By Dave Gunn

The picturesque Kihikihi Domain was the scene for this year’s edition of the WaiBOP Cross Country Champs, where around 100 runners gathered to test themselves against the best runners in the region.

The course was hard and fast, and at first appeared to be relatively flat, but with over 20m elevation per lap, along with 8 x hurdles per lap (32 in total for my 8k race!), it proved to be challenging enough! While the hurdles were not particularly high, the positioning of a few (at the top of a short steep climb) made them more difficult than you would have thought.

The Hawks gazebo was setup as a base alongside the other clubs, Lake City, Tauranga Ramblers, Cambridge Harriers and Frankton Athletics, making for a pleasant social atmosphere. The course itself was a 2km lap, which weaved around the domain, passing by the line of tents 3 times per lap, so there was plenty of opportunity to cheer the runners on, and to get close enough to see the pain in their faces (* aye JB… ) as they pushed themselves to glory…

We had a good number of Hawks members competing this year with 25 members in a total field of around 97 runners, which was pleasing. However, while we had a good number of talented juniors, and 10 somewhat talented masters’ men , the Senior Men and Senior Women were noticeably absent…! In fact, there was only one senior woman running, and no senior men…! I understand a few injuries meant that the Hawks senior contingent was down on what it usually is, but overall, it was still a little disappointing.

Of the Hawks that did compete, we had some fantastic performances, with 19 age grade medals across the board. The Stirling brothers had the usual 1-2 finish in the U18 men’s division (both finishing their 6k in under 19 mins!), with Max just edging out Jack, followed by Tasman Reid in third, with Jacob Liu not far behind in 4^th…

Great runs also by Abigail Hayward, winning the GU12 race and 4^th overall in the 2km distance. Daniel Bell also had a blinder, fighting bravely in his race with the lead changing many times, to finish in a commendable 3^rd against some tough opposition. Charlotte Bell looked comfortable in her 3k race to take the win in 11 mins flat, as did Daniel Mumby in the Boy U16 4km in a time of 13:14. Jahan Moore averaged around 3:30 pace to claim 2^nd in the BU14 3k race.

Emily Vowles also ran very well for 3^rd in the U16 girls’ race, and Crystal Burgess took the win in her 5km FU18 5k race in 19:10…!

New member Tamahau Hicks (who joined the Hawks that very morning) had a solid run to win the Para U17 boys 2km race in 7:46 – to take the win in his first event running as a Hawk… Well done Tamahau!

So many great results across the board, we have a very strong junior contingent at present, so the future of the club is looking good – long may it continue…

As for the remaining runners (all Masters Men) again there were some stellar performances – standout for me was Gary Carleton taking the overall win in the MM35-64 8km race in a superb time of 27:06..! Well done Gary… The other usual suspects also ran very well, Cameron Mumby winning his grade (in 28:46), and the evergreen Glenn Sexton having a great run of form lately to win his grade in 31:41 backing up from his win at the North Island champs 2 weeks ago…

All in all, it was a great day, the rain held off until the drive home, and hence the running conditions were almost perfect. The event ran well thanks to the hard work by the organising team, and everyone appeared to have a great day…! And finally, thanks to the Hawks helpers on the day – especially Rhys who while unable to run, still came along to help out and cheer us all on, much appreciated…!

So, congratulations to the Hawks runners on their results, and best of luck to those travelling to Christchurch for the Nationals in a couple of weeks…

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