The Pakuranga Athletic Club was established in 1967. In its early days it operated without clubrooms, from Ti Rakau Park, with only a Childrens' Track & Field section. Wednesday evening saw officials catering for between 500 and 600 children per season. In 1976 the Harrier Section (now called Cross Country & Road) was formed. Meetings were held on Saturday afternoons from the old community hall at 346 Pakuranga Road. An extensive fund raising project was started in the early 1980s, and together with a loan from the old Manukau City Council, our modern clubrooms were built and were opened in 1984. Another milestone occured in 2010 when our all weather track was completed. This was totally funded by the old Manukau City Council. At the same time, the basement of a new administration building, situated by the track, was also completed. This was funded by the Pakuranga Athletics' Charitable Trust.
A Joggers' Section was started in 1982, but did not include any walking groups. It operated from the neighbouring cricket clubrooms until a shift to our new headquarters in 1984. Walking groups were introduced in the early 1990s and today, the section attracts well over 100 members who form themselves into various groups according to levels of fitness.
Today, the Athletic Club has 5 sections, Junior & Senior Track & Field, Junior & Senior Cross Country & Road and Joggers & Walkers. Each section is run by its own committee, elected by its members. Each Chairman of the 5 sections combine with 12 other elected members to form the Management Committee which oversees all the sections and the day to day running of the club.
Joggers & Walkers have an 11 person committee which meets regularly to manage the ever increasing activities of the section.
The primary function of Joggers & Walkers is the Tuesday and Thursday morning group jogs & walks. These are held 50 weeks of the year regardless of weather or other section pursuits. However, there are social activities as well, the most common being our morning teas in the clubrooms after the exercises. Tea, coffee and a biscuit are provided for a small charge. Also, while it is appreciated, but not compulsory, some members like to provide finger food close to their birthday or special occasion. In this case, members combine with other people in order to share the cost and workload.
When a member reaches 80 years of age, they are presented with a white mug which has their photo engraved on one side. The section boasts many octogenerians and a few nonagenerians also.
Twice a year, we have a catered dinner in the clubrooms. One is held near mid-winter, the other at Xmas. And at the end of October, a barbecue night is held and members are encouraged to bring along family members and/or friends.
Other popular activities include our day outings to various places of interest. These occur 4 or 5 times a year in the summer months with transport mainly by luxury coach. Occasionally it will be by ferry or if the place is reasonably close to the clubrooms, by members' cars.
The Melbourne Cup day sweep, visits to the clubrooms by relevant speakers, prizegiving day, group photos and other special celebrations all add to the multitude of activities that go to make up this popular section of the Athletic Club.
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