Races
The harrier season is jam-packed with races, with one every second weekend, on average.
In addition to the races listed below, the club is usually invited to join another
club for one of their races during the year. (In 2001, we joined Wellington Harriers
for their Resnick Cup, and in 2000 we joined Scottish for a 10km handicap race out at
Titahi Bay.)
Contents
The Club Races
This is a list of the races that Olympic Harriers participates in over the season
Club championships
The club has two club championships, one for cross country and one for road racing:
(a) Club cross country championships
Course Location Map
This is held at Bryant’s Farm, Boom Rock Rd, out at Ohariu Valley each year, and
incorporates a Sealed Handicap competition. The event has a number of club trophies
at stake throughout the various grades, with certificates for the first three across
the line for each grade.
The course is undulating and can be boggy and muddy depending on the weather that
prevails. A demanding course.
The race grades and race distances are:
| |
Grades |
Distance |
Laps |
|
| 1 |
Boys and Girls 7 & Under |
1km |
1 kids lap |
| |
Boys and Girls 9 & Under |
1km |
1 kids lap |
| 2 |
Boys and Girls 11 & Under |
2.5km |
1 full lap |
| |
Boys and Girls 13 & Under |
2.5km |
1 full lap |
| 3 |
Walkers |
5km |
2 Full laps |
| 4 |
Boys and Girls 15 & Under |
4km |
1 short lap 1 full lap |
| |
Senior Women Masters Women |
5km |
2 full laps |
| |
Women 19 & Under |
5km |
2 full laps |
| |
Women 17 & Under |
5km |
2 full laps |
| 5 |
Men 19 & Under |
7.5km |
3 full laps |
| |
Men 17 & Under |
7.5km |
3 full laps |
| |
Masters Men |
7.5km |
3 full laps |
| |
Senior Men |
10km |
4 full laps |
(b) Club Road Racing Championships
Course Location Map
This is held in conjunction with the Centre Road Racing Championships each year.
The event has a number of Club Trophies at stake throughout the various grades,
with certificates for the first three across the line for each grade.
This event is held at the WellTech in Heretaunga, Lower Hutt. The
course is flat and fast. The race grades and race distances are:
| Grade(s) |
Distance |
| Masters Men |
10km |
| Masters Women |
6km |
| Men Under 18 & Under 20 |
6km |
| Boys & Girls Under 14 & Under 16 |
4km |
| Women Under 18 & Under 20 |
4km |
| Senior Women |
10km |
| Senior Men |
10km |
Grand Memorial races and Old Members’ Day
Course Location Map
The event is a starting handicap event for the Over 14 runners in the club, with the
Under 14 Grade having a scratch race on the day. That means that runners will start
their race at different times to others in the field. The slowest runners will start
off and gradually, other runners will also start until finally the “backmarkers” – the
fastest runners or runner, start last. The Club handicappers decide who starts when
(just to let you know who to blame...)
- In the Juniors Over 14 a trophy is given for the first runner across the line and
for fastest time.
- The Women's event, a trophy is given for the first runner across the line and for
fastest time.
- For the Seniors and Masters, the first 3 across the line receive a trophy, plus a
trophy for fastest time.
The race is held at Bryant’s Farm, Boom Rock Rd out at Ohariu Valley – the same place
as the Club Cross Country champs, although the course is different. The course is
flat-ish with numerous small creek crossings – excellent racing usually prevails on
this course.
The race grades and race distances are:
| Grade(s) |
Distance |
| Children Under 14 |
2km |
| Juniors Over 14, Senior & Masters Women |
4km |
| Senior & Masters Men |
8km |
The Women and the juniors race is combined but race for different grade trophies.
It is also Old Members’ Day, when past members of the club gather and is highlighted
by an afternoon tea back at the clubrooms after the races.
Maiden & Perston races
Course Map
The first race of the season for many, this is an excellent introduction for new
members to cross country racing - it is run over just 2km and involves “true”
cross country.
Held at Newlands College, these are also the official trial races for the selectors
to pick their teams for the Shaw Baton Interclub Relay the following week. There are
two races, both run on the same course:
(a) Maiden Race
This race is for members who have NEVER won an individual trophy from a race, won
on either handicap (1st place) or outright from a club or interclub race. In many cases,
new members will start in this event.
In addition, there is a sealed handicap.
The outright winner of the race and the sealed handicap winner are given a trophy and
earn “promotion” to the Perston race next season.
