For Harper, 5, Darcey, 7, and Clay McKenzie, 9, of Knapdale School, a dairy farm close to Te Tipua School was their race track on May 22.
The terrain of the Gore Rural Schools Cross Country Competition was littered with cow hoof imprints, long grass, mud as well as rocks and obstacles.
“It was challenging.
“There were rocky bits and I nearly tripped over my feet and hit my head on the trough ... I rolled my ankle and I just saved myself,” Clay said.
“There was a big mud puddle that I stepped in ... it splashed straight down my leg.
“I stepped in it, and I tripped over,” Darcey said.
Harper ran 500m, for Darcey, the course was 1.2km and for Clay, 2km.
Pupils from Knapdale, Waikaka and Te Tipua Schools challenged themselves in the competition.
When crossing the finish line in front, Clay said he felt “happy” and Darcey was “delighted”.
The children’s mother, Melanie McKenzie said her youngest wanted to run another lap.
Harper was able to burn off that extra energy on the nearby obstacle course and slip and slide to close off the day.
This was not the end of the trio’s running roots.
Mrs McKenzie said she was also enjoyed competing in the cross-country when she was her children’s age.
Athleticism was in the family bloodline, she said.
She had played football for many years and trialled for New Zealand and their father Craig competed in cricket and hockey.
Darcey said she enjoyed her football and gymnastics.
Clay said he wanted to be a professional footballer one day and was also involved in cricket, hockey and touch rugby.
“I want to have fun, win and get a good placing,” Clay said.
