News & Updates
Mixed relay champs set to add extra dimension to NZ Cross Country Champs
Run as a pilot at the 2022 New Zealand Cross Country Championships, the mixed relay proved a big success. Credit: Michael Dawson
The eagerly anticipated first official New Zealand Mixed Relay Cross Country Championship will take place on day two of the 2023 New Zealand Cross Country Championships at Spa Thermal Park, Taupo on the weekend of 29-30 July.
Last July the same iconic Central North Island venue hosted a successful pilot cross country mixed relay race for clubs in teams comprising two men and two women, each running 2km.
A total of 31 teams entered in a range of age divisions and on the back of the pilot event, the Mixed Relay has been approved by the Athletics NZ Board as an annual New Zealand Championship.
Consistent with the same mixed relay format used at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships the feedback from athletes, coaches, officials and supporters was overwhelmingly positive and the decision for the mixed relay to be a national championship is roundly welcomed.
Athletics NZ Competitions Manager Jason Cameron said: “The mixed cross country relay brought a new dimension to the New Zealand Cross Country Championships and we received many positive comments about the dynamic new event. The club relay format helps promote friendly and passionate inter-club rivalries and thanks to the many variables of the race a stream of changing narratives which can only add to the vibrancy of one of our most historic annual competitions.”
Rob Dabb of Feilding Moa said the club entered five teams at the pilot event and he welcomes the prospect of the 2023 edition taking on full New Zealand Championship status.
“Last year’s cross country mixed relay was one of the unexpected highlights of our season,” said Rob.
“Once the racing got underway a real team camaraderie took hold alongside that friendly inter-club banter that relays tend to create. Our teams included some members who didn’t run in the individual champs and being part of this team competition gave them a real buzz. Returning home with two silver medals was the icing on the cake. We will definitely be back at Taupo again this year – hopefully with even more teams.”
Sascha Letica of Takapuna teamed up with Owairaka trio – Nick Moore, Simon Mace and Bella Earl – for the 2022 New Zealand Cross Relays – and she is another who looks back fondly on the experience.
“Last year’s national cross country team relay had such an awesome vibe,” she says. “It was great to race with a team mindset and cheer everybody on. Backing up after Saturday’s individual champs was a real test, and I’m really looking forward to this year’s national individual and team events in Taupo.”
The following categories will be offered as part of the New Zealand Mixed Team Relay Championships.
- Senior Men and Women
- Masters Men and Women (35+, 50+ and 65+ age groups)
- Under 20 Men and Women
- Under 18 Men and Women
- Under 16 Men and Women
- Grades for Para athletes, as appropriate
***The 2023 New Zealand Cross Country Championships and New Zealand Cross Country Relay Championships in Taupo takes place on Saturday-Sunday 29-30 July.
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