individuals who completed the whole triathlon, there were some Scottish members involved in our speciality area (running!) in the teams race: Peter Wrigley (41 minutes?), Peter Kelly (35.48) and Grant McLean (32.39). There may have been others. Results

Motatapu Icebreaker Off-Road Marathon (Laird), 14 March 2009 Della Laird persevered over the high country marathon between Glendhu Bay on Lake Wanaka to Arrowtown through several stations including Motatapu. Her time: 5:19. Time of the first woman was 3:35; first man took 2:38 (and the second 3:05). Della reports: Perfect Otago day. Everything came together after all the training - my thanks to Jim Kerr for the programme! Course was hard going, scenery was stunning, numerous glacier-fed water crossing, altercation with cows & an offer of Speights at the aid stations all made for a really well organised event, awesome atmosphere. Results

Howard's Patch, Makara Mountain Bike Park, Car Park, South Karori Road, 14 March 2009 A good 90-minute run around the park, along trails such as Koru, Sally Alley, Missing Link, Aratihi, 4WD Track, Lazy Fern. Good conditions. Attending: Howard Harman, Aubrey Begley, Marjolein Ros (she's back!), Bob Stephens, Phil Valentine, Jo Badham, and Paul Rodway. Phil's fancy watch told him we had climbed 590m! Map


International Track Meet, QEII Park, Christchurch, 13 March 2009
  Photo of Brendon Blacklaws (centre) with second-placed Eric Speakman (Hawkes Bay) and third-placed Simon Rogers (WHAC), after taking the national junior 3000m title, held on Friday in conjunction with the Christchurch international track meet. After a tactical race, Brendon ran a 1:30 last 600m to take out the race by 2 seconds in a time of 8:26.76. Corey Casey crossed the line 8:29. In the 800m, Tim Hawkes continued his fine form this year to win with a time of 1:49.85 from Australian Simon Fitzpatrick. Hamish Carson ran 4:10 in the mile. In the men's 3000m, Michael Aish and Rees Buck finished in 8:13 and 8:25. First was Aussie Ryan Gregson in 7:57.  Full results | NZAA report

Porirua Twilight Half Marathon, 13 March 2009 In the inaugural Porirua Half, also doubling as the Wellington Centre Half Marathon Champs, Rohan Biggs managed to hold off a field of about 20 to win in a time of 1:17:30. Glen Wallis ran the half in 1.36.52 and  placed second in the MM. The course took in two laps of Titahi Bay and Elsdon and was surprisingly undulating to say the least. The turn-out for a championship race on a certified course was disappointingly low and the wind and hilly nature of the course made things tough going. Well, that gives Rohan both the Wellington Marathon and Half Marathon Championships.

Scottish AGM, Clubhouse, 11 March 2009 Some highlights: The leadership team for 2009/10. Patron: Alan Stevens (will actually open season on 21 March); President: Ken Howell (his very last year!); General Manager: Mandy Simpson;  Management Committee: Rees Buck, Loretta Desourdy, John Leonard, Peter Robinson, Adrian Shields, and two newbies, Jo Badham and Dave Parsons. Finally, Michele Allison's Life Membership was formally approved. 

Wellington Waterfront 5k, Summer Series - Race 20, Queens Wharf, 10 March 2009 Walker: Tim Dutton was the sole race walker out on the course tonight – but he was not deterred. Instead he posted a PB time of 29:30. Runners: First home again tonight – two weeks in a row now - was Cameron Goldsmid having a slightly faster time of 17:16 to win this evening. Second home was Jason Waite with his time of 17:30 and third place went to Tomas Bridgeman who ran a Lifetime PB of 17:48. The women’s race turned into a cat-and-mouse duel between two sisters – with Michele Allison showing a paralyzing final spurt to rush past "big sis" Bernie Portenski right on the finish line. Both stopped the clock at 19:27. Third place tonight went to Susan Joy – who also ran a Lifetime PB of 20:54. Results

Wellington Police and All-comers' Triathlon and Duathlon, Motukaraka Point, Pauatahanui Inlet (S750/C20/R5), 8 March 2009 Been a busy weekend for walkers, runners and their ilk, with nine events listed on a calendar that makes no claims for being comprehensive. This tri has been around since 1985, a couple of years before the birth of the winner, Cameron Goldsmid. That makes it the longest-running triathlon in the area. Cameron's time over the sprint distance was 1:01. Also present from Scottish were Adrian Shields (his local tri) and Paul Rodway (1:27). The event attracted a field of 38 (some of these were teams), of which 14 came from the local constabulary. Results to come (?)

Dirty Duo 2009, Vancouver, 7 March 2009 Report from Ed Sargisson: I completed a race called the Dirty Duo on Saturday. Trail Ultra version: 50k of some extremely technical trails in North Vancouver. Interesting race as it also has a mountain bike section. I finished flat last in the 50k section in 8:04:16.

