Threat angers organisers

Press, 10 January 1987, Page 20

Threat angers organisers

PA Hastings Organisers of a 10km run along Napier’s Marine Parade on January 18 are angry about a Hawke’s Bay Amateur Athletic Association threat to suspend registered athletes who take part. The association has made the threat because the event is not being organised by an athletics or harrier club. However, the organisers, Athletic Attic, believe they are within their rights to stage the event because it is a fun run. A spokesman, Tony Snell said yesterday the association was being “totally negative” Mr Snell quoted rule 33 of

the New Zealand Amateur Athletics Association constitutional and administrative rule book which says: “Fun runs are not construed to be a competition where there are no prizes for fastest runner or first places at the finish, and where the event is clearly advertised as not being a race (i.e. a contest of speed). Registered and unregistered persons may run in such an event.” Mr Snell said the January 18 event has been advertised as a fun run and part of the Hawke’s Bay summer series. Spot prizes and certificates will be on offer. 4 “We believe we have met

the criteria of the N.Z.A.A.A. We are disappointed the Hawke’s Bay association has threatened to suspend all registered runners if they take part,” he said. “It is a totally negative promotion when athletics is not at a high point in this country. We feel we are doing something positive to promote running.” Mr Snell said the association had been involved with the organisation of the event for the last three years. It was not invited again this year because they had not done a good job. "In fact, they applied to hold a run on the Saturday

before (January 17) so it seems to be a bit of sour grapes and they are trying to save face,” he said. The secretary of the association, Frank Price, said yesterday all competitive races should be organised by a harrier or athletics club. The executive committee met and decided to place a newspaper advertisement advising registered athletes they face suspension if they take part. “It is pretty heavy-handed but that is what I have been directed to do,” Mr Price said. “It is an attempt to protect ourselves.”