Several of the Crouchley family won their grades at the Whakatāne Harriers races through Peter de Feijter’s Orchard on Saturday, June 2.

The race was over multiple laps of a 1.2 kilometre course through the orchard, with a very testing hill each lap.

Mark Crouchley ran brilliantly to win the six-lap 7.2km race in 37 minutes 52 seconds. Liza Rozdestvenskaja also ran exceptionally well, coming in second and winning the women’s race in 39.03.

They were followed by good runs from Glenn Ellery 44.09 and Neil Spanhake in 49.45.

Newcomer Jake Lambert won the four-lap 4.8km race in a brisk 29.27. He was followed by good runs from the women, Catherine Jones in 37.37 and Sisa Crouchley 39.42.

Jabu Crouchley ran very well to win the two-lap 2.4km race in 12.57, closely followed by a fast effort from younger brother Musa in 13.30 and a promising run from first girl youngster, Kirra Lambert, in 15.52, just ahead of host Peter de Feijter in 15.57.

Thandi Crouchley was second girl in a very impressive 16.04. Izzy Jones and Makhosi Crouchley ran well on the tough course.

A 4km walking course was competed by Chrissy Weeks in 33.52 and Liv Hockemeier in 37.05.

All are warmly welcomed, runners and walkers, to our club competition this Saturday, which is the Latham’s Track run.

We are parking at the same location as last year, immediately after the entrances to the houses at 1185/1187 – SH 30 – in Colin Latham’s paddock. 500 metres before the underpass.

Race distances are 2.5km (to end of the first bush), 5.2km (first top) and 7.2km.

The winner on handicap of the 7.2km race wins the Bayliss Cup, donated by our redoubtable Tom Bayliss. Please arrive 1pm for a prompt 1.30pm start.