Le 17ème Semi Marathon International de Paris, le 8 mars 2009  Rob Little joined 21,552 finishers and recorded a smart 1:13:59, crossing the 10k mark in 34:47. First male was an Ethiopian, who finished in 1:01:56. First female was a Latvian, recording 1:10:43. Resultats


NZ Masters Championships, Tauranga, 6-9 March 2009, posted 16 March 2009 
Better late than never! Three hardy Scottish stalwarts made the trek up to Tauranga to represent Wellington (and Scottish) at the National Masters Championships: evergreens Michael Browne and Jenny McDonald and ever youthful Grant McLean, who barely qualifies as a masters athlete. The event was held at the stunning setting of the Tauranga domain and athletes were treated to a brand new Mondo track and some great local hospitality. Over the course of the weekend, there were many inspiring efforts such two national (if not world?) records by Margaret Peters (75 to 79 age group) in the 100 (16.70) and 200m (35.53). Scottish results: Michael Browne (M75): 400m, 1st, 1:44.33; 800m, 2nd, 3:51.73; 1500m, 4th, 7:51.78; 5000m, 5th, 29:21.68; Jenny McDonald (W50); 800m, 1st, 5:06.20; 1500m, 1st, 2:31.13; Grant McLean (M40); 800m, 2nd, 2:06.71;1500m, 1st, 4:12.68; 5000m, 1st, 15:38; 10,000m, 1st, 32:44. Photo: Grant and Jenny show off the yellow and black.

Central Athletic Champs, Manawatu Community Athletic Track, 7 March 2009 Melissa Blackwood had a successful day in the Central Champs winning the G9 shot, discus & long, plus two second placings in the sprints.  Older sister Ariana ran an 800m PB 2:24.80 to win Central W16; 2km steeples 7:59.33 SPB.  Tuesday night Ariana lowered her track 1000m PB to 3:13.50 in high winds (600m into the wind) and Melissa broke the G9 & 10 record 4:06.00.

The Vasque Tararua Mountain Race (35.4k across the Southern Crossing), 7 March 2009 Aubrey Begley and her running partner Naomi won the women's two-person team race in extremely muddy conditions in 7:16. Todd Stevens teamed up with him cousin Peter Stevens, recording a time of 7:43, to win the veteran men's team race. Scottish members Mike Wespel-Rose (7:22) and Phil Valentine competed in the individual race. A Cautionary Tale from Phil: The mountain race started in warm drizzly conditions with Mike Wespel-Rose in his Scottish singlet through to others in jackets and woolly hats on the start line. I began with a pleasant 3:29 bush run to Alpha Hut at the bush line. Being up on the tops in rain and gale-force northerlies was a different story - a number of us realised that we were underdressed. I suffered a degree of hypothermia and was fortunate to get to Kime Hut where I spent 45 minutes trying to recover. Others had to be assisted there by Search and Rescue people. I finished at Otaki Forks in 9:40 - 2hr in excess of my 2008 time with a valuable lesson learnt about  underestimating the conditions at your peril and packing spare clothes in waterproof bags for wet days. Results

Bayleys Mountain to Surf Marathon, Taranaki, 7 March 2009 Jackie Mexted, 2:58, 3W; Ben Cornelius, 3:02; Lotty Turnidge, 1:23 first half in a team with Karyn McLean, 1:43). Others from Wellington: Mark Te Punga, 2:42 and former Scottish member, Ian Mitchell, 2:57, and the team, David Carrigan and Michelle Hopkins 1:12 first half (David) and 1.21 (Michelle). 

25th Bonita Ironman New Zealand (Gaskin), Taupo, 7 March 2009 This event delivered the familiar and the new in Taupo today as Cameron Brown won his eighth title while Christchurch's Gina Ferguson ended the six-year reign of Jo Lawn. The leading age grouper was former Commonwealth Games marathon representative Craig Kirkwood (Tauranga), who won the 30-34 years age group in 9:09 with a 2:54 marathon. As for current Scottish members, Deano Gaskin finished in 9:14. This placed him 14th overall, and 2nd age grouper (behind Kirkwood). He managed a 3:03 marathon at the end. This has qualified him for the world champs Kona on 10 October. Results to come

Wellington Waterfront 5k, Summer Series - Race 19, Queens Wharf, 3 March 2009 Walkers: Michael Walton again switched his codes and won the Race Walk tonight in an excellent time of 27:05 (around 30 seconds off a LPB I gather). Second placing went to Andrew Shelley who has now strung 4 sub 30 minute races together in the past month. His time tonight was 28:58. Third place went to Tim Dutton. It was a great night for the men as Tim posted a SPB and sub-30-minute time of 29:50. Fastest woman tonight was Frances LeFort who walked an excellent SPB time of 34:00 to win. Second place went to Carol Briesman who recorded her usual solid race time of 36:25 and third place went to Daphne Jones in an improved time of 37:27. Runners: First home was Cameron Goldsmid having his first Waterfront 5k race for the season and recording a good time of 17:21. Second placing went to Tom Naylor who posted a SPB time of 17:34 and just metres back in third was Tim Rickerby – in 17:37 – not quite able to bridge the gap to second. Hayley Anderson showed further improvement with a SPB time of 20:09 to win the women’s race. Second place went to Karen Gillespie with 20:50 to go with her similar time last week. Third place went to Dawn Kelly who, according to my records ran a LPB time of 21:15. BTW, it was good to see Emily Solsberg on a three-week return visit from Canada. Emily ran with Scottish in 2005 in her OE year here. Results


