Marlborough Harrier Club

16/06/2026

Hello to you all,
Over the last few weeks, we've had some epic adventures, over the Tuamarina to Cullensville track and up to one tree hill in Seddon. These are both challenging and not for the faint of heart.
This week it's going to be a lot more relaxed with the emphasis on fun.
We'll be run / walking in teams of 4. If you have a team of 4 great, if not, no problem we will arrange the teams.
So grab a few mates, family members and come along to the Run Walk Marlborough shed at Churchward Park on Saturday at 1:30pm for a 2:00pm start.
You can walk/run anywhere from 1.5k to 8k, so grownups bring the kids along, kids bring your Grandparents along its going to FUN, FUN, FUN.

12/06/2026

Only one sleep until the Mt Vernon Grand Traverse - Tomorrow Sunday 14th June 2026.

Registration opens at the top of Redwood Street from 9:00am. 10:00am start for the Grand Traverse, 10:15am for the 11km, and Kids Challenge at 10:30am.

Tell your friends! Always well supported, we’re keen to have a bumper field for this year’s run.

Three Great Options

Mt Vernon Grand Traverse, an 18km hill run up Mt Vernon following the boundaries of the Wither Hills Farm park. With 950 metres of climbing and ascent to 422 metres this is a challenging run! Age limit 14 plus.


Vernon Fun Run/Walk, a shorter 11km route, with a quick climb up to Mt Vernon then follow the traverse route around down to the finish. About 650 metres of climbing, open to walkers and runners. Age limit 12 plus.



Kids Challenge, a 2km out and back run along the Mapp Track, plenty of smaller hills for smaller legs. Age limit up to 12.

Information and entries online at the link below

Mt Vernon Grand Traverse Mt Vernon Grand Traverse, an 18km hill run up Mt Vernon following the boundaries of the Wither Hills Farm park. With 950 metres of climbing and ascent to 422 metres this is a challenging run!Age limit 14 plus. Mt Vernon Fun Run/Walk, a shorter 11km route, with a quick climb....

11/06/2026

🚨 Mt Vernon Challenge Update 🚨

With just two days to go, the Organising Committee is pleased to report that conditions are looking excellent.

The weather forecast is looking good, and after extensive consultation with several astronomy chatrooms, we can confirm that at the time of the race the moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth. Experts agree this will result in a measurable reduction in hill height as the moon's gravitational pull gently tugs the Withers downward.

Early estimates suggest competitors could save as much as 0.7% of climbing effort compared with a standard Mt Vernon Challenge.

Furthermore, as the course starts and finishes at the same location, basic mathematics confirms it is effectively a flat course. Combine that with good weather and the moon-assisted hill reduction, and we are expecting some very quick times, if not an outright course record.

For all the details check out www.harriers.net.nz

Whether you're tackling the Grand Traverse, taking on the Fun Run/Walk, or cheering from the sidelines, we'd love to

See Ya There

Running and walking in marlborough!

10/06/2026

Greetings, bargain hunters.

This week at Run Walk Marlborough we are launching our biggest promotion yet.

Run with us TODAY (Thursday), and next Thursday's run is absolutely FREE!

That's right. One free run next Thursday when you purchase today's run for the low, low price of... absolutely nothing.

It's the sort of deal that would make Briscoes proud.

So don't miss out. These savings can't last forever (although they have so far).

Ready to run at 6:00pm from Redwoodtown Hall.

Walking, running, jogging, shuffling, or enthusiastic standing around while talking about running all welcome.

And don't forget the Mt Vernon Challenge this Sunday. Whether you're keen on the full 18km Grand Traverse, the 11km Fun Run/Walk, or the Kids Challenge, it's one of the highlights of the Marlborough running calendar and a great excuse to get out on the Withers.

See Ya There

04/06/2026

Update Number Two – Very Big News

But first, there has been feedback.

The most consistent theme has been: enough talking about the running.

What people really care about is: how are the winter crops going?

I've heard there are some irresistible oat crops out there and the cows are absolutely loving them.

So, good news for all the winter crop fans.

This Saturday we have secured the running rights to an exclusive Marlborough location!

As you head south of Seddon, look to your right and you'll see a hill with just one tree on it. Because we have now officially used up every favour we ever had, we have been granted access to run all the way to the top.

But wait, there's more.

For the winter crop enthusiasts among us, we'll be running past brassicas, we'll be running past cereals, and if we're lucky, we might even discover a magnificent crop of legumes.

I'm telling you again, this is why you join the Harriers Club. Not for the running. Not for the views. Not even for the company.

For the brassicas.

This Saturday – One Tree Hill (Corea)

Another Run Walk Marlborough exclusive!

Spectacular views. Breathtaking scenery. Also breathtaking, thanks to the climb.

There will be a farm vehicle following our run/walk convoy for a wee bit of uphill support for those who need it. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the early start option.

Location: Corea Farm, 365 Atkinson Road, Seddon

Time: 1:45pm for a 2:00pm start, Saturday 6th June. Early start option available, meet at the start at 1pm.

Self-Drive Directions: Take SH1 south of Seddon, turn right into Tetley Brook Road, then right again into Atkinson Road (look for the Harrier sign). Travel approximately 3km up Atkinson Road to Corea Farm (large sign at the gate). It's about 40 minutes from town.

Car Pool: Meet at the Redwoodtown Community Hall at 12:55pm for a 1:00pm departure. We'll sort ourselves into carloads. No vans this week, so some members will need to take their cars and collect a few extra passengers.

