Above-normal running saw Michele Verry and Di Matthews win their handicap 12.3-kilometre and 6.2km races on Saturday, June 13.

These races were run up Maraetotara and Burma roads, with the Cooper Trophy travelling up Maraetotara Road to turn at the intersection with Burma Road gate, and the Bigwood continuing through to the intersection with Ōhope Road.

There was another great turnout of almost 40 athletes, officials and spectators. The races were particularly notable for very fast running by the junior runners.

Ryker Hauser won the 2km in a very fast 8.44, ahead of amazing runs by eight-year-olds Parker Shaw, 9.13 in a big sprint, with Jesse Hughes in 9.14, Toby Cairns in 9.48 and Bodhi Burnett in 11.01.

The first woman was Kiki Peters in 11.17 with Fiona Sax in 13.32 and Sage Hauser in 14.42 – second and third women.

It has been pleasing to see great progress by the juniors as the season progresses.

There was also a very top run by Hudson Metcalfe to win the 6.2km in 29.18, with excellent runs from Lilly Anderson, 29.53, Kelly Shallow, 30.45, Di Matthews, 35.11, and Nathan Hughes, 35.12.

These first few times were fast for the course with its gentle rises and falls.

There were also encouraging runs from youngster Cassidy Peters, 44.59, Melissa Hauser, 45.01, Izzy Jones, 51.20.

Di won the handicap by 2.43 from Kelly, with Lilly third in 1.11.

There was a tough and fast contest in the 12.3km, with Aidan Campbell, 48.36, finishing just 5 seconds in front of Paul Jamieson.

Glenn Ellery was next in 1.03.49, just ahead of a good run from first woman Tania Jones in 1.04.35.

Liza Rozdestvenskaja had to run an extra 1.7km, running 1.12.36, and Michele, 1.16.56 and Catherine Jones, 1.28.26, rounded out the running times.

Theresa Gee and Chrissy Weeks walked the course in 1.44.12.

Michele won the Bigwood, 1.21, in front of Chrissy with, 1.18, to Paul.

This Saturday’s run is the Club Cross-Country Championships, hosted by Theresa and Dave Gee, 158 Burke Road.

There will be courses to cater for all ages, ranging from 2km for the 10 and under grade through to 9.6km for the open men.

Please assemble 1pm for a prompt 1.30pm start. All runners are invited, but to be eligible for the trophies you would need to join as a member.