Meridian Energy Gutbuster, 11.8k/3.4k/1k, Ben Burn Park, Karori, 1 March 2009 The day began poorly with a blustery, cold northerly and some light drizzle, but soon warmed up with sunny patches. The race started with the younger men's wave followed 10 minutes later by the vets-super vets (and even super duper vets) combo wave and then in a further 10 minutes the women's wave and finally the walkers' wave, one minute back. Scottish members in the results: Stephen Day (3M), Matt Pepler (4M), Joseph Bulbulia  (finished 1VM and 5M), Dave Parsons (6M), Hicham Joumad-Baron (3VM), Ioasa Kosena, Ewan Gestro, Olivia Johnson-Sullivan (1JW), Chris Leatham, Nigel Roberts, Jo Badham, John Gardiner, Bob Stephens, Angela Campbell, John Leonard, James Hurring, Bernice Cavanagh (1SVW), Annalee O'Rourke, Loretta Desourdy, Paul Rodway, Jonathan Beresford (junior race), David Cooke (1VMWalk), Leeane Palmer (3VWWalk), and walker Geoff Iremonger. Lending support were Melissa Moon, Rowan Greig behind the camera, Stu Beresford, Flo Reynolds, Grant McLean (having a break after carving out a 15:29 5000m at the track yesterday). The fastest man today (49:50) was former Olympic Harrier Mike Wakelin, who decamped to Dunedin a few years ago, and fastest woman was Billie Marshall (63:48). Results | Rowan's photos | Nesport Photos | Photo above of Scottish runners, Dave Parsons, Joseph Bulbulia, Stephen Day, and Matt Pepler (grey top) at the start (Nesport)

26th Kapiti Women's Triathlon (S400/C12/R4), Raumati, 1 March 2009 Featuring the irrepressible Terri Grimmett (1:06) along with daughter Hannah (1:19). Rough seas. Results

20th Kaweka Challenge, mountain/trail run, 28 February 2009 The results give a hint of what it was like out there in some of New Zealand's roughest territory in some of New Zealand's roughest weather: stages cancelled, heaps of DNFs and DNSs. Report from Don Stevens:  Absolutely miserable weather, 50-knot winds, horizontal rain on tops, stinging on the face, runners had to be in full gear, long sleeve top, rain coat, mittens and hat, or the marshals wouldn’t let you proceed. Not a day for running your best time. Track muddy and slippery. In these conditions, I finished the 28k Kaweka Challenge in 8:03, a little adrift of my 7-hour target. Also present was Ben Revill (4:47, stage 1 only), Graeme Lear (5:03, 1M50, stage 1), Christine Carelton (5:22, 1MW, stage 1). Results  


Wellington T&F Champs (Masters Day 2), Newtown Park, 28 February 2009
Weatherproof Scottish members at the Centre T&F CHampionships were: Marissa Pritchard (2W 100m), Megan Blair (W16, running for TIB), Kate Horan (400m), Laura Roozendaal (2W 800m), Helin Willis (4W, 800m), Ariana Blackwood (PN, G14, 800m), Tina Harris (1W, 1500m), Anne Hare (2W, 1500m), Ariana Harper (1G14, 1500m), Nicole Mitchell (1W16, 3000m), Lotty Turnidge (3W, 5000m), Florence Reynolds (1W16, 2000mST), Ariana Blackwood (PN, 2W16), Terri Grimmett (2W 3000mW), Ariana Blackwood (PN, discus and javelin, 1G14), Tim Hawkes (1M, 400m), Adam Steinmetz (3M, 400m, 2M, 800m), Stefan Smith (1M, 800m), Hamish Carson (1M19, 800m), Scott Kinnear (M19, 800m), Stefan Smith (1M, 1500m), Rees Buck (2M, 1500m), Hayden Shearman (M, 1500m), Brendon Blacklaws (1M19, 1500m), Malcolm Hodge (M16, 1500m), Conor Gilchrist (M16, 1500m), Rees Buck (1M, 5000m), Grant McLean (3M, 5000m), Jamie White (M, 5000m), Stephen Day (M, 5000m), Jason Waite (M, 5000m), Dave Parsons (M, 5000m), Evan Roberts (M, 5000m), Ryan Woolley (1M19, 5000m), Nathan Bramley (2M19, 5000m), Peter Baillie (M, 10,000W), Stephen Isaac (1M16, 110mH), Stephen Day (1M, 3000mST), Peter Baillie (1M, 3000mW). Results | Photo by Rowan Greig: February finished as it played out through much of the month, soggy. Here Ryan Woolley sploshes around the track in the Wellington Champs to win the M20 3000m.

Splash and Dash, Freyberg Beach (S1300 or 730/R3), 25 February 2009  Top of the table were Ben Christophers and Cameron Goldsmid. Other Scottish members gracing the beach were Natalie Smith, Dawn Kelly, Dave Ward, Sally-Ann Spencer, Anna Marshall, Angela Campbell, Daryl Bloomfield, and with the shorter swim, Hannah and Terri Grimmett, and long swim only, Jane Loughnan, and finally John "Big Toe" Skinnon. Results

Wanganui Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics, 24 February 2009 Allrounder Ariana Blackwood won the women's competition in the Wanganui Inter-Secondary schools athletics 5-event competition.  In the space of 1.5 hours Ariana completed high jump (1.40m PB, just missed 1.45m), shot put (9.26m, 3.25kg PB), discus (32.64m), 800 (2:28.37, SPB) and 100m. Ariana won the 800m just 5 minutes after winning the discus.

