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Popular winner for cross country
Popular winner for cross country

Otago Daily Times

time15-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Otago Daily Times

Popular winner for cross country

It has been 23 years since Chris Sole first called Otago home, but yesterday was the first time the Leith Harriers president could call himself Barnes Cross Country Champion. The 67-year-old took the lead from club-mate Jocelyn Springthorpe after the halfway mark of the prestigious 5km handicap race and never looked back. 'I thought there must be someone ahead of me,' Sole said moments after his victory. His attention had already switched to helping reel in the hundreds of metres of polytape which had marked the course. 'Nobody told me that I was in the lead.' The scene summed up much of who Sole is. Beloved by many on the Otago athletics scene, he has at some point been coach or physiotherapist for much of the field, which poured in pursuit down Kettle Park's final hilly bank during the race's final stretch. Having achieved much in the sport during his younger years, Sole continues to compete in Masters and handicap races, while also dedicating significant time to volunteering and growing the running movement in Dunedin. 'Showing up to these events — it's about continuing to challenge yourself.' The modest champion was not speaking exclusively of himself, but also the 93 other racers who took to yesterday's start line, many of whom attend the semiweekly trainings Sole organises on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 'It's really about continuing to strive to be better — showing up to an extra training each week and enjoying running with others.' As much as he focuses on supporting others' goals, Sole quietly enjoyed the moment of realising his own victory but relished even more encouraging others to push hard towards the finish line. Among the many finishing behind him was Hill City-University's Jake Owen, who came from the back of the field to record the fastest 5km split in 15min 49sec. Meg McKay (also HCU) recorded the fastest women's time of 19min 15sec on a day which yielded perfect winter conditions. Hill City-University won the 5km teams race, while Fergus Lloyd (community runner) was first over the line in the under-16 handicapped 2.5km. William Bolter (HCU) was fastest man in 8min 16sec and Eve Kelleher (Caversham) fastest woman in 9min 30sec. HCU was the top junior team. Phil Coakes (Caversham) led from scratch to secure victory in the 5km walks, although he was chased hard by Jo Little (Caversham) over the closing stages who, starting 9min 30sec behind Coakes, recorded the fastest time of 38min 15sec to come within 50m of snatching victory. Their combined efforts helped to secure the team walks title for Caversham. Many athletes, including Sole, will now take a week off racing before turning their attention to the Edmond Cup cross country on June 28. — Luke Geddes

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