Timaru Club Celebrates 100 Years of Running with Special Events

Run Timaru is celebrating its centennial with a series of relay races and an evening gala on March 16, 2024. The club, founded in 1925, began as the Timaru Harrier Club, originating from informal jogging sessions that commenced from Trinity Church. According to club spokeswoman Toni Kerridge, the community-focused initiative has transformed over the years while fostering a love for running.

The club’s first patron was Frank Rolleston, the former mayor of Timaru and local MP. One of the most significant events in its history is the Squire Cup, the oldest ongoing race organized by the club, first held in 1937. This race continues to test runners on a challenging course around the Squire family farm in Maungati. “It has been run every year since, providing a tough, hilly challenge for participants,” Kerridge noted.

In 1985, the Squire Cup transitioned to the Fairview course, where it remained until 2011, before returning to its original venue in Maungati. Throughout its century-long history, the club has seen various shifts in the running landscape. The 1970s marked the rise of fun runs, which Kerridge described as “just people getting together to move and have fun.”

The 1990s introduced new sports such as triathlons and high-altitude running, leading to a decline in participation for traditional running events. “The club faced slowdowns as the landscape shifted,” Kerridge explained. A revitalization effort began in the 2000s, focusing on attracting more community runners and volunteers to breathe new life into the club.

Several members of Run Timaru have gained recognition on the global stage. Sam Wreford and Chris Tobin are among the club’s most notable athletes. Wreford won the New Zealand cross-country title in 2012 and took first place in the Auckland Marathon the following year. Meanwhile, Tobin represented New Zealand at the World Cross-Country Championships.

The centennial celebrations will commence with a mile relay, a symbol of the start of the running season. This event is set to take place at the Bay Soundshell, with registration open from 13:00 to 13:30 and races beginning at 14:00. An evening meal is planned for the Landing Service Building, promising a fitting conclusion to a day of festivities.

As Run Timaru enters its next century, the club remains committed to fostering a vibrant running community and inspiring future generations of athletes. The centennial celebrations not only honour its rich history but also pave the way for a new chapter in the club’s legacy.