Running for 75 years…

Seeing Roto-o-Rangi farmer Bruce Wallis compete in the Cambridge Harrier Club two persons’ walk relay with his 1980s partner in crime Gary Christie was one of several highlights during the 75th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

Life member Thelma Mead, left, cuts the fruit cake iced with Cambridge hills and scenery with one of Cambridge Harrier Club’s younger members Ellie Maree. Photo: Supplied

Jubilee organiser and club secretary Margaret Fisher said having so many past and present members compete in the relay and then 85 attend the celebration dinner at Roto-o-Rangi Hall made all the organisation worth it.

Athletes from other clubs competed in the cross country run with Michael Sutton (Tauranga) winning the four kilometres in 13:11 and Bronwen Rees-Jones (Cambridge) the women’s in 15:20.

Rees-Jones was earlier named in the under-20 New Zealand team to compete at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain in September.

Te Puke’s Sam Milihan won the 2km lap in 7:45 and club mate Sophie Reid the girls’ event in 7:53.

Members of Cambridge Harriers from 1950-1969 photo, from left back row: D’Arcy Smith, Peter Wilson, Rodney Cooper; front tow: Yvonne Hamilton (nee Smith) and Thelma Mead (Life Member). Photo: Supplied

Life member Thelma Mead cut two celebratory cakes at the dinner – one chocolate and the other a fruit cake decorated with Cambridge hills and scenery.

Wallis gets little time to reflect on his relay performance. He and wife Andra host the cross country pack run at their farm in Roto-o-Rangi Rd this weekend.

See: Running for three generations

Life member Thelma Mead, left, cuts the chocolate cake with one of Cambridge Harrier Club’s younger members Case Charlton. Photo: Supplied

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