World steeplechase champion Geordie Beamish, 17-year-old national mile record holder Sam Ruthe, and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner make up a men’s road mile trio that selectors have been unable to separate at this stage of the selection process.

Ruthe’s presence alone makes this one of the most remarkable men’s road mile entries New Zealand has ever fielded. In January, the then 16-year-old shattered Sir John Walker’s New Zealand mile record, a mark that had stood for 44 years, running 3:48.88 at the Boston University Terrier Classic to set the world under-18 best and place himself 11th on the all-time global indoor mile list.

Beamish brings formidable road-mile experience to the event, having competed at the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile in New York and the Merrie Mile in Hawaii, alongside his standing as the reigning world steeplechase champion. Tanner, meanwhile, is one of New Zealand’s most decorated road competitors, having won the national road mile championship at The Spectacle in Nelson against a quality international field, and boasts the experience of multiple World Athletics Championships campaigns.

With two spots available on the Copenhagen start line, all three athletes have been provisionally named while selectors finalise the starting pair ahead of an August announcement. The road 5km, staged on the same day, provides the third athlete an opportunity to still compete in Copenhagen should they miss out on the mile.

The Quax name will once again take pride of place on the front of the iconic black singlet, as Theo Quax, son of New Zealand distance running legend the late Dick Quax, earns selection for the Road 5km at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Dick Quax is one of the most celebrated runners in New Zealand history. Part of the golden generation of New Zealand middle-distance running in the 1970s alongside Sir John Walker and Rod Dixon, he won silver in the 5000m at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games before setting the 5000m world record in Stockholm in 1977 with a time of 13:12.87. He coached his son Theo and remained a passionate servant of the sport until his passing in 2018. That his son will now line up on the global stage in a road 5km event carries its own significance.

“It’s an honour to don the black singlet for the first time.” said Quax

“It’s something that I’ve aimed for and hoped for, for a very long time and frankly since I was young and first got into the sport and first learned about how successfully Dad competed for New Zealand and how well he represented the country. So that’s something that I’m hoping to replicate in my career.

“As far as the competition itself, I’m just hoping to go out there and compete the best I can. You know, toe the line with a quality field and see how many people I can beat, how many people I can get finish in front of. At the end of the day, that’s competition at this level, and that’s racing. I want to be able to execute a solid race.”

Women’s Road Mile and 5km

Two athletes will represent New Zealand in the women’s road mile in Copenhagen.

Alison Andrews-Paul is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished middle-distance runners on the international stage, having represented New Zealand twice at the World Athletics Indoor Championships over 800m. At the 2026 championships in Toruń, she delivered her strongest performance at the event, progressing to the semi-final after running 2:01.38.

Kimberley May makes her first New Zealand senior team in Copenhagen. The world-class miler represented New Zealand at the 2025 World University Games and announced herself at the NCAA level by finishing second at the 2024 NCAA Division I National Championships in the 1500m, behind fellow New Zealander Maia Ramsden.

Hannah Gapes lines up in the road 5km. One of New Zealand’s most consistent long-distance performers across road and cross-country, Gapes was the top New Zealand finisher at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships over 10km.

Half Marathon

Toby Gualter and Georgie Grgec lead New Zealand’s half marathon challenge in what shapes as an exciting chapter for both athletes at the world stage.

Gualter arrives in Copenhagen fresh off securing his seventh national title. The Wellington runner won the 2026 New Zealand Half Marathon Championships in Christchurch in April, running 1:03:15. His recent national title haul spans the road 5km, mountain running, 5000m on the track, and the half marathon across 2025 and 2026, making him the standout figure in New Zealand men’s road running. 

Grgec heads to Copenhagen in the form of her career. The Auckland City Athletics Club runner broke the 70-minute barrier in the half marathon for the first time at the Berlin Half Marathon in April 2025, running a personal best of 1:09:13 in a world-class field. She backed that up with a strong 10km performance in Launceston earlier this year and won the New Zealand road mile title in 2025 as she’s found her place in the half marathon distance as her focus event.

Also competing in the men’s half marathon are Oli Chignell, William Little, and Connor Melton. Katherine Camp joins Grgec in the women’s half marathon.

Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the team reflected the current strength of Athletics in New Zealand.

“This is the strongest team we have ever named for the World Athletics Road Running Championships,” Mitchell said. “Across every event, we have proven international talent backed by genuine depth — athletes who have competed at Olympic Games, World Championships, and at the top of the domestic circuit for years.

“To have three of the four fastest milers in New Zealand history competing for selection in the same event, and to see the Quax name return to the black singlet, speaks to the quality of what we have across the sport right now.”

