The Whakatāne Athletic and Harrier Club contested the 400 metres, hammer throw and 1500m at its club night on Wednesday.

The biggest challenge was hammer throw, with this event new for many, and an interesting event to learn.

The best throw came from Chriss Weeks with a good 14.46m.

She was followed by Sisa Crouchley with 9.69m, just ahead of Michele Verry’s, 9.36m.

The younger ones threw synthetic hammers, with a good 10.89m by Bodhi Burnett and good throws by Hudson Metcalfe and Thandi Crouchley, and a massive 24.54m by Lilly Anderson.

The standouts in the 400m were Nathan Hughes with a fast 75.23 seconds and Liza Rozdestvenskaja with a surprising 78.67s.

The 1500m was a very close race throughout, with Lilly taking the lead from the start, pursued around 20m behind by Nathan, with Hudson next.

These three quickly gained a big break on the field.

With 200m to go, Nathan mounted a speedy challenge, closing to within a couple of metres of Lilly.

However, Lilly responded with a great turn of speed to win in 6 minutes 30.43 seconds, to Nathan’s 6.31.68, and a good last lap by Hudson running 6.38.01.

The battles did not cease there, with Weeks and Verry unable to be separated for fourth and fifth and similarly Jacqui Hughes and Sisa Crouchley tied in a fast finish.

Next Wednesday’s competition starts at 5.30pm sharp and is different from the current programme, with the 10,000m deferred to January 27.

Next week will include 60 metres, high jump and a 1-mile challenge. All athletes are welcomed.