Wellington Waterfront 5k, Summer Series - Race 17, Queens Wharf, 24 February 2009 Walkers: Andrew Shelley continued to race walk at sub-30 minute pace when he walked solo to win this evening’s race in 29:09. Second male was Ian Morton, with a return to the 5k series (and race walking for that matter) with a time of 32:41 with third place going to Geoff Iremonger in a SPB time of 33:58. Fastest woman tonight was Frances LeFort, also in a SPB time, of 34:49. Second place went to Carol Briesman in 36:47 and third placing to Daphne Jones in 38:25. Runners: Katherine Anton is the overall winner of this evening’s Wellington Waterfront 5k race with a time of 17:28. Just a few metres back was the first male home, Tim Rickerby. Second male was Bernard Smith in 17:54 and third place went to Michael Walton, choosing tonight to run instead of race walk, and posting a time of 17:57. Second woman home tonight was Susan Joy, who also ran a Lifetime PB of 20:55 and third went to Karyn McLean in a SPB time of 21:24. Results | Cumulative Late Summer 2009 results

Mt Lowry Challenge, Days Bay, 11.75k, 400m climb, 22 February 2009 A good Scottish turnout at the annual Mt Lowry Challenge, a first and three thirds!  Open men: Stephen Day (3rd, 1:01), Dave Parsons (4th, 102), Matt Pepler (5th 1:02), Vaile Mexted (8th, 108). M40: Hicham Joumad-Baron (3rd, 1:09). Open women: Aubrey Begley (3rd, 1:20), Jo Badham (13th, 1:36). Walk, M50: Geoff Iremonger (1st, 2:02). Good conditions, wind picked up later. Results

Call for Scottish volunteers for 2009/10, 21 February 2009 With the new harrier season nearly upon us, we are looking for volunteers for several jobs. Think about it, and if you want to know more give Ken Howell or Mandy Simpson a call or drop them an email. Don’t hesitate to talk to the present people in the roles, if you wish to know more. Many tasks are up for grabs, with a wide variety in size and time committments required. Take a look and see how you could help the club. Volunteer jobs


IAAF Permit Meet - Black Singlet Invitational, Waitakere, 20 February 2009 Tim Hawkes again prevailed over Tauranga's Gareth Hyett over 800m with a time of 1:52.33 at the Black Singlet Invitational held at The Trusts Stadium, Waitakere Friday night. Tim lead from start to finish and held on to hold off Gareth in a shoulder to shoulder battle that lasted for the last 200m. Corey Casey was 8th (1:55) in the 800m. The meet was held in warm, but wet and windy conditions. Stefan Smith and Brendon Blacklaws (below) competed in the NZ 3000m champs with Stefan finishing 6th (8:44) and Brendon 9th (9:02). Results

 


29th Clarrie Gibbons Run, Post Office Square to Eastbourne Rugby Club, 18
February 2009 Beautiful conditions for the annual run around the harbour. Some new faces thanks to the Scottish senior men's summer race programme. Appearing with the Scottish tag in the 23.7k run were Grant McLean (1st, in 1:23:55, photo above), fresh from winning last weekend's New Balance Half Marathon, Dave Parsons (2nd, 30 seconds behind the Road Warrior), Rohan Biggs, Vaile Mexted, Ben Cornelius, Deano Gaskin, Sally Anderson, Helen Anderson, Natalie Smith, Richard Parkes, Karen Gillespie, John Gardiner, Howard Harman, Robyne Blackford, Adrian Shields, and Ben Arnold. In the 12.5k race from Korokoro Gateway to Eastbourne, Rebecca Speirs (photo above) was the clear winner in 1:00:11. Clarrie Gibbons was the winner of New Zealand's first national marathon championship, held in Napier in 1939 - Clarrie's time was 2:44:56. He first organised the 24k race as a pre-season fitness relay for members of his Eastbourne Rugby Club. Results (Provisional, courtesy of Owen Rouse)

Olympic Twilight 5k Series (Race 16 in the Waterfront Series), Queens Wharf, 17 February 2009 Wonderful, still night topping off a glorious day and so the low turnout was a puzzle. All Bayed out? On show from Scottish were, as runners, Ioasa Kosena, Ian Murray, Mary-Ann Moller, Dawn Kelly, Michael Browne, and as walkers, John Leonard, Daphne Jones and Robin Iremonger. Results (Olympic website)

Wellington Round the Bays, 7k/21k, 15 February 2009 What a wonderful day for the Race, and for the Human Race, too. Blue skies with the merest of breezes. At the end of the half, the Zephyrometer was registering about 10 degrees of tilt from the north west: practically calm. Heaps of yellow singlets around, and heaps of other members in mufti. Grant McLean won the half in 1:11:40, with Vaile Mexted around third with a PB of 1:14. Lotty Turnidge was the first woman home in 1:24. The two events, the 7k fun run and walk, and the half marathon, attracted about 10,000 participants. Results

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.

