News & Updates

Athletics NZ has selected an experienced 13-strong team to represent New Zealand at the 2024 IAU 24H Asia & Oceania Championships in Canberra, Australia on 5-6 April.

The team includes seven athletes who competed at the IAU 24H World Championships in Chinese Taipei earlier this month, and once again the ultra-athletes will look to perform with pride on the international stage. 

Dawn Tuffery leads a team of eight as captain of the women’s team. The Hamilton City Hawks athlete, who placed second New Zealand finisher in the women’s race in Chinese Taipei, is a multiple winning national 100km and 24h champion. The 2021 New Zealand 100km champion Jamie Stevenson, Sue Hunter and Carol Robertson, who also all competed at the 2023 IAU 24H World Championships, also earn selection.  Reigning New Zealand 24-hour champion Shannon-Leigh Litt is also set to compete for her country in the Australian capital.  

Former New Zealand 24-hour silver medallist James Inwood will serve as skipper of the five-strong men’s team. Inwood is one of three men – alongside former New Zealand 100km champion Wayne Botha and Stuart Hughes – who also competed at the IAU 24H World Championships earlier this month.

Athletics NZ Out of Stadia Coordinator and Team Leader John Bowden said: “Each of the athletes bring with them significant experience and achievements over the 24-hour event, many of whom have just competed at the recent 24-hour World Championships in Chinese Taipei.

“We wish them all the best for their preparations in the lead up to the championships, and we are looking forward to seeing how they can perform against the best ultra talent in the Asia and Oceania regions.”

Selected athletes 

Senior Men:
James Inwood – Athletics and Cycling Masterton – Self- Coached
Stuart Hughes – Caversham Harrier & Athletic Club – Coach Sean Williams
Wayne Botha – Takapuna Harriers – Self-Coached
Sam Beale – Lake City – Coach Kerry Suter
John Bayne – Leith Harriers – Coach Sebastian Bialobrzeski

Senior Women:
Carol Roberston – Hamilton City Hawks – Coach Gary Howard
Jamie Stevenson – North Harbour Bays Athletics – Self Coached
Sue Hunter – Hamilton City Hawks – Coach Marcus Daws
Dawn Tuffery – Hamilton City Hawks – Self Coached
Shannon-Leigh Litt – Hatea Club – Coach John Bowden
Kerryn Bell – Queenstown AC – Self Coached
Kim Allan – Run Timaru – Self Coached
Vivian Cheng – Wellington Harrier AC – Self Coached