News & Updates

The Night of 5s Area Permit Meet has been postponed from its original date of Tuesday 21 December and will now take place on Wednesday 23 March at AUT Millennium in Auckland.

Organisers made the decision because of ongoing uncertainty around Covid restrictions.

The popular event has provided an uplifting festival of athletics with the showpiece events – the 5000m – providing a mouth-watering opportunity for athletes to record personal best performances.

Event co-organiser Laura Nagel, who is also one of New Zealand’s leading distance runners, said: “While we are disappointed to have postponed the event from its traditional pre-Christmas slot we were determined the event should go ahead in its entirety with crowds and its usual special atmosphere.

“The late season date may actually provide a silver lining. Coming after nationals athletes may feel less pressure to go after the win, this could translate to a more relaxed approach and potentially more PB’s.

“Meanwhile, the late-summer weather can often be more settled than earlier in the season, which might also work favourably for competing athletes.”

The event has always prided itself as providing a unique experience for both athletes and spectators. Food stalls, a bar and a DJ form a key part of part of the Night of 5s which generates a pulsating atmosphere and Laura is optimistic that despite the change of date the event will once again deliver.

“It may look a little different to in the past with safety protocols in place but I’m sure the event can act as a big end of track and field season hurrah,” she adds.