Brilliant overhead conditions prevailed for those that contested the Marlborough Harrier Club’s Novice Cup Handicapped Cross Country event at Taylor Dam on Saturday afternoon. It was a challenge to traverse the bog in the first half of the course but all came through unscathed.
The handicap system works so as to give every competitor, no matter what their ability, an even chance of winning their grade. In theory everyone in their respective grade should cross the finish line together. The handicappers did a good job with most competitors coming in within a short time. We had all grades represented from under 7’s to veterans. 
Great to see so many children getting out and enjoying themselves.
The next championship race on 7th May, will be an extra challenge for seniors, veterans and walkers who will all step up to longer distances on the day.
A full set of Novice Cup results can be found here.
Results of the Novice Cup (first five placings) are as follows:
1000 metres
Boys 7 and under; Blake Marfell 1 (6.49), Andrew Hall 2 (7.17), Fastest Actual time: Blake Marfell (5.09)
Girls 7 and under; Anna Love 1 with fastest actual time (6.42),
Boys 10 and under; Michael James 1 (6.22Jayden Lucas 2 (7.01) Fastest Actual Time: Michael James (4.32)
Girls 10 and under; Gemma Bishell 1 (6.54), Sam Marfell 2 (6.59) Fastest Actual Time: Sam Marfell (4.49)
2000 metres
Boys 12 and under; Louis Thomas (16.05), James Hansen 2 (17.09) Fletcher Kopua 3 (17.11). Fastest Actual Time: Connor Pugh (9.38)
Girls 12 and under; Neve McKenzie 1 (13.08), Amber Bendell 2 (13.41) Katie Pugh 3 (16.28) Fastest actual time: Neve McKenzie (10.08).
3000 metres
Boys 14 and under; Finn McKenzie 1 (15.54), Angus Kopua 2 (16.42) Gus Marfell 3 (19.51) Fastest Actual Time: Gus Marfell (13.51)
Girls 14 and under; Lara Bacchus 1 (19.58) with fastest time (17.58)
4000 metres
Girls 16 and under; Olivia Capper 1 (31.35) Anna Barnes 2 (33.33) Fastest Actual time: Olivia Capper (27.05)
Walkers; Kathryn Mann 1 (29 minutes) Sheila Waters 2 (29.30), Kay Leach 3 (29.56), Fastest Actual Time: Judith Hyndman (25.28)
Veteran Women; Brenda Pottinger 1 (30.49), Lisa Kane 2 (31.04), Jan Curnow 3 (31.44), Fastest Actual Time: Brenda Pottinger (23.49)
6000 metres
Junior men; Adam Baker 1 (57.58) Fastest actual time Adam Baker 28.43)
Veteran Men; Ray Waters 1 (54.41), Peter Mann 2 (56.38), Kevin Bishell 3 (57.08), Fastest Actual Time: Glenn Marfell (26.13)