Porritt Classic, Hamilton, 15 February 2009 Five Scottish members visited Hamilton. Melissa Pritchard won the women's long jump in 5:85m. Tim Hawkes won the men's 400m in 48:51. Ariana Blackwood (Freyberg HS), 4th in the women's discus (33.60m); in the men's 1500, Brendon Blacklaws (3:52) and Corey Casey (4:01) Results

Buller Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon, Westport, 14 February 2009 John Palmer reports: Light rain on way out in the buses to the start line but about 8k out from Westport the rain eased and once we got to the start there wasn’t any rain to be seen anywhere. Ideal running conditions with no wind and cool. Phil Costley won the men’s marathon in an impressive time of 2:20:31 – he now holds the half and full marathon records for this event. Scottish results: Dave Parsons 1:12 (6M), Rob Little 1:12 (7M); Michele Allison 1:27 (2W4554); Aubrey Begley 1:29 (5W), Matyas James 1:30; John Palmer 1:50 (10M6069); Richard Allison 1:55, Maryanne Palmer 1:55 (3W5564). Next year's event is to be held on Saturday, 13 February 2010. Results


Coast to Coast, Kumara to Sumner, 12-13 February 2009
Dougal Thorburn (above) was 18th overall in the 2-day version, clocking 12:28 for the 243k multisport event. In the 1-day race, Gordon Walker of Auckland was first man (11:49), while Canadian-born Emily Miazga was first woman (13:39). Former Scottish member and 44-year-old athlete Jill Westenra was second woman (13:48). Another former member, Tim Grammer, now of Auckland, competed in a 2-person team (2-day) and finished 3rd in 11:44. Results | Map

Capital Classic, Newtown Park, Friday evening, 13 February 2009 There were some good results by the few Scottish members who took part. Despite the very cold and windy weather, there were a number of season's bests. Peter Baillie’s winning time is a new Wellington Masters M60 record. However, if it is not accepted, he also broke Peter Tearle’s old record at the Wellington Master’s Championships today, but in a slightly slower time. We think Tim Hawkes's 800m time might be the best in NZ this summer. Results

Splash and Dash, Freyberg Beach, 11 February 2009 Scottish numbers splashing and dashing are growing!  Must be getting close to Nationals. S1300/R3: Cameron Goldsmid (1st), Tom Bassindale, Emily Buskirk, Seini O'Connor, Matt Hickey, Sally-Ann Spencer, Fleur Baker, Richard Sweetman, Anna Marshall, Caroline West, Angela Campbell, Fiona Macmaster, Daryl Bloomfield, Terri Grimmett, Jane Loughnan. Just 1300m swim: Ben Christophers (2nd), Jeanette Bourke, Natalie Smith. Results 

Contact National Triathlon Series (S750/C20/R5), Kinloch, Taupo, 8 February 2009 Ben Christophers did really well on Sunday at Kinloch passing a number of young guns to run himself into 2nd in the U23 elite sprint champs. Martin van Barneveld had a good race too and finished 4th in the elite men's race. Natalie Smith was 3rd in the W2529, Deano Gaskin 3rd in M3539. Other Scottish people present were Fleur Baker W3539, Jane Loughnan W4044, and Richard Sweetman M6064. John Skinnon M6064 competed in the standard distance event. Results 


Scorching Triathlons, Valentines theme in support of the NZ Heart Foundation, Scorching Bay, 8 February 2009
A lovely day at Scorching Bay. Across the harbour, the greys of the Rimutakas provide a backdrop, while a distant yacht race is a saw of white triangles defining the far shore. This has got to be the quintessence of Wellington in summer. Numbers were perhaps down on the usual: it has been a busy weekend of activities in Welly and points north. Scottish members present - Sprint distance (S750/C20/R5): Sally-Ann Spencer, Seini O'Connor, Caroline West, Paul Rodway, Don Mackay (no run), and taking the duathlon option (R5/C20/R2.5) were John Palmer and Maryanne Palmer. Results

Ruapehu Cycle Classic, 160k, 7 February 2009 Damian Walsh (4:49) and Tony Venning (4:54) were there in perfect conditions. . Results

Black programme, Newtown Park, 7 February 2009 Steve O'Leary reports: Plenty of Scottish athletes out at the track and some fine efforts as they build towards the forthcoming Wellington Track and Field Champs on 28 February. The 1500m provided plenty of action with a fast early pace setting up a good time and spreading the field out over quite a bit of ground. Hamish Carson, who settled back in midfield, ran a perfectly-judged race to run down a gutsy and versatile Brendon Blacklaws in the shadows of the post. Carson, calling on his 800m speed, was impressive in sweeping home to victory in 3.52.9 while Blacklaws recorded 3.5.57 with Wellington Harriers junior Simon Rogers home third in 3.56.7. Stefan Smith (Scottish) ran a strong 3.56.7 for fourth while Scottish junior Jesse Patel (4.04), senior Hayden Shearman (4.07, another PB) and junior Ryan Woolley (4.14) all recorded solid efforts. Scottish runners again provided the quinella in the 3000m with the strength and experience of Stephen Day showing through as he dominated proceedings to win in 9.21 with Scottish junior Malcolm Hodge second in 9.41. Scottish's World Masters M55 3000m record holder, Bernie Portenski, who set a world mark of 10.38 on the Newtown Park track in 2005, was back on track in this event, recording 11.15 for the trip and showing herself to be as determined as ever and nearing good form again. The women's 800m was a hotly-contested event with Wellington Harriers and secondary schools champion Barbara Roy showing good form to hold out a determined Laura Roozendaal (Scottish). Roy recorded 2.14 with Roozendaal's time being a season's best 2.15. Alice Feslier-Holmes (WHAC) was third in 2.15.7. The fastest men's 800 came from talented M16 runner Nathan Barrett (WHAC) when he stopped the clock in 1.57. In one of the other 800m heats Scottish junior (M16) Nick Brazil (2.15) ran a good second to Lower Hutt's Chris McIlroy. NZ Paralymics rep Kate Horan (Scottish) was in fine form in collecting seconds in the women's 100m and 400m respectively. In the 100m the very promising G13 sprinter Monique Dalley took line honours with an impressive display of sprinting while Horan was run down by Lower Hutt's Monique Fayen in the one-lapper after both runners engaged in a back straight duel. Scottish's Peter Baillie defied his 60-something years by clearing out in the 3000m track walk, winning as he liked in 15.37 - three minutes ahead of his nearest rival.  