The 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 19–20 September. The mile and 5km road events take place on 19 September, with the half marathon the following day. The half marathon programme will be followed by a sold-out mass participation event, with 35,000 registered participants set to race through the streets of Copenhagen.

New Zealand Team — 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships

Men’s Mile and 5km
Geordie Beamish — Road Mile* (Wanganui Harrier Club, Coach: Dathan Ritzenhein)
Sam Ruthe — Road Mile* (Athletics Tauranga, Coach: Craig Kirkwood)
Samuel Tanner — Road Mile* (Athletics Tauranga, Coach: Craig Mottram)
Theo Quax — Road 5km (Pakuranga Athletic Club, Coach: Mike Smith)

Women’s Mile and 5km
Alison Andrews-Paul — Road Mile (Athletics Wairarapa, Coach: Brit Townsend)
Kimberley May — Road Mile (Auckland City Athletics, Coach: Mark Coogan)
Hannah Gapes — Road 5km (Lake City Athletic Club, Coach: Laurie Henes)

Men’s Half Marathon
Oli Chignell — Half Marathon (Hill City University, Coach: Matthew Clarke)
Toby Gualter — Half Marathon (Olympic Harriers, Coach: Alastair Leslie)
William Little — Half Marathon (Whippets Running Project, Coach: Sam McLean)
Connor Melton — Half Marathon (Whippets Running Project, Coach: Sam McLean)

Women’s Half Marathon
Katherine Camp — Half Marathon (Te Awamutu Athletic Club, Coach: Craig Kirkwood)
Georgie Grgec — Half Marathon (Auckland City Athletics Club, Coach: Nic Bideau)

Non-travelling Reserves
Scarlett Robb — Mile
Taonga Mbambo — Half Marathon
Chris Dryden — Half Marathon

*Provisional selection. Final mile starting pair to be announced in August 2026.

Our Under 20 athletes will contest the 10km race walk and include Alysa Brown (Selwyn) in the women’s event and Ari Bennett (Ashhurst) in the men’s. Alysa arrives as the 2025 Under 18 3000m Race Walk champion and will be looking to take her speed onto the international stage. Ari Bennett is also in strong form after claiming both the Under 20 3000m and 5000m race walk titles earlier this year at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Auckland.

The remainder of the squad is made up of our senior men, who will be stepping up in distance to compete in the half marathon race walk. This championships marks the first time the half marathon distance will be contested. Leading the senior men’s team is five-time national champion Jonah Cropp (Summer Running). Cropp secured commanding victories in both the 10,000m and 3,000m race walk events at this year’s track and field nationals and will be aiming to add a strong half marathon performance to his resume.

Joining him is this year’s national silver medallist in both the 10,000m and 3,000m race walk events, Toby O’Rorke (Egmont), along with one-time Oceania champion and three-time national champion Lucas Martin (Whanganui).

How to Watch

All the action will be available to watch live on the World Athletics website. Fans will also be able to follow the action via the World Athletics live results platform, which will offer an enhanced experience.

View Race Timetable

World Athletics Platform.

Watch LIVE on World Athletics +

The Team

U20 Women’s 10km Race Walk:

Alysa Brown, Selwyn Athletic Club, Coach Rozie Robinson

U20 Men’s 10km Race Walk:

Ari Bennett, Ashhurst Athletic and Harrier Club, Coach Rozie Robinson

Senior Men’s Half Marathon Race Walk:

Jonah Cropp, Sumner Running Club, Coach Rozie Robinson
Lucas Martin, Whanganui Club, Coach Mark Harris
Toby O’Rorke, Egmont Athletics, Coach Rozie Robinson

Team Management

Rozie Robinson – Team Lead

Libby McGee, Athletics NZ’s Participation and Systems Manager, says the calendar showcases the strength of road and cross country running nationwide:
“These events are a highlight for our athletes and communities. Road and cross-country racing are right at the heart of our sport, and it’s fantastic to see these championships hosted right across the motu. With 14 out-of-stadia championship events on the 2026 calendar, it’s going to be another big year ahead.”

Jason Cameron, Head of Rotorua Marathon and Growth Events, adds that the trail, mountain, and ultra-distance races continue to attract a passionate following:
“Trail and ultra running have seen incredible growth in recent years. Events like the 3 Peaks Mountain Race and The Spectacle offer unique challenges and stunning courses.”

2026 Out of Stadia Championships Calendar

NZ 24 Hour Championships – Auckland – 21–22 March 2026

The AUT Millennium Track on Auckland’s North Shore will again host the 24 Hour Championships.

NZ 50km Championships – Rotorua – 7 November 2026

The 50km title will be contested as part of the Legend of the Peaks in Rotorua. Legend of the Peaks is an epic combination of amazing trails, with a festival vibe that includes expo, music, food and good times.

