News & Updates

Entries are now open for the 2024 Mission Estate New Zealand Cross Country Championships in Poraiti, Napier which promises to serve up a unique experience for athletes, supporters and spectators attending the event on the weekend of 3-4 August.

Taking place at the multi award-winning winery and iconic New Zealand landmark, the 121-year-old annual championship is all set for a dynamic and memorable edition as athletes take on the challenge of a 2km or 1km loop over a range of distances.

Having the opportunity to race a national championship at such a celebrated location will offer no shortage of inspiration while attendees can also make the most of Mission Estate’s top-class restaurants, bars and Cellar Door experience.

The races will start and finish at the Concert Paddock – a natural amphitheatre which has hosted many leading concerts over the years including superstar acts such as Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams.

The 2km loop will comprise two significant climbs while both the 2km and 1km loop will include a 150m straight, where runners will get to run alongside the vines of the fabled Mission Estate.

Championship individual and team races will be contested on Saturday over a range of age divisions – U14/U16/U18/U20, senior and masters – in distances ranging from 4km to 10km. A community non-championship 4km race will also take place on Saturday as well as a 2km U14 Kids Dash.

Sunday includes club and community mixed relay races for the U16/U18/U20 and senior divisions as well as masters 35-49, 50-64 and 65+ divisions. A community relay is also on the schedule giving allcomers the chance to sample the course as part of a team.

The final event of the two-day championship programme on Sunday will feature The Equaliser XC – A Race for the Ages. This brand new world-first event will present a rare and exciting opportunity for athletes and spectators alike. More details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Athletics NZ Head of Out of Stadia Events Jason Cameron said: : “We are hugely excited to open entries for the 2024 Mission Estate New Zealand Cross Country Championships. For this year’s event to be part of a world-class winery and with a long-held tradition for staging successful events is not one to be missed.

“I’m sure all athletes, supporters and spectators will make the most of the incredible food and drink options on offer and embrace the timeless elegance of the estate.”

The event has been made possible with the generous support of the Napier and Hastings District Council Events Teams.

***To enter the individual events at the 2024 Mission Estate New Zealand Cross Country Championships go here

***To enter the relays at the 2024 Mission Estate New Zealand Cross Country Championships go here

***For a full timetable go here

***For course maps go here

***More on the Mission Estate Winery Restaurant go here

***More on the Mission Estate Winery Cellar Door go here

***We will update on some attractive Mission Estate deals for athletes, spectators and supporters in due course.