National Championship events

Combined Events are for athletes that are capable of multiple track and field disciplines. The NZ Combined Events Championship includes Hexathlon (6 event competition), Heptathlon (7 event competition), Octathlon (8 event competition) and Decathlon (10 event competition). It takes a special kind of athlete to be all rounders at the full range of throwing, jumping and running events. 

The New Zealand 10000m Championships is a showcase of endurance, grit, and determination. This race sees the country’s top distance runners push themselves to the limit over 25 laps in a bid for the national title.

The 10000m Championship draws a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, with participants eyeing personal bests and top performances. It is a high-stakes race where pacing, strategy, and stamina are paramount.

Steeped in tradition, the New Zealand Mile Championships is one of the country’s most prestigious middle-distance events. The mile, measuring 1609 meters, is a historic distance known for its association with famous records and legendary performances. This race draws the nation’s best middle-distance athletes, each vying for the coveted title in what is often a tactical and thrilling event.

The Mile Championships for Seniors is hosted at the Cooks Classic on the 25th of January 2025.
The Mile Championships for U20s is Hosted at the International Track Meet on the 22nd of Febuary

The New Zealand 3000m Championships offers a thrilling spectacle of mid-distance racing. The 3000m distance bridges the gap between endurance and speed, attracting both long-distance specialists and middle-distance runners looking to test their limits. 

The 3000m Championships for Seniors is hosted at the Potts Classic on the 1st of February 2025. 
The 3000m Championships for U20s is hosted at the Capital Classic on the 29th of January 2025.

The New Zealand 10km Road Championships brings together the country’s leading road runners to compete for the national title over a fast, flat 10km course. This event challenges athletes to balance speed and endurance as they navigate through city streets, closed race tracks or scenic suburban routes. The race attracts a diverse field, from elite athletes eyeing national honours to club runners aiming for personal bests. The 10km distance is long enough to test stamina but short enough to maintain a flying pace, resulting in an exciting race for participants and spectators alike.

The New Zealand 5km Road Championships is a fast and furious race, with competitors racing through a 5km course on public roads. This event is ideal for middle-distance runners and those transitioning from the track to road racing. With a shorter distance, the pace is intense from the start, creating an exciting spectacle for spectators. Elite runners battle for national medals while club runners strive for personal bests. The shorter nature of the race allows for explosive finishes, with victory often decided in the final sprint to the line.

The New Zealand Road Mile Championships is a thrilling contest where athletes compete over the classic mile distance on a road course. The road mile offers a different challenge to its track counterpart, with slight inclines, turns, and varying road surfaces testing the runners' speed and tactics. Known for its fast-paced, high-energy action, this event attracts middle-distance specialists aiming to showcase their tactical prowess and explosive finishing speed. The race is often decided in a dramatic final sprint, making it a fan favorite.

The New Zealand Cross Country and Relay Championships is the pinnacle of cross-country running in the country. This event sees athletes compete on challenging courses that feature natural obstacles such as hills, mud, and rough terrain. The individual races test endurance, strength, and mental toughness, while the relay competitions bring an exciting team element to the mix, with clubs battling it out for national honours. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and competition, with runners pushing their limits in some of the most grueling conditions.

The New Zealand Road Relay Championships is one of the most prestigious team events in the athletics calendar. Clubs and teams from across the country come together to compete in this relay race, which covers a set distance divided into multiple legs. Each runner takes on a portion of the course, with the success of the team hinging on their collective strength and strategic planning. The event fosters team spirit and rivalry, with athletes competing not just for individual glory, but for their club’s honor. It’s a test of endurance, teamwork, and pacing over a long road course.

The New Zealand Marathon Championships is the premier event for long-distance road runners in the country, taking place over the classic marathon distance of 42.195km. Elite athletes and amateur runners alike vie for the national title, with the race typically held on scenic courses that highlight New Zealand’s landscapes. The marathon is a true test of endurance, mental toughness, and strategy, with competitors needing to pace themselves over the long distance while fending off fatigue. It’s a prestigious event that crowns the nation’s best marathon runners.

The New Zealand Marathon Championships is the premier event for long-distance road runners in the country, taking place over the classic marathon distance of 42.195km. Elite athletes and amateur runners alike vie for the national title, with the race typically held on scenic courses that highlight New Zealand’s landscapes. The marathon is a true test of endurance, mental toughness, and strategy, with competitors needing to pace themselves over the long distance while fending off fatigue. It’s a prestigious event that crowns the nation’s best marathon runners.

The New Zealand Mountain Running Championships tests athletes on some of the country’s most rugged and scenic terrain. With steep climbs, sharp descents, and uneven surfaces, this event challenges even the most seasoned runners. Competitors must balance speed with technical skill, navigating challenging landscapes where mental toughness is as important as physical endurance. Often set in picturesque mountain regions, this event showcases New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty while offering a tough and exhilarating race for both elite mountain runners and those seeking a unique challenge.

The New Zealand Short Course Trail Championships focuses on the dynamic and technical aspects of trail running over a shorter distance. Held on off-road, natural trails, this race tests runners on uneven surfaces, tight turns, and challenging terrain. Athletes need agility, stamina, and strength to navigate the course’s natural obstacles. Despite the shorter distance, the intensity is high, with competitors racing over hills, through forests, and across streams. The race offers a unique experience for trail runners who thrive on the challenges posed by the natural environment.

The New Zealand Long Course Trail Championships takes athletes on a longer, more grueling journey through the country’s stunning landscapes. With a focus on endurance, this event challenges participants to tackle rugged, off-road trails that test their physical and mental resilience. Competitors face steep climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable terrain, making for an epic and rewarding race experience. The long-course format demands careful pacing and energy management, with runners often racing for hours in pursuit of the national title.

The New Zealand 50km & 100km Championships is the ultimate test of endurance for long-distance road runners. Held over ultra-distance courses, athletes push their limits in both physical stamina and mental fortitude. The 50km event serves as a stepping stone to the more daunting 100km race, with competitors battling through fatigue and the elements to complete these grueling distances. Often held in scenic, tranquil locations, this championship is a celebration of perseverance and determination, with runners aiming for national titles in these ultra-endurance events.

If ultra-distance is your thing, consider the NZ 24 Hour Championship that allows runners and race walkers see how far they can run or race walk over a 6, 12 or 24 hour time period. This event is not for the faint hearted! Participants are able to eat, drink and take small breaks for massage or rest. New Zealand Centurions are an elite group that can race walk 100 miles in one day. Team relays are an option for the 24 hour run or race walk with up to 6 runners or walkers per team, completing a minimum one hour stint.