Central's young athletes are proving their worth in track and field events following a recent meet in Alexandra.

More than 150 Central and Southern tamariki and rangitahi had fun running, jumping and throwing during the athletics 'country meet' at Molyneux Park on Saturday.

The event was hosted by Alexandra Athletics Club and involved children from six to 14 years old in running races (60m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 800m), selected field events (shotput, discus, long jump and high jump) and team baton relays (four by 100m, and four by 200m).

Alexandra Athletics Club president Norman Marsh opened the event at 10am.

He thanked Athletics Otago, local business sponsors, club patron Valmai Breen, parents and the club committee members who volunteered as event officials, time keepers, first aid support and those who ran the canteen. 

Clubs that attended were; Alexandra, Caversham (Dunedin), Cromwell, Hill City (Dunedin), Aspiring (Wānaka), Taieri, South Otago (Balclutha).

Twelve-year-old Alexandra Primary School pupil Zoe Reinds cleared the high jump bar at 145cm, to win her grade, narrowly missing her personal best (146cm). VIDEO: The Central App 

Each competitor could enter up to four events. There were two stints of prize giving, with certificates awarded for first, second and third placing for each event. 

The Cromwell Athletics Club crew assembled for a group photo. 

The last event was the relays and teams were put together on the day, with some clubs and age groups mixing for a fun finish to the afternoon.  

Competitors in the nine year old girls long jump cool off in the shade after their event. 

Whānau, friends, athletes and supporters sat in the shade for the final prize giving on the steps to the pavilion, congratulating the smallest and biggest competitors who took their turns on the podium, with proceedings wrapping up at 4pm.  

Goldfields Primary School student Matai Garside (7) launches the shot put. 

Making a dash for it, were the eight year old girls in the 60m sprint. 

Pictured (from left) are Hill City’s India Lazenby (11) and Aspiring’s Lilya Cochrane with the shot put (11). 

Parents from Dunedin, who The Central App, spoke to joked that they were going to move to Alexandra for the superb track condition, largely thanks to club coach Bones, and for the picture perfect weather.

Find out about Alexandra Athletics Club on The Central App listing.

PHOTOS/VIDEO: The Central App