News & Updates

A trio of exciting New Zealand Championship out-of-stadia events have been announced for later this year each of which will have a significant selection component for future global events.

The 2024 New Zealand Mountain Running Championships will feature as part of Crater Rim Ultra event in Christchurch on Sunday 20 October. Hosted as part of the 10km Rapaki Rumble event, the up and down race which will start and finish at Hansen Park, will feature an elevation gain of around 400m and be sure to provide a serious endurance test for all competitors.

The race will also act as a selection trial for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships which take place in Canfranc, Spain (25-28 Sept). Note, the 53km Crater Rim event will also act as a significant selection race for the event in Canfranc.

Hagley Park in Christchurch will be the venue for the 2024 New Zealand 50km and 100km Championships on Sunday 3 November. The popular running Mecca in the Garden City hosted the event in 2023, which included the inaugural running of the 50km NZ championship. The race will also be a trial for the 2025 World 50km Championships, the venue and date of which has not yet been announced. We will share entry details in due course.

The month or so of busy New Zealand out-of-stadia action will climax with the New Zealand Long Course Trail Championships taking place as part of the iconic WAI2K 100km race in Wellington on Saturday 23 November. Comprising around 4km of vert the race will double as a selection trial for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain. Entries open on 1 June.

Athletics NZ Out of Stadia Coordinator John Bowden said: “We are very much looking forward to hosting all three events at three venues which will be appreciated by our ultra, trail and mountain running community. We would love to see more club members experience these vibrant and exciting events and welcome strong fields as all three races have a critical selection element for World Championships events to follow in 2025.”

***To enter the 2024 New Zealand Mountain Running Championships go here