owairaka is home to the world-famous owairaka athletic club which is based at the historic lovelock track where five world records have been set. during the 1960s the club led the world in middle and long distance running under the guidance of the legendary coach arthur lydiard (onz,obe), producing many international and national champions, most notably, murray halberg (onz, mbe) and the new zealand athlete of the century, peter snell (knzm, mbe).