Levin Harriers Exploring Horowhenua Since 1965

Published on September 16, 2022

Levin-Harriers-on-Escarpment-Sept-2018.jpg
Horowhenua is a great place to explore on foot, and Levin Harriers take advantage of our beautiful scenery to stay fit and healthy while forming strong friendships. 

Established in 1965, Levin Harriers is a group of runners and walkers who meet on Saturday afternoons, April through to October, for organised runs and walks across the district. Exploring outdoor areas in Horowhenua and discovering hidden gems is a shared passion of its members – Club Captain Guy Dobson jokes – “The group is not for the faint of heart - events go ahead whether there is rain, hail or shine.” 

Attracting some of the best runners and walkers in the Horowhenua, events in the summer months have been added to fill the void between harrier seasons. 

Guy says, “The magnificent backdrops of Gladstone Gallops, a zephyred forest lapped by the Ōhau River, Kimberley Reserve and Foxton’s Manawatū Estuary and beach inspire us all as we revel in the beauty of our coast and countryside – the mind is spirited and muscles primed. You never know what’s around the next corner!” 

The club prides itself on only being competitive within each member’s personal ability. Members are celebrated for achieving personal bests and who can most closely guess what their running time was. People of all fitness levels are welcome at Levin Harriers. The club focuses on creating a fun social atmosphere and embracing a hobby with extensive health benefits rather than worrying about strict training regimes. 

There are a number of health professionals and ex-marathon runners in Levin Harriers who encourage everyone to take up walking and running for their cardio-vascular, physical and mental health.

People aged 16 and up are welcome to join the club, with some of its members aged in their 80s. Families are welcome to attend with younger children if they can manage the distance. The usual length of each run/walk is one hour, ranging between 5 and 15km distances. No equipment is needed to take up the sport except a quality pair of running/walking shoes. 

Club secretary and treasurer Bob Slade says, “We go at our own pace. Age isn’t a barrier. Some of us are over 80 and can’t move as fast as we used to, but the benefits go beyond the physical. We are a social club and enjoy socialising as much as the exercise.” 

The club is passionate about sharing the love of Harrier running, welcoming new members and sharing tips with members with varying degrees of fitness and experience. Good sportsmanship and teamwork are virtues that are reflected in the club’s culture, which believes running with others is easier and more fun than exercising alone. 

The Levin Harriers clubroom, which has been in use since 1965 and features cooking and showering facilities, is found within the Levin AP&I Showgrounds using the entrance on the corner of Tiro Tiro and Collingwood Roads.

What is a Harrier? 

In 1867, a group of Londoners took the old English schoolboy game ‘Hares and Hounds’ (from the 1830s) as a way to stay in shape and subsequently adopted the name Harriers. Since then, the term has become a nickname for cross-country runners worldwide.

For more information and the event schedule visit:

Website: levinharriers.com
Email: levinharriers1@gmail.com