NZ Masters Marathon Championships – Rotorua – 2 May 2026

The 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon will again host the Masters Marathon Championships, featuring its iconic lap around Lake Rotorua. Athletics New Zealand members receive 20% off their entry price to any distance at the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Email marathon@athletics.org.nz to receive your discount code.

NZ Mountain Running Championships – Wellington – 18 April 2026

The hills of Wellington will stage the Mountain Running Championships in 2026. The course will be ready as runners around the nation descend on the capital.

NZ Short Trail Championships – Dunedin – 15 March 2026

The 3 Peaks Mountain Race in Dunedin will serve as the Short Trail Championships, navigating demanding hills and technical trails.

NZ Road Mile Championships – Dunedin – 12 September 2026

The day before the Dunedin Marathon, George Street will be lit up by flying milers racing through the central city.

NZ Half Marathon Championships – Christchurch – 12 April 2026

The Christchurch Marathon will host the Half Marathon Championships on their flat, fast course. The 2025 edition of the race saw flying times as perfect conditions fell on the garden city.

NZ Cross Country Championships – Christchurch – 1 August 2026

The 2026 NZ Cross Country Championships will return to Hagley Park for the second year. 2025 saw over 600 athletes take to the brand new course around North Hagley Park, as golden tickets to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships were handed out.

NZ 10km Road Championships – New Plymouth – 29 August 2026

New Plymouth will welcome athletes for the 10km Road Championships.

NZ Marathon Championships – Whanganui – 29 November 2026

The PAK’n SAVE Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon will host the Marathon Championships along the scenic Whanganui River.

NZ Road Relay Championships – Manawatu, Whanganui – 3 October 2026

The beloved NZ Road Relay Championships will return to the Manawatu, Whanganui region again. The exact course location and information are to be confirmed.

NZ 100km Championships – Christchurch – 1 November 2026

Hagley Park will also host the 100km Championships, a true test of endurance.

NZ 5km Championships – Nelson – 5 December 2026

The Spectacle event in Nelson will feature the 5km Championships, bringing high-energy racing to the vibrant city centre.

NZ Long Trail Championships – Nelson – 5 December 2026

The Long Trail Championships will also join the NZ 5km Championships at The Spectacle in Nelson. The Spectacle boasts a stunning and gruelling adventure through the mountains that surround Nelson.

Looking Ahead: Regions for 2027 and 2028 Confirmed

Athletics New Zealand is also pleased to confirm the regions that will host Out of Stadia Championships in 2027 and 2028. This forward planning aims to provide certainty for athletes and their supporters, enabling them to plan more effectively and experience events across different parts of the country.

Cam Mitchell, Athletics NZ Chief Executive, says:
“By announcing the regions for 2027 and 2028, we’re giving athletes and their communities the ability to plan ahead. It also reflects our commitment to spreading our out-of-stadia events around the country, ensuring that runners from all regions have the chance to compete close to home and experience the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes.”

2027 Out of Stadia Championships

• Auckland – NZ Half Marathon Championships
• Waikato/Bay of Plenty – NZ Cross Country Championships (Hamilton)
• Taranaki – NZ Road Mile Championships
• Manawatū/Wanganui – NZ Masters Marathon Championships
• Tasman – NZ 5km Road Championships, NZ Long Trail Championships, NZ Mountain Running Championships
• Canterbury – NZ 24 Hour Championships (May), NZ Road Relay Championships
• Otago – NZ Marathon Championships
• Southland – NZ 10km Road Championships

2028 Out of Stadia Championships

• Northland – NZ Long Trail Championships
• Auckland – NZ 24 Hour Championships, NZ 5km Road Championships
• Waikato/Bay of Plenty – NZ Marathon Championships (Rotorua), NZ Mountain Running Championships (Mount Maunganui), NZ Road Relay Championships (Taupō)
• Taranaki – NZ 10km Road Championships (Palmerston North)
• Wellington – NZ Cross Country Championships
• Tasman – NZ Road Mile Championships, NZ Short Trail Championships
• Canterbury – NZ Half Marathon Championships, NZ 50km & 100km Championships
• Otago – NZ Masters Marathon Championships

The seven-leg relay covers 66.11km, with leg distances ranging from 7.7 km to 12.5 km, while the six-leg relays span 35.5 km, featuring laps between 4.2 km and 7.4 km, offering a mix of rolling hills, fast flats, and tactical challenges. Whether you’re chasing national titles, club pride, or personal bests, the atmosphere promises to be electric from the first baton handoff to the final sprint into Halcombe.