Palmerston North track meeting, 3 February 2009 Scottish's Hayden Shearman continued his build-up to the Wellington Track and Field Championships (28 February at Newtown Park) by shaving 5 seconds off his lifetime PB in the 1500m in 4:11, leading throughout and eventually pulling away to win very comfortably. 

Olympic Twilight 5k Series, Queens Wharf (aka Summer Series - Race 14), 3 February 2009 We were treated to the traditional northerly (and westerly and easterly).  A few Scottish males showed up to work on their incentive programme: Grant McLean, Stephen Day, Vaile Mexted, Dave Parsons, Jamie White, Ben Cornelius, Chris Leatham.  And others present were Axel Tie, Ethan Lankshear, Maryann Moller, Gary Moller, Mike Browne, Karyn McLean, Karen Gillespie, Don Stevens, Paul Rodway. As walkers: Geoff Iremonger, Leanne Palmer, Daphne Jones, Robin Iremonger. Results (Olympic Harriers) | Cumulative results

NZ Masters Games 10k Road Race, Sunday, 1 February 2009  Scottish's John Skinnon ran strongly to get the silver medal (presented by former Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold medalist Dick Tayler) in the M60 division, 29 seconds behind New Plymouth's Brian Warren and well clear of third placegetter Ken Thomas. John is one of several Scottish athletes using this Sunday's Kinloch triathlon as a build up to the upcoming NZ tri series in Wellington in March, an important selection event for the World Triathlon (standard distance) Champs in Australia later in the year. 


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.

Sovereign Ocean Swim, Auckland, 2.8k harbour crossing, 16 November 2008  Four Scottish (near-)members I spotted in the crowd of 1,271 finishers: Shane Hollis (52:14); Jeanette Bourke (52:57, 10F4049); Caroline West (1:00); Fiona MacMaster (1:03).  Note that Wellington's Capital Classic version, also 2.8k, is on 24 January 2009. Results

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.

Regional League Second Round, Palmerston North, 15 November 2008 Don Dalgliesh reports: In a late developement this week, Scottish and five other clubs (Lower Hutt, Titahi Bay, Mid Valley, Karori and Olympic) agreed to pool our resources and compete in the league as "Team Wellington." 

So yesterday a team of 32 athletes (Scottish 15, Lower Hutt 10, Titahi Bay 4, Mid Valley 2 and Karori 1) competed in Palmerston North in overcast and windy conditions. Scottish results were as follows: Stephen Isaac (M16) 100m 3rd 12.03s, 110mH 1st 16.80s; Ariana Harper (W16) 1500m 3rd 5m 02.41s, 200m 8th 29.81s; Megan Blair (W16) 800m 3rd 2m 24.07s, 200m 14th 30.33s; Andrew Underwood (M19) 400m 2nd 49.01s; Tim Christensen (M16) 800m 8th 2m 09.05s; Aaron Twiss (M16) 1500m 13th 4m 52.77s, 800m 11th 2m 28.83s; Corey Casey (M19) 800m 2nd 1m 55.80s; Adam Steinmetz (SM) 800m 1st 1m 57.34s; Nicole Mitchell (W16) 1500m 2nd 4m 49.82s; Hector Farmer (M16) 1500m 3rd 4m 23.69s; Conor Gilchrist (M16) 1500m 6th 4m 28.93s; Luke O'Donnell (M19) 1500m 2nd 4m 24.24s; Patrick Twiss (M16) 3000m 5th 10m 50.72s; Terri Grimmett (MW50) 3km walk 1st 18m 17.11s; Philip Grimmett (MM50) 3km walk 3rd 18m 54.92s.  

Andrew, Adam and Corey were members of our 4x400m relay team which finished 2nd in 3m 28.86s. Stephen was a member of our 4x100m relay team which finished 6th in 46.36s. Also competing were Ariana Blackwood (W16) 1500m 4th 5m 08.49s, Discus 3rd 34.18m, Javelin 2nd 27.84m; and Jimmy Tie (M16) 3000m 2nd 9m 34.92s, Javelin 3rd 31.94m. Team Wellington placed 3rd. Results (.xls)

Rimutaka Railway Run & Walk, Kaitoki to Cross Creek, 15 November 2008  Amid wild Rimutaka weather, the strong Scottish 14 conquered the incline amid tales of injuries, heat blasts, humidity, horrendeous winds and river crossings. Deano Gaskin (1:03:35) won the men’s race and so a great result for him. He said the P Team World Mountain Running Champs was good preparation. First males walker 's time was 1:53:00, female 2:13:00.  First female runner recorded 1:14:00. Scottish runners: Howard Harman (1:17), Karyn McLean, Roy Glass, Ben Arnold Neil Stoddard, Dean Gaskin, Rob Hanratty, Natalie Smith, Delilah Laird, Jo Badham, Rebecca Speirs, Aubrey Begley, Jane Fichtner, Barbara Tudor.