(b) Perston Memorial Race
The race is for members who HAVE won an individual trophy from a race, won on either
handicap (1st place) or outright from a club or interclub race.
In addition, there is a sealed handicap.
The outright winner of the race and the sealed handicap winner are each given a trophy.
Perston Baton Relay Race
This club event is a cross country relay that is held at Karori Park. It is a fun event
with some close racing usually prevailing.
The winning team members receive a Baton, and have their names engraved on the Trophy
to commemorate this event.
A 5 lap event, the race uses a circuit of about 2.3km around Karori Park. It is mostly
a grass course, but contains a tough hill at the back of the course, and a stream
crossing. All grades are catered for with the first and third runners of each team
completing one circuit, the second and fourth completing two, and the fifth runner
completing three. The club meets at the park where the club handicappers & selectors
pick the teams.
Philp Shield
Course Location Map
This event is a club teams race where everyone who finishes will count for their team.
A race over quite short distances, a good preparation for the Road Champs.
The winning team members receive a Baton, and have their names engraved on the Trophy
to commemorate this event.
Members meet at the clubrooms to pick the teams and then head to West Park School
for the race.
The race distances will vary. The Under 14s run a shortened distance of 2.5km and start
first, followed by the remainder of the field who run 5km. The two race fields converge
at the finish. How many team members count is determined by the number in each team on
the day of the race.
The course at is undulating and all road.
The Inter-Club Races
The Club participates in and organises a number of interclub events over the winter
season.
Shaw Baton Relay
Course Location Map
Course Map
This is traditionally the first interclub cross country race of the season. It is
organised by the club, and is held at Battle Hill, near Pauahatanui. The race
distance is approximately 2km.
The relay is split into a number of grades:
| Grade(s) |
Distance |
| Senior Women, Masters Women |
4 × 2km |
| Masters Men, Junior Men Under 20 |
6 × 2km |
| Senior Men |
6 × 2km |
University Cross Country Relay
Course Location Map
This interclub cross country relay is held at QEII Park in Paekakariki over a
firm 3.5km course incorporating sandunes.
There are three races:
- A scratch race for Juniors Under 20 over 1 lap (3.5km)
- Womens Relay - 4 × 3.5km
- Mens relay - 6 × 3.5km
Battle Hill 5km Cross Country Race
This 5km race is held at Battle Hill, on a 2 lap course that is similar to the
Shaw Baton Relay but with some extra hills thrown in.
Vosseler Shield
Course Map
For many this event is the toughest race that club members will encounter during
the season.
It is held at Mt Victoria over a very undulating, cross country course through
the trails that run through the hills. Trophies and medals are awarded to the
team winners and the first 3 in each grade. Spot prizes are also offered in
addition to the elite prizelist.
The races are, with team event details:
| Grade(s) |
Distance |
Team details |
| Girls & Boys Under 14 |
1.6km |
4 for each age group |
| Juniors Under 16 |
5km |
4 for each age group |
| Senior/Masters Men |
10km |
4 for Masters men, 8 for senior men (can include vets) |
| Juniors over 16 |
5km |
4 for each age group |
| Senior/Masters Women |
5km |
4 for each age group |
Dorne Cup
Course Location Map
This event is held at Trentham Memorial Park over a flat & fast course.
The race is essentially a team event, with just the outright winner and
the team winners being awarded medals.
The races are, with team event details:
| Grade(s) |
Distance |
Team details |
| Girls & Boys 12 and under |
2.4km |
4 for each age group |
| Girls & Boys 16 and under |
4km |
4 for each age group |
| Women’s Open/Masters Women |
6.3km |
4 for each age group |
| Women 17 and under & 19 and under |
4km |
4 for each age group |
| Masters Men |
8km |
6 |
| Men 17 and under & 19 and under |
4km |
4 for each age group |
| Senior Men |
8km |
10 |
Masters 8km Road Race
This race is organised by the Club and run around the street of Johnsonville.
The race is held on a Sunday. The course is undulating.
While open for Masters, pre-Masters are more than welcome to run.
Centre Cross Country Championships
Course Location Map
Course Map
This is the final cross country race of the season for many club members
(apart from the Perston Baton Club relay).
Medals are given to the first 3 and team winners in each grade.
This event is usually held at Waikanae over a part flat, part undulating
course - all cross country and includes jumps.
