Innovation at the heart of Night of 5s

The Daikin Night of 5s has long been regarded as one of New Zealand’s most cutting-edge one-day track and field meets. Ahead of the 2022 edition at AUT Millennium on Saturday 17 December we highlight three cool innovations event organisers have put in place.

1 – Under Armour 5km Team Relay

Following on from the growing success of community team involvement at road relays in New Zealand, Under Armour have come on board to introduce a 5km team relay into the programme for junior and open divisions. Teams can comprise of between three and five people and every athlete must cover a minimum of one lap. All teams will be a gender mix of men and women with teams of three at a ratio of 2:1, teams of 4 at a ratio of 2:2 and five-strong teams at a ratio of 3:2. The junior relay is open to kids aged ten to 14.

“We thought it would be cool to have a relay regardless of level to offer a unique team event,” explains Night of 5s co-organiser Laura Nagel. “Track can seem a wee bit elitist to some, so this offers a chance for people of all standards to run track and compete at the same meet as some of our top athletes.” 

Entry is $100 per team with 20 team spots per race. Register your team here  

2 – 100m Handicap

The 2022 Night of 5s will see the return after an absence of several years of the popular 100m handicap. With starting positions based on arithmetic – the slower the athletes’ PB the greater the advantage at the start with the fastest runner taking to their blocks from a scratch mark at 100m – the competition is guaranteed to keep everyone guessing as to the outcome.

“It will be a really exciting event and if done accurately, and everyone runs to their ability, every race should be a photo finish,” adds Laura.

3 – In-field spectators

The Night of 5s has long prided itself on providing one of the most atmospheric of meets in the country. A DJ will once again be present to spin those discs and generate good vibes to both spectators and competitors. A bar will once again be present – open a little longer this year to cater for any thirsty athletes after the men’s 5000m – while this year the spectators will be allowed on to the in-field to aid the intimacy of the meet.

“Spectators on the in-field have long been a part of many overseas events,” adds Laura. “It will allow the fans to feel more a part of the meet while their support will also aid the athletes as they strive to produce their best.”

***More information on the 2022 Night of 5s here

***Entries close for the meet at 11.59pm on 7 December enter here