Club News

Summer run/walk - Bottomley Park, Porirua Parkrun, 19 March, ***  7:55am for 8:00am  ***
Something different for the early birds.  This week we will will join in with the Porirua Park Run (5km).  A chance to experience this growing event, share the benefits of running for Olympic with others, nip back with the other Parkrunners to MacDonalds for a cup of coffee afterwards and still have a free afternoon to get those garden tasks sorted, plus you get to see the sun rise -- the list of benefits goes on!

If you have not done a Parkrun before you will need to register for a barcode -- the organisers use this to run the timing system.  You need to print it out yourself and either pop it in a plastic bag or wrap it with tape in case of rain, so it is worth doing before you are scrambling to find your shoes on Saturday morning. 
Visit here: https://www.parkrun.co.nz/porirua/ to sign up.

Porirua Grand Traverse, 3 April - help needed
Like previous years, we are looking for marshals for the bike course. This year, instead of timing, we are also marking out the run course, because we are so experienced at setting up race courses! It is one of the few times we ask people to help with fundraising for the club.
Give Mike Waterman (m.waterman@cribbwaterman.net) your cell number this week (don't put it off and forget - click reply now!) if you can help out:
- On the day before (Saturday 2nd April), being part of the teams that set up the run course between Elsdon Camp, Colonial Knob, the farm, the coast and the finish;
- On Sunday morning, setting up the first part of the run course between Rangituhi Cres and Elsdon Camp
- On Sunday morning, marshalling the bike course (note there is a new bike course this year).
 

Athletics
A seesawing battle continued between Michelle and Sarah last Saturday, this time over 5000m as Sarah got in by 3 seconds and posted a PB.  Well done both of you - and belated birthday best wishes! Not sure of the exact programme this week, but keep an eye on: http://athleticswellington.org.nz/Events/Senior-Track-and-Field/Black-Gold
Results each week turn up here:  http://www.olympicharriers.nz/results/
And season achievements go here: http://www.olympicharriers.nz/resources/Oly_Achievement_vs_standards_2015_to_2016.pdf

Harrier season is about to ramp up
Check out the upcoming runs at the bottom of the page - just a couple of weeks before we are back into it.  The syllabus for the year is nearly ready, but why not talk to running people at work who might be interested in trying harriers now.

Next Runs
Sat 19 March : Parkrun at Porirua - 8:00am
Sun 20 March Xterra Wellington - Owhiro Bay
Sat 26 March: Easter themed run at Clubrooms
Sat 02 April: Club Introduction Day - invite anyone who might be interested
Sun 03 April: Porirua Grand Traverse - Olympic provides helpers, one of the few times we ask for help with fundraising
Sat 09 April: Club opening day and Maiden Perston

Around Rarotonga Race
Miles and Sheryne have done the hard yards and chased down a good price for travel and accomodation.  The chance of cheaper fares closer to the day is balanced off against not getting into the hosting resort at Shearwater.  Do you you feel lucky... well do you...?  Contact Natalia McAllansmith at Flight Centre North City, 2374477, and you should be able to get the same kind of deal.  

The Round Rarotonga Road Race celebrates its 39th Anniversary with its annual weeklong event from the 22-28 September 2016 held on the beautiful tropical island of Rarotonga. The event caters for everyone including families, social, recreational and competitive runners and is a fantastic opportunity to combine a holiday with a once in a lifetime sporting achievement.

A week of warmth at the end of winter sounds a good idea and a bunch of club members are planning to attend this year.  No firm arrangements yet but you can check out the website here: http://sale.cookislands.travel/events/round-rarotonga-road-race-2/