Roxanne Kelly, Sport Northland’s Kaipara Community Connector, first experienced the Kauri Coast Hash House Harriers back in 2000 when the originator from the group, Leanne Emtage approached Sport Northland for some support. Working with Trevor Moss, a local graphic designer, together they came up with a logo for the group. It was of course a kumara and a Kauri tree running with the local Maunga in the background. From there the group was supported to run the first “Baylys to Dargaville Fun Run Walk” which they ran for a period and then asked Sport Northland to take over the organisation of it.

Roxanne caught up with the group recently to see what they were up to. Talking to them, they were thrilled to tell her that they have continued to meet every Wednesday – rain or shine and even on Christmas day (if it falls on a Wednesday). Roxanne likened this to what is these days called a parkrun. Every week there is a different route and is usually an hour long. You can choose to walk or run at your own pace with the faster ones doubling back to check on the slower ones. Some take their dogs which is great, and everyone meets back to have a drink and social time before they head home.

Two stalwarts, John Murray and Janite Franklin have reached 822 out of the 1040 runs since the group started in 2000 and are currently the longest standing members. Although there is no real structure, the group keep records of every run and most attendees end up with a fun nick name.

Member Ross Friedrich goes on to say “we are thought of as a real runner’s club, but we try to cater for everyone, and we are really quite social. We encourage anyone to join no matter what your fitness”. They went on to invite Roxanne back the following week to partake in their midwinter swim in the Northern Wairoa River. But she politely declined!

The Kauri Coast Hash Harriers meet every Wednesday 5.30pm winter and 6.00pm summer at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club, Dargaville. If you would like to join, give Janite a call as sometimes the venue can change phone – 0212995619.

Here at Sport Northland we want to highlight physical activity opportunities and to connect and encourage people to join in.  Reach out to us on 0800 ACTIVE so that we can learn more about what's happening in your community.