With school holidays, several at Blue Lake 24-hour and illness, there was still a good turnout of Whakatāne harriers for the Kohi Point-Otarawairere run on.

The races were run over three courses, a two-kilometre return run from the top of Kapu te Rangi to the big staircase, a 3.8km return run to Kohi Point and a 6.2km return run to Ōtarawairere Beach.

All these courses were undulating with significant climbs. Seasoned runners commented that the return run from Ōtarawairere Beach was far more challenging than the normal loop back through the village and Kohi Point Road, because of the multiple steps. Even the challenging Toi’s race does not face this challenge.

The results were dominated by the winners being from three talented families and it was marvellous to see the renowned multi-sporter Neil Jones and wife Jose competing well.

Jesse Hughes won the 2km in a good 16.01, just one second in front of Thandi Crouchley.

There was a very good run from six-year-old Elora Hughes finishing in 18.03, just in front of five-year old Makhosi Crouchley 18.47.

Jabu Crouchley showed a clean pair of heels to win the 3.8km to Kohi Point and return in 29.23, with Musa Crouchley second in 35.17 and a remarkable run from Jacqui Hughes in 38.17, with Jose Jones 40.42 and Sisa Crouchley 42.45. A big congrats to Ari Hauser, who with Melissa Hauser ran the challenging 3.5km in 39.11.

Ryker Hauser led the 6.2km to Ōtarawairere and back for almost the first 5km, with a great effort for third in 47.19.

A tremendous run from Mark Crouchley saw him win in 44.08, with Ian Ord fast in second place in 45.19; Glenn Ellery in 50.31 narrowly headed in Neil Jones in 50.42. Well done also to Nathan Hughes 1.02.23 and Catherine Jones 1.08.52.

Next week Kelly Shallow and Paul Jamieson are hosting a great fun run from the clubrooms at 1pm.

All are welcome whether club members or not.

Club captain Peter Blackwood said, “last year this was a massively successful run”.