Molesworth Run, 84k, 15 November 2008 Preliminary report from Edward Sargisson: The heat was brutal. I heard of people showing 33 degrees on their car sensors. Made the 2nd and 3rd legs far more about survival than running. I got the end of the 3rd leg by perserverance but pulled out there. That was after 9 hours of running and 63.88k. At that point, I was walking up anything that resembled a gentle slope because I'd run out of fitness to do anything faster. Some mighty blisters were the last straw.  The Scottish vets, Christine Jones, Bernice Cavanagh, Diane Morgan, and Karen Gillespie did very well in the 4x21k relay. They were 2nd vet women team home.

Napier City Pak'n'Save Half Marathon, 9 November 2008 Note from Ken Howell: A gorgeous hot Napier day with no wind (that came up later in the day) on this flat out and back course: Some provisional Scottish results. Junior Gary Murcott, 1:24; Dave Colquhoun, 1:31 (third in his age group); Ken Howell, 1:39; Robyne Blackford, 1:48 (second in her age group); Mandy Simpson 1:44; Aubrey Begley 1:31 (second in her age group). Former member Benjamin Revell 1:18.  Junior Gary Murcott, 1:24; Dave Colquhoun, 1:31 (third in his age group); Ken Howell, 1:39; Robyne Blackford, 1:48 (second in her age group); Mandy Simpson 1:44; Aubrey Begley 1:31 (second in her age group). Former member Benjamin Revell 1:18.  Results

Gathering of Scottish legends of the 1970s/80s, posted 8 November 2008 Report from Patron Alan Stevens: One doesn’t think of harriers as a team sport in the same way as putting your head into a rugby scrum, for example, but nevertheless the countless hours and miles put into training, often with clubmates plus the challenges and excitement of inter-club races, especially relays, builds up that camaraderie that makes lifelong friendships. Each generation or decade of members of Scottish has created these bonds that has been a feature of our club. I know that those of my father’s era of the early 1930s that established the original competitive success certainly had friendships that lasted their lifetimes and this has been maintained by succeeding generations of members.

Over the past few years a group spearheaded by Life Member Brian Cattermole has regularly met for a meal in Courtenay Place on a Saturday night, or a Yum-Cha on a Sunday. Earlier this harrier season we had a visit from a former Club Captain, Eamon O’Connell, now resident in Ireland, together with his daughter Deidre. A much larger group gathered several times whilst he was here. Then more recently Ray Babbage visited from Melbourne. Johnny Hines and Ray were the founders of what ultimately became the “P Team.” Again, this social group met with Ray ( who hasn’t changed at all!!) and it was so successful that Brian Cattermole decided that a reunion of the members of the 1970s and 80s “A” Team should be held. This also included some who could be classed as “fringe” members and of course wives/spouses/partners would also attend.

This gathering recently took place at an Oriental Bay restaurant and so that some current members of Scottish would want to know that these “oldies” are still around, these were the attendees :  Brian Cattermole, Cam Gerrard, Nick Calavrias, Steve Denholm, Murray Ball, Phil Sadgrove, Dave Hatfield, Allan Wallis, Roger Price, Steve Hunt, Trevor Stewart, Rowan Grieg, Roy McGregor who came from Tauranga and Graham Macky from Auckland. Alan Dowland couldn’t attend but Doris represented him. Overseas were Peter Arkwright and Paul Twist.

It is great that these folk still keep in touch – some are also supporters of the Scottish Supporters Trust. Our Centenary in 2015 is not that far away and we will rely on some for contributions to the updated Club History – there will be many anecdotes and tall stories that the passage of time will embellish!!\

2008 Kaukau Challenge, Khandallah School, 5k mountain run/ walk, 2 November 2008 Stu Beresford reports: On Sunday, Khandallah School staged the third running of the Kaukau Challenge. Starting at the school, the almost 500 runners/walkers made their way up the Northern Ridge track to the top of the mountain and then descended towards Simla Crescent, cutting across to the top of Clark Street and finishing back at the school. Although soft underfoot, the conditions were favourable to running (the wind had eased considerably from the day before) and all participants seemed to enjoy themselves. The race was won by Daniel Bond in an impressive 27:10 minutes. Keiko Yano was the first female across the line in 35:52 minutes. There were a few other Scottish runners in the crowd, most notably in the primary school race, which was won by Jonathan Beresford in 30:54 minutes. His brother Sean came second and Thomas McCallum finished fourth. The full list of winners is available at http://www.kaukauchallenge.co.nz/. Rees Buck (who went to Khandallah School) and Glenn Hughes were invited to the event and ran the race in the middle of the pack, encouraging participants up the mountain. They also stayed around for the prize-giving and helped hand out the winners' medals and the numerous spot prizes that were on offer.  


Summer programme, Jonathon and Paul's Patch, Ngaio-Wilton, 1 November 2008
Yes, it was going to rain, but a dozen of us took our chances at 8am, heading into the Ngaio Gorge via Trelissick Cres., over the five bridges into Crofton Downs.  From there we headed into Wilton and eventually up to the Skyline Trail. At this point, we were being buffeted quite severely by gusts up to 140k/h containing stinging water droplets. Our pace at this point dropped and at times we moved forwards as connected chains, holding hands. The danger was from being pushed over and from wind chill. A small group tried to finish the planned run along the ridge to Bell's Track, but this was abandoned and we all headed home via Chartwell for a total 2h run/walk/crawl/talk. Jonathon and Catherine refortified us with tea and cakes. The weather worsened (!) later and it looked as if we had had the best of a rather awful day. Attending were: Jonathon Harper, Catherine Manchester, Phil Valentine, Bob Stephens, Howard Harman, Christine Jones, Stu Beresford, Karen Gillespie, Pam Graham, Jo Badham, Bernice Cavanagh and Paul Rodway. Photo of Ngaio Gorge in Trelissick Park.

