News & Updates

Expect fireworks when the inaugural New Zealand 50km Championships takes place at Hagley Park, Christchurch on Sunday 5 November one of a host of mouthwatering out-of-stadia national events confirmed for 2023-24.

The rising popularity in the 50km distance globally, which saw World Athletics officially ratify world records for the distance in 2022, has led to the decision by Athletics NZ to make the event an annual national championship.

Staged on a 2km loop in Hagley Park alongside the New Zealand 100km Championships, Athletics NZ Out of Stadia Co-ordinator John Bowden believes the introduction of the national 50km championships will be warmly welcomed by the distance community.

“The 50km distance is enjoying great popularity on the international calendar, and by offering a national championships for the distance it presents an opportunity for those athletes who aspire to represent their country on the international stage when events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games may be out of reach,” explains Bowden.

“Hagley Park will be an ideal venue. The course will be flat, measured to World Athletics standards, and we look forward to what I’m sure will be a successful first New Zealand 50km Championships.”

Entry details for the New Zealand 50km Championships or New Zealand 100km Championships will be made available soon.

For a third successive year the Crater Rim Ultra will host the New Zealand Long Course Trail Running Championships. The event hosted by Port Hills Athletic Club on Sunday October 15 will be run on a jaw-dropping route from Hansen Park via the top of the Banks Peninsula and back and will include special permission to use conservation and private property – a once-year privilege.

One of the key selection races for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, the event will be trialling an opportunity for non-club members to enter on the day for $25.

To enter go here

The 2024 New Zealand Short Course Trail Championships returns to Dunedin as part of the 3 Peaks Race on Sunday 17 March. Working alongside host club Leith Harrier in a successful partnership, the course provided a stiff examination over the 55km distance and last year saw Weston Hill take out the men’s senior event and Katie Morgan secure the senior women’s prize. To enter go here

The New Zealand Half Marathon Championships in 2024 – held on Sunday 21 April – returns to Christchurch. Run on New Zealand’s fastest course, the event is sure to be appealing for any athletes chasing a quick time and to give their 21.1km PB a nudge. Enter here.

The New Zealand Marathon Championships for senior men and women will feature as part of the historic 60^th anniversary edition of the Rotorua Marathon. The iconic 42.2km Lap of the Lake is sure to toast a very special edition this year and with the extra incentive of national titles on the line expect the quality at the pointy end of the race to be top notch. The Rotorua Marathon will also host the New Zealand Masters Marathon Championships. Entries to open in mid-September.

Out of stadia events 2023-24

2023 New Zealand Long Course Trail Running Championships, Crater Rim Ultra, Christchurch – Sunday 15 October

2023 New Zealand 50km & 100km Championships, Hagley Park, Christchurch – Sunday 5 November

2024 New Zealand Short Course Trail Running Championships, 3 Peaks Mountain Race, Dunedin – Sunday 17 March

2024 New Zealand Half Marathon Championships, The Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon, Christchurch – Sunday 21 April

2024 New Zealand Senior and Masters Marathon Championships, Rotorua Marathon, Rotorua – Saturday 4 May

***We hope to have news of the venue for the New Zealand Mountain Running Championships in the coming weeks.