The Centre Champs events, with team members to count, are:
| Race |
Grade |
Distance |
Counting Team |
|
| 1 |
Walkers |
15km |
4 |
| 2 |
Masters Men, Men 19 and under |
8km |
4 |
| 3 |
Women 19 and under, Women 16 and under |
4km |
4 |
| 4 |
Men 16 and under, Senior Women, Masters Women |
6km |
4 |
| 5 |
Boys & Girls 9 and under |
1.5km |
4 |
| 6 |
Boys & Girls 11 and under, Boys & Girls 13 and under |
3km |
4 |
| 7 |
Senior Men |
12km |
6 (A&B Grade) |
Bays Relay
Course Location Map
This is the first interclub road relay of the season. The 5 lap race begins at
Island Bay Beach, heads around the coastline, and finishes at Kilbirnie, just
opposite Kilbimie Park. The races and the laps are as follows:
- Walkers 5k (first leg of relay only)
- Senior Women, Women 19 and under, Masters Women 35+
- Senior Men, Men 19 and under, Masters Men 40+
Lap descriptions are as follows:
| |
Distance |
Lap description |
| Lap 1 |
4.8km |
Flat, some undulations in mid lap, finish Lyall Bay |
| Lap 2 |
4.6km |
Flat, finish just before Pass of Branda |
| Lap 3 |
4.8km |
Hill at start, small downhill, flat to finish at Scorching Bay |
| Lap 4 |
3.9km |
Flat, some minor undulations, finish at Shelly Bay Base |
| Lap 5 |
4.0km |
Glory lap, finish Cobham Drive, near Kilbimie Park |
Valleys Relay
This race is held on a Sunday, with the weekend being that of the NZ Cross
Country Champs. This is another 5 lap race, only the laps are longer and of
a greater terrain difference. The other difference is the make-up of the teams
for the “Mixed” relay event.
There are two races:
- Women’s relay, held over 4 laps - laps 2 to 5.
- Mixed Relay A, B & C Grades, held over 5 laps.
The “Mixed” team can consist of 1 open runner (any grade), 2 senior men, 1
masters man and 1 junior. The lap descriptions are as follows:
| |
Distance |
Lap description |
| Lap 1 |
6.67km |
Flat lap all the way |
| Lap 2 |
7.63km |
Undulating lap |
| Lap 3 |
8.05km |
Very undulating lap |
| Lap 4 |
9.20km |
Longest lap that is generally flat, but going gradually uphill |
| Lap 5 |
9.00km |
Downhill for first 1/2 of lap, then flat to the finish |
The National Races
NI Cross Country Champs
Half-national anyway…
Course Map (pdf 259k)
Event Details (pdf 263k)
Course Location Map
The NI Cross Country Champs is a huge event held in Taupo in early July. The event
is held at Spa Park, which because of its free-draining volcanic soil is usually
hard and fast. There are 15 races run over the day for all grades, with distances
right down to 1km for the 9 and unders. And as it is also the Club’s mid-winter club
trip, it is also a social weekend for the whole family - put it in your diary early!
Everyone counts for team (and club) results; the grades and distances are as follows:
| Time |
Grade(s) |
Distance |
|
| 11:30am |
Girls 10 and under |
1km |
| 11:40am |
Boys 10 and under |
1km |
| 11:50am |
Girls 12 and under |
2km |
| 12:00 noon |
Boys 12 and under |
2 km |
| 12:10pm |
Girls 14 and under |
3 km |
| 12:20pm |
Masters Men 35-49 |
6k (2x3k) |
| 12:40pm |
Masters Women 35-44 and 45+ |
5k (3k/2k) |
| 1:05pm |
Boys 14 and under |
3km |
| 1:20pm |
Women 19 and under/16 and under |
4k (2x2k) |
| 1:35pm |
Men 19 and under/16 and under |
6k (2x3k) |
| 1:50pm |
Masters Men 50+ |
6k (2x3k) |
| 2:15pm |
Senior Women |
5k (3k/2k) |
| 2:45pm |
Senior Men |
9k (3x3k) |
National Road Relay Champs
As the last event of the harrier season, it is also the climax for the year.
After a winter of hard training, now’s the time to see it all pay off. Usually
more than 150 teams from all around the country compete, and it’s a great
opportunity to see the country’s top athletes compete. The course varies; in 2002 it was a new course at Feilding, in
2001 it was the Takahe to Akaroa relay, and in 2000 it was Motueka to Nelson.
The trip is subsidised by the club, and anyone who wants to run will be put in
a team, so don't miss it.
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