A speedy set of local children have worked their way up the cross country ranks to compete at the inter-regional cross country alongside runners from Wellington, Canterbury and South Canterbury.
Aaron Bonny, Jensie Beloe, Clara Jones, Millicent Strong and Hope Hardy have competed in their school cross country, and then the Motueka district event, held annually at Rabbit Island.
The top 10 competitors then receive a golden invitation to compete in the Tasman/ Marlborough team against the other regions. The pictured group, who come from Māpua, Tasman and Upper Moutere Schools, were among a contingent of about 10 local children to take part in the race at Canterbury’s Ascot Park in September, with Year Five and Six students running 2km, and Years Seven and Eight running for 3km. Although there were no medalists, the group pushed hard to record some personal bests.
The local athletes are coached by Phil Costley, who has represented New Zealand at two Commonwealth Games and four World Athletics Championships. He has won 33 national athletics titles and still holds the Auckland marathon course record of two hours 14 minutes.
