There was a superb turnout of almost 30 people at the Whakatāne Harriers Opening Club run from the clubrooms at Rex Morpeth Park on Easter Saturday, April 4.

A course of 1.3 kilometres was set and runners either ran two laps, totalling 2.6km, or four laps, totalling 5.2km.

In conjunction with the races, a Lucky Dip Pairs Race was held, based on a randomised team selection, with everyone receiving Easter eggs.

The juniors took off at a very fast clip, with Ryker Hauser first through the first 1.3km lap in 5 minutes and 15 seconds (a fast 4 minute per km pace). Ryker continued to run a great time of 10.43 for the 2.6km race.

Second in that race was a stupendous performance by eight-year-old prodigy Iris Stansloski running 10.47 for top woman, followed by very fast runs also of 11.12 by Rosie Milne and 11.30 by Lilly Anderson.

Jabu Crouchley won the junior boys in 11.41, followed by brother Musa in 11.54 and visiting newcomer Caleb Dos Santos in 12.59.

There was also a good first time run by Ari Hauser.

Youngster Kirra Lambert won the junior women in 12.10, a superb run for the also first-time harrier. Six-year-old Thandi Crouchley was next in 14.57 and Tabitha Dos Santos in 15.54.

Joel Stansloski took the overall lead on the second lap and won the 5.2km race in a superb negatively split 20.42, running a great second half of the race.

David Milne was next in 22.07, followed by Mark Crouchley in 23.52 and Glenn Ellery. All these runners showed a very promising start to the season.

The randomised pairs race was convincingly won by Lilly and Iris in 22.17; second was Kirra and David in 22.53, third Glenn and Joel in 23.12 and fourth John and Rosie in 24.37.

A great start to the season.

Tomorrow’s run is the scenic Coastlands Classic Relay, meeting seaside end of Ohuirehe Drive at 1pm for a prompt 1.30pm start.

Everyone is welcomed to come along and run or walk and enjoy our marvellous coastline. Inquiries to Peter Blackwood 027 550 4934.