NZ Cross Country & Relay Champs
1 August 2026
Hagley Park, Christchurch
The 2026 NZ Cross Country & Relay Championships will descend on Christchurch’s North Hagley Park. We’re bringing the racing to the fans with the course returning for its second year, incorporating sections of the Hagley Golf Course, designed so you can catch every step of the head-to-head racing right in the heart of the Garden City.
Standard entries close 11.59pm 20 July (including name on bib printing deadline), late entries close 11.59pm 24 July.
2026 NZ Cross Country Championships Schedule
| Start Time | Grade | Distance (KM) |
| 9:15 | Masters Women 35+ | 6km |
| 10:00 | Masters Men 35 - 64 | 8km |
| 10:45 | Masters Men 65+ | 6km |
| 11:30 | U20 Women | 6km |
| 12:05 | U20 Men | 8km |
| 12:40 | Senior Men | 10km |
| 13:30 | Senior Women | 10km |
| 14:20 | U18 Women | 5km |
| 14:50 | U18 Men | 6km |
| 15:20 | U16 Girls | 4km |
| 15:45 | U16 Boys | 4km |
| 16:05 | U14 Girls | 3km |
| 16:20 | U14 Boys | 3km |
| 16:35 | U12 Mixed (non-championship) | 2km |
| 16:37 | U10 Mixed (non-championship) | 2km |
New Zealand Cross Country
Championships Course Map
Individual Course Map
Clockwise loop direction | 2km Lap solid line | 1km Lap dotted line
Event Village Map
2026 Twilight Relay Schedule
| Start Time | Event | Distance |
| 18:00 | Kids Relay (8-13 years) | 4 x 1km |
| 18:35 | Twilight Relay - Race 1 (U16, M35+ , M50+, M65+, Social) | 4 x 2km |
| 19:25 | Twilight Relay - Race 2 (U18, U20, Senior) | 4 x 2km |
Twilight Relay Course Map
Clockwise loop direction | 1km Lap solid line | 2 Laps per runner
FAQ'S
| Do I or my child need to be part of an athletics club to enter? |
| For the Championship events you must be registered as an active competitive member with an Athletics New Zealand Club. If you are entering a non-championship event (e.g. Under 10, Under 12, Kids Relay or Social Relay) you do not need to be registered with a club. |
| What is the course like? |
| The course is run around North Hagley Park and incorporates some of the Hagley Golf Course. The course is majority grass except for some sand bunkers on the golf course, it may be muddy in wet conditions. The course also has a steeple (jump) but there is an option to run around it if preferred. |
| When can I collect my race bib and view the course? |
| Bib collection and course inspection will be open from 2pm to 6pm on Friday 31 July. Come to the main marquee (look for the information sign) to collect your bib. If you are unable to collect it on Friday, you can collect your bib from the information tent at anytime before your race on Saturday 1 August. |
| What uniform do I wear? |
For individual championship events, competitors selected in their Centre team must wear their Centre uniform. All other competitors must wear their club uniform For Club Relays competitors must wear their club uniform |
| What happens on event day (check-in, race process)? |
| We recommend arriving about 60-90 minutes before your race. This will allow you time to collect your bib (if you haven't already), warm up and get to the start line. Follow instructions from marshals or if you have any questions, head to the information tent. |
| Is this event suitable for beginners? |
| Yes, the non-championship events (Under 10, Under 12, Kids Relay and Social Relay) are for all abilities. The Championship races do not have qualifying times, but you must be an active, competitive member of an Athletics New Zealand club to compete |
| Can family and friends come and watch? |
| Absolutely. Spectators are welcome and can view most parts of the course, there is no entry fee for spectators. |
| Will there be a livestream? |
| Yes, the U18, U20 and Senior individuals races will be livestreamed on the Athletics New Zealand YouTube channel. |
| I want to enter the relay but I don't have a team? |
| You can enter as an “Individual Relay Entry” and we’ll match you with other runners to form a team, aiming to group athletes of similar pace where possible. If we’re unable to place you in a team, your entry fee will be refunded, and all matched teams will compete in the Social grade. |
| Will there be any food and drink at the event? |
| Yes, there will be coffee and hot food available for purchase, there will also be a sausage sizzle run by a local athletics club. |
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