Muddy cross-country run

Gore Harriers Club member Libby Richardson (10) crosses a muddy section of the Southland Cross Country Championships course at the Southern Field Days Waimumu site on Saturday.

The predicted snow held off, but by the time the senior runners set off it was blustery and raining.

Co-ordinator Graham Hall said the numbers were down because of the weather forecast; about 67 runners competed.

Runners attended from throughout Southland as well as Dunedin.

Despite the conditions, the racing was competitive, Mr Hall said.

The variety of terrain on the course meant the course did not give any of the runners an advantage.

"There’s a mixture of hills and some mud and some trees, creeks.

"It’s a cross-country course that everyone enjoys.

"We get people coming back year after year to participate."