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CONGRATULATIONS ARCH
Congratulations to renowned athletic coach and administrator Arch Jelley CNZM, OBE who turned 100 on Saturday 13 August 2022.
To honour Arch turning 100 the Owairaka Club, of which he is a life member, staged a 100 x 1 mile relay around the Lovelock Track on Sunday.
Starting at 7am with Simon Mace running the first mile. Arch Jelley took the baton around the track accompanied by a large group, including Ray Puckett, Jeff Julian, Dave Sirl, Chris Pilone, John Robinson, Heather Matthews, Glenys Kroon, Christine Pfitzinger, Arthur’s sons Roy and Gary Lydiard, Fred Smith, his son Martin and daughter Sue, Larry Wiechern, Peter Moy and Pat Munro walking the 24th mile. He handed the baton on to his grandson 19 year old Stephen Jelley who had just come from a football recovery session. Stephen completed the 25th mile in 7:11.
Looking remarkably fresh after his mile Arch said it was the slowest four laps he has ever done.
Arch was well prepared for the mile as he goes for a walk every day.
“I do walk about 4k a day, but not in one piece, only in bits and pieces. It’s all checked on my watch as I go,” he said.
Arch is taking the celebrations in his stride.
“It’s been a fairly hectic last two days but I don’t get too excited.”
He continues to take a keen interest in athletics and enjoyed following the recent world championships and Commonwealth Games.
“The highlight of the Games for me was Sam Tanner – 3:31.34, (1500m) fantastic.”
Arch said he’ll have to see about that, doing another mile next year for his 101st birthday.
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