Regional League First Round, Hastings, 1 November 2008 We had a team of six. Stephen Isaac M16 100m and 110mH, Conor Gilchrist M16 800m and 1500m, Luke O'Donnell M19 800m, Aaron Twiss M16 1500m, Patrick Twiss M16 1500m and Ariana Harper W16 1500m. Also competing were Ariana Blackwood (for Manawatu) and Jimmy Tie (for Wanganui). Preliminary results (pdf)

Long-Distance Walks Championships, Hastings, 26 October 2008 Terri Grimmett was first in the 50-54 grade. Palmerston North's Michelle Lei chalked up her 10th New Zealand title in winning the 15k road walking title for the fourth year in a row in Hastings on Sunday. Lei, who has been walking for four years, recorded 1h 25m 12s, beating Inglewood's Rachel Gilberd by four minutes. David Sim of North Harbour Bays retained his national 50k title overcoming the bitterly cold conditions to clock 5h 22m 37s. Sim the same course last year. Tony Sargisson did not take part due to injury, but intends competing with Sim in the Australian 50k walking championships on 14 December in Melbourne.
Results:
Men.-
Senior 50km:
David Sim (NHB) 5h 22m 37s 1.
M16 10km: Matthew Holcroft (Fairfield) 1h 0m 24s 1.
Women.-
Senior 15km:
Michelle Lei (Pal/Nth) 1h 25m 12s 1, Rachel Gilberd (Inglewd) 1h 29m 25s 2, Allanah Gore (Ham) 1h 33m 42s 3.
W19 15km: A. Samson (Wgtn) 1h 43m 13s 1.
Masters 20km: 35-39: Katie Tahere (N/Ply) 2h 23m 12s 1. 45-49: Christine Tuka (Wang) 2h 29m 34s 1. 50-54: Terri Grimmett (Wgtn Scott) 2h 14m 13s 1. 60-64: Marlene White (N/Ply) 2h 17m 15s 1.

Wellington Masters Athletics 10k Road Race, Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt, 26 October 2008 Report from Peter Wrigley, race director: Scottish results from Sunday. Conditions were cold and wet, but fortunately most of the flat out and back course was sheltered from the wind. With a small field most competitors were in time-trial mode, none more so than winner, Grant McLean, who ran close to a pb, and looks in great shape for this weekend's Auckland Marathon.

1. Grant Mclean          31.45 (1M40)
2. Des Young             38.30 (1M50)
4. Dave Colquhoun      39.17 (1M55)
5. Glen Wallis            40.35 (2M40)
?  Richard Sweetman  46.12 (2M60)

Walkers
1 Kevin Watson           62.10
 John Hines                 70.34
 Margaret Bray            84.33

XTERRA Trail Running Race - Akatarawas - Kapiti Coast, 26 October 2008 Some familiar names appeared in the medium course results: David and Martyn Reynolds, Fleur Baker, Vivian Cheng, Kate Hadfield, Jane Loughnan, Christine Coulter, Daryl Bloomfield. In the short course, Jonathan and Stuart Beresford.  Results

College Athletics League + Open Meet, Newtown Park, 25 October 2008 Lots of Scottish members as usual, although some walkers were away in Hastings. Results

College Athletics League + Open Meet/Official Opening Day, Newtown Park, 18 October 2008 Quite a few yellow singlets (also in their college gear) on show at NP today. Results

Masterton Half/Full Marathon (doubling as the Wellington Marathon Championship), 12 October 2008 Rohan Biggs is the new Wairarapa Country Marathon and Wellington Marathon Champion, winning today in a new PB time (by 15 seconds!) of 2:45:34. Conditions were perfect at the Masterton event, a sunny day with a light northerly breeze.  Scottish made a big impression with Deano Gaskin winning the half marathon by almost 7 minutes (1:17:57), Natalie Smith winning the womens half marathon (1:28:32) with Sally-Ann Spencer second (1:31:14), and Fleur Baker running 1:49:58. Dave Parsons won the 10k in 36:26. Karen Gillespie was 3rd W in the 10k in a time of 45:53. Mandy Simpson ran a new PB for 5th in the women's marathon (3:46:41), also winning the women's Wellington Marathon Championship. New member Vivian Cheng also managed a PB of 3:52:05 (by 14 mins) and came in 6th woman. Ed Sargisson, fresh from the P-team WMR champs, ran a 4:23:13 Marathon (but Ed did an extra 10k warm up to boost his mileage as prep for the 84k in the Molesworth). Regular Waterfront 5k runner Brian Garmonsway from Trentham Harriers pushed Rohan all the way in the marathon, leading on and off for the first 20k, and being only 103 seconds behind at the end - about a 15-minute PB for him! Results  (provisional)


P-Team World Mountain Running Championships, 11 October 2008
Kees Keizer and Tina Harris are our champions this year. There were 25 participants for this season-ending multisport event, a record number. Ages ranged from 10 (Jonathan Beresford on a slightly shorter version of the run) to Api Williams (resting below), who was on the gold-medalling M50 road relay team last week.No-holds-barred report to come from Woody .

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 2004Miscellaneous 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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