News & Updates

29 May 2023 • Road

New venue announced for 2023 New Zealand Road Relay Championships

The Loburn68 event in Canterbury will look to add a new chapter to the rich history of the New Zealand Road Relay Championships. Credit: (Ethan Gillespie).

We are delighted to announce that the 2023 New Zealand Road Relay Championships will take place on an exciting new concentric course in the rural Canterbury setting of Loburn on Saturday 30 September.

Known as the Loburn 68, the race will take place over a total distance of 68km consisting of two 34km loops. Boarded by hills and rivers and set on wide roads and rolling terrain, the eight-person relay will start and finish on Loburn Domain and comprises laps which will vary in distance from 6.2km to 11.2km in distance. 

We would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment shown by the Athletics Canterbury Road and Cross Country Committee in helping secure the hugely exciting venue in what is a challenging regulatory environment.

It has taken some time to announce the venue for the 2023 New Zealand Road Relay Championships and we appreciate the patience shown by all. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee at Athletics Canterbury, Victor Gamperle, said: “It was important to get the Traffic Management Plan signed off by the Waimakariri District Council before making an announcement.”

Clubs can now move with confidence in terms of organising and preparing for competing on an exciting new road relay course set on quiet country roads.

Athletics NZ Competitions Manager Jason Cameron said: “Loburn 68 will be a nostalgic return to our rich relay heritage with an out-and-out rural feel. I’m sure our passionate distance running community will fully embrace the new course and enjoy a very positive national relays experience on a scenic course.”

Based north of Rangiora township, a 45-minute drive from central Christchurch, the race will start and finish in the picturesque Loburn Domain complete with music, food and beverage options.

Eight-person New Zealand Championships will take place over the 68km distance for senior men, senior women, over 35 men, over 35 women and over 50 men.

A six-person national championship race will be contested over a cumulative 38.90km distance for under-20 men and women, a masters women over 50 and open over 60 and over 70 divisions. The course comprises laps which vary in distance from 4.3km to 8.4km.

A map of the eight-person 68km course can be seen here

A map of the six-person 38.90km course can be seen here

To enter the 2023 New Zealand Road Relay Championships go here