Les

The ASB Auckland Marathon and associated events were contested by over 12,000 competitors on Sunday morning. A clash with the Rugby World Cup final failed to deter several Marlborough runners from taking part in calm overcast conditions.
Starting at Devonport the first half of the marathon course is best described as ‘rolling’ with a number of hill climbs including the harbour bridge while the second half, other than two small road bridges is flat.
The full marathon doubled as the NZ Championship. These were contested by Robbie Barnes and Tracey Sims who are registered with Athletics Nelson and Marlborough Athletics respectively.

Full results are available through www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz

For NZ Marathon Champs full results and medallists click here

Marathon (1496 finishers)
Robbie Barnes 2hrs 58min 52sec (60th overall ; 1st NZ Champs MM50-54)
Tracey Sims 4.16.48 (3rd NZ Champs MW45-49)
Paul Knight 4.24.21
12km Traverse (1965 finishers)
Anna Barnes 1hr 17min 28sec (585th overall)
Leanne Barnes 1.30.09

On January 22nd 2015 the new equipment garage was officially opened celebrated with a BBQ and drinks after Summer Runners.
President Bill Hunter welcomed everyone to the event. Special mention of welcome to present Life Members, representatives of Versatile Homes and Buildings Blenheim, Smart Alliances, Simcox Construction, Rick May and ITM, Marlborough District Council, Scouts and Guides.
Project Convenor then gave a brief history of storage of equipment at members homes etc and the Committee thought it was time we had everything together. Now the trailer is parked in the garage, loaded with only the equipment we need for individual events and returned. Club records will also be stored in shelving provided.
The garage was opened debt free with the assistance of sponsors plus:
>Marlborough District Council grant $10,000 plus accrued interest given to the Club when we existed the old building of Marlborough Civil Defence.
> Redwood Trust $5,000.
>Pelorus Trust $5,000.
Sponsors of the garage are:-
>Versatile Homes and Buildings, Blenheim
> Simcox Construction – for the drainage and soak pit
>Smart Alliances – Kenneth Leach for the ground testing and soak pit design
>Rick May & ITM for Brackets and timber for shelves inside the Garage
Other helpers who went above and beyond :
> Other users of Churchward Park for their co-operation.
> Stephen Folster at APL properties – always helpful and approachable, told me who to approach at council about the waiver of the building consent fees
> Lynne Reeves at the Council who organised the consent fee wavier – no problem at all, an e mail did the trick, easiest thing I’ve had to organise at the council.
> Paul Gunningham – organising Simcox for the drainage etc
> Allison Blackmore for all her sterling effort with funding etc.
> Those involved with working bees at the Garage. Bill, Julie, Peter, Paul, Cameron, Megan, Allister Leach
> All club members who have participated in Marshalling  for events to help with funding (e.g. Marlborough Marathon)
The Marlborough Harrier Club committee for having the faith to just do it.
This facility is well positioned and will be a valuable asset to the Club.

 

Congratulations to Dale Smit for being selected as the only athlete from the Asia – Pacific Region to run in the final leg of the Torch Run for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015. This is held in Los Angeles, California in July 2015.
Reported in the Marlborough Express Wednesday 10th December 2014 by Anna Williams. His comment after receiving the news was “I’m pretty happy”.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/sport/63971890/Special-honour-for-Blenheim-runner

The Club’s AGM was held 24th November 2015. Please see the list of office holders on the tab About / Our Committee.
Bill Hunter has agreed to do another term as President making his the 3rd year but gave notice people will have to look at this position for 2016.
We have a new Club Captain in Peter Mann and a new Deputy Club Captain in one of our newer members Cameron Kain. Please help these two to carry out their duties by volunteering on race days and/or other days they need help on.
Our new Race Secretary is Allister Leach replacing Steve Olsen who has done a sterling job over many years. Time to smell the roses Steve and enjoy running. See you back on the Committee soon.
Our new Men’s Handicapper is Paul Gunningham. Just remember guys he has been running a long time and knows all the tricks of the trade.
Great to see Dale Smit formally be a Committee member. He has been coming to the committee meetings to see what it is about and now is the time to make him formally a member.
Wayne Gee has returned after quite a spell off the Committee.
Ross Logan, a past runner, President, Committee member, representative on the Tasman Centre Athletics NZ and now a timekeeper recorder as his health allows was made a Life Member recognising all the years he has put and still putting into the sport supporting Marlborough Harrier Club.
Les McKay, a past runner, President, Secretary, Committee member, representative on the Tasman Centre Athletics NZ and now timekeeper, recorder, historian, in charge of the website, Facebook and anything that needs doing was also made a Life Member recognising all the years he has put and still putting into the sport supporting Marlborough Harrier Club.
Congratulations to those that have come forward to serve Marlborough Harrier Club.

 

Runner results are now on our results page. They are provisional and will be finalised by Thursday of this week.
Walker results will be available then as well.