Athletics: Hatea old guard leads the way

Hatea Harriers' Club got the 2012 season under way with a variety of pack runs through bush trails from the Quarry Gardens on Russell Rd.

There were various distances along tracks, which catered for walkers and runners aged 7 to 70.

After Saturday's event, guest speaker Jim Kettlewell gave an inspirational talk about contesting the recent World Xterra Trail Running Championships where he won the Legends age-group title (60-69).

The world championships attracted runners from 20 countries and were held on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu over a distance of 21.9km.

Not only did Kettlewell win his age-group by more than 13 minutes, in a time of 1hr 49.50min from Canadian and American competitors, his overall placing in the field of 680 runners was a highly creditable 53rd.

The race was held on off-road trails that covered steep terrain, travelling from sea level to an altitude of 250m.

Kettlewell has been a competitive athlete for most of his life and in 1985 won the New Zealand marathon title age 40-45 in a personal best time of 2hr 29min

The following year he travelled to Australia and won the 1986 Australasian title.

The world championships are held annually in Hawaii and Kettlewell is hopeful of returning in December this year to defend his title.

Meanwhile, he will compete for the Harriers and continue taking delight in beating runners many years his junior.