Early Start: If you'd like a head start on the main bunch and make your uphill a little more relaxing, please arrange to be at the farm at 1pm.. Robbie Barnes has kindly offered to arrive early and provide directions.

As Always: Stay afterwards for a chat over afternoon tea. Please bring a plate to share.

This run is open to all so if you have been thinking I wouldn't mind trying out this Run/Walk Marlborough thing - this would be one of the events to give it a go.

Come for the brassicas. Stay for the legumes.

See you there.

03/06/2026

Big News Day!

Firstly, with all the rain around, your Committee held a special Zoom meeting last night and passed a motion that there be a gap in the weather between 5:30pm and 7:30pm tonight for our regular pack run.

We are pleased to report that the motion was passed unanimously. It's taken quite a bit of organisation, but we're delighted to say there isn't a better night to come along for a jog and a chat. It's been hugely popular over the last month, and nobody gets left behind!

Meet at Redwoodtown Hall, ready to run at 6:00pm. 👟

This is just one of the many advantages of joining the club. Weather manipulation doesn't happen by itself, and your Committee is working hard behind the scenes for your enjoyment. 🌤️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

As if that wasn't enough, this weekend's run is another great reason to come and try out the club. More details on that shortly, as I don't want to diminish the outstanding work that has gone into tonight's rain abatement programme. One major committee achievement at a time! 😄

Next month's committee meeting will focus on securing permanent tailwinds for all runners, arranging personal bests on demand, and investigating options to reduce the size of the Wither Hills. Early reports suggest the tailwinds are achievable, but there may be some regulatory hurdles around moving hills.

See Ya There...

20/05/2026

With all the bad news lately, things have been feeling a little tough 😔. But we’re getting through it by taking RUN day at a time 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️.

Now for the good news — and there’s lots of it! 🎉

Today is Fun Thursday! 😃 Pack run night where we meet at Redwoodtown Hall, ready to run at 6pm for a LOOP around town 🔄🏃. (I know what you’re thinking… sounds a little pointless!!! 😂… )

If you’re out there doing the miles, be like Donald Trump — he’s been telling anyone who will listen for weeks : “I ran, I ran, I ran!” 🤣

And there’s more — it’s all very exciting because we’ve got a mission (that everyone could take part in) on this weekend too 🕵️‍♂️🏃.

Heaps happening, so why not check out the calendar (www.harriers.net.nz )— or even better, head to the membership page and join up. Come along for some run fun. 👟😄

Tonight — 6pm ⏰
See ya there! 👋

18/05/2026

A quick reminder for this Saturday’s Waikakaho to Cullensville run — registrations are really important for this one.

Because the start and finish points are in different locations, this event is a bit more challenging logistically than our normal runs. We’re organising vans and transport to make sure everyone gets back to their cars safely and comfortably after the run.

To do that, we need accurate numbers so we can make sure there’s a seat for everyone on the way home 🚌

Following the old gold mining trail, everyone should be right in their ELEMENT 😉⛏️

It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon on the trails, but it definitely takes a bit of planning behind the scenes, so please help us out by registering before 6:00pm Wednesday 20th May at:

📧 [email protected]

Thanks everyone — looking forward to a great adventure together!

See Ya There.

16/05/2026

🚨 Important – We need numbers by 6:00pm Wednesday 20th May so we can organise vans and transport logistics. Please let us know if you’re coming or have questions answered by emailing [email protected]

🌿 Waikakaho to Cullensville – Saturday 23rd May 🏃

This is another great example of why running or walking with Run/Walk Marlborough is such a great idea — we take you to places and adventures you’d often never explore on your own, with all the logistics sorted so you can just enjoy the experience.

Ready for a run with a bit of history, scenery, and a few hills thrown in? You’re invited to this party… it’s not going to be funny, it's going to be hill areas!!! 😄

Join us this Saturday for the Waikakaho / Cullen Creek Walkway run, following the old gold miners’ route between Wairau Valley and Linkwater.

Runners leaving from the Waikakaho end will cover approximately 14km through native bush, past relics from the gold mining days, and along some stunning scenic sections. Did we mention the hills? 😅

Walkers are welcome too! Walkers will start from Cullensville and do an out-and-back walk, choosing whatever distance suits them. Walkers will need to arrange their own transport or carpool.

There are a couple of transport options available for runners:
🚌 Take the van — if so, meet at Redwoodtown Community Hall. Van Leaves the Hall at 12:30pm.
🚗 Taking your own car? Park at Tuamarina School (parking on Campbells Lane) and meet there for a 1:00pm start.

📍 Location: Waikakaho / Cullen Creek Walkway
⏰ Time: 1:00pm start – note the earlier start time

Remember Let us know your transport option by 6 pm Wednesday 20 May.

See Ya There

15/05/2026

And they’re off!!! 🏃‍♂️🐢

Looking for something to do this afternoon? Here’s your chance to test your mettle!

The Burton Cup is the oldest trophy in the Club — a Cross Country handicapped race held at the Taylor Dam Cross Country Course. The race is run in grades, with winners from each grade taking home the honours.

And remember… this is a true handicapped race, with the Tortoises given a head start over the Hares — so everyone has a shot at glory!

After the run/walk, stick around for a chat and afternoon tea. Please bring a plate to share.

We’re also looking for a few volunteers to help with course set-up so turn up early to help out, you still get to run.

So dust off the running shoes and come race with the Hares!
And before you ask if this tortoise will be racing… “Shell yeah I will!” 🐢

Taylor Dam
⏰ 2:00pm race start

See you there!