Ian Martin ran a great race to win the Fred Jones Memorial Race on Saturday.  There was a good turnout over the three races contested.  

The race was run as an open handicap race over the 6km from the Whakatāne Harrier Club’s clubrooms to the Kapu Te Rangi Trig and return, with runners starting on their calculated handicaps.  

Again, the perennial handicapper, Peter de Feijter, did a great job with Martin, the front marker in a great run, just holding out second placer Catherine Jones by 10 seconds.  

In third place was Neil Spanhake, a further 44 seconds back, followed by Mark Crouchley and Aidan Campbell.

Campbell ran the fastest time of 29 minutes 09 seconds, a good time for the hilly course, which had some storm damage.  

Crouchley was second fastest in 32.35 and Neil Spanhake third fastest in 37.02, just shading Glenn Ellery 37.38. Chrissy Weeks was the fastest woman in 40.29, just ahead of Theresa Gee in 40.36.

Iris Stansloski and Musa Crouchley won the Fred Jones medals for fastest girl and boy in the 4km associated race.  

Stansloski ran a great time of 20.44 and Crouchley 23.06. It was close for second boy with Parker Shaw in 28.06, ,just beating John Stansloski in 28.22, with Mieke Jamieson, the second girl. Makhosi Crouchley won the 1.7km race ahead of sister Thandi.

This Saturday, is the Stock Route Handicap Race, with courses of 5.4km and 1.6km. Please assemble at the entrance to the reserve at the foot of Ōhope Hill at 1pm for a 130pm start.