Senior Men’s Race

Defending champions Whippets Running Project return with a powerhouse lineup featuring William Little, fresh off a sub-29-minute 10km at the Run Prix in Melbourne. He’s joined by Connor Melton, David Lee, Ronan Lee, Jack Paine, Toby Tasker, and Cameron Clark, forming a team with serious speed and relay experience. Their B team is also looking sharp and could cause a podium upset if the race opens up.

North Harbour Bays bring a squad rich in national titles and endurance pedigree. Former NZ Cross Country champions Matthew Taylor and Cameron Graves lead the charge, supported by Steven Langdon, James Matthews, Matthew Arnold, and Ben Otis. Jack Moody adds a unique edge as an Ironman expert, bringing unmatched stamina to the mix.

University of Canterbury arrive with marathon strength and tactical depth. Oska Baynes, the 2025 NZ Marathon Champion, anchors a team that includes Blair McWhirter, Andy Good, Ethan Smolej, Daniel Balchin, Chris Dryden, and Henry McMeeking.

Local favourites Feilding Moa will be racing on home turf and looking to make a statement. Their squad features George Varney, Samuel Stichbury, Isaac Murphy, Andre le Pine-Day, Damien Lardner, and Luke Scott. A standout is Benjamin Wall, who recently broke the four-minute barrier for the mile. 

Senior Women’s Race

In the Senior Women’s race, North Harbour Bays are the defending champions and clear favourites. Their team is headlined by Laura Nagel, who made her black singlet debut at the 2025 World Indoor Championships. She’s joined by Amara Rae, Lucy Jacobs, Clara Lachurie, Olivia Gold, Holly Manning, and Brigid Dennehy, forming a squad with depth, experience, and top-end talent.

Wellington Harriers, runners-up in 2024, return with a strong lineup featuring Miranda Spencer, Esther George, Charlotte Carpenter, Kumiko Otani, Ella Creagh, Johanna Milius, and Margot Gibson. With a blend of youth and experience, they’ll be looking to go one better this year.

Whippets, who placed third in 2024, will be aiming to climb the podium again with a cohesive and competitive team. Their squad includes Tillie Hollyer, Saskia Cosgrove Drayton, Poppy Healy, Liberty McIntyre-Reet, Anna Bassett, Alyx Day, and Rosa Twyford, bringing plenty of relay experience.

Christchurch Avon brings a gritty and determined team to the start line, including Julie Gillespie, Poppy Lake, Rachel Baker, Lahana Reeves, Lucy Jurke, Maggie McInnes, and Tamara Reeves. With solid depth across all legs, Avon will be aiming to stay in the mix and strike if the opportunity arises.

Women’s U20

In the U20 grades, Auckland City Athletics (ACA) has once again entered three teams, aiming to replicate their dominant performance from previous years, where they swept the podium. Their A team is particularly formidable, featuring Scarlett Robb, Nina Chalmers, Emma Ward, Maddie Worrall, Sophia Haines, and Zara Pomfret, each bringing speed, strength, and relay experience.

Looking to challenge ACA’s dominance will be strong squads from Feilding Moa (with both A and B teams entered), North Harbour Bays, Wellington Harriers, and two teams from Olympic Harriers.

Men’s U20

The Junior Men’s race features a deep and competitive field with nine teams entered. ACA Junior Men A will be looking to lead the charge, but they’ll face strong opposition from Egmont Athletics, Pakuranga, Feilding Moa, Run Timaru, University of Canterbury (UCANT), Wellington Harriers (WHAC), Lynndale, and Olympic Harriers (OHAC).

With emerging talent across all teams, the Junior Men’s race is set to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting contests of the day.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or following online, expect a day of high energy, tight splits, and passionate performances. The roads of Feilding and Halcombe are ready, let the relay begin!

Athletics New Zealand brings two National Championships together on the same day at the same event, and it’s going down at The Spectacle Trail & Road Running Festival in Whakatū, Nelson, on Saturday 6 December.

This exciting double-header will see the New Zealand Road Mile Championships and the New Zealand 50km Championships integrated into one of the country’s most unique and fast-growing running festivals. 

Set in the stunning surrounds of Nelson, The Spectacle is a true festival of running. Every bit as tough-trail scenic as it is a road-speedsters’ paradise. Hosting the full gamut of running, from a 100-mile ultra, 10km trail run, to a 5km road race. 

Over 5000 fans packed the inner-Nelson loop as milers flew around the course in the inaugural 2024 event, before the post-race festivities began. The Black Seeds played late into the night, in a free concert celebrating the inaugural year of the event. They’ll be back jamming into the night to close out the 2025 event! 

The Mile

2024 saw a high-quality international elite road mile field assemble in Nelson for a road mile showcase, harkening back to the iconic 1983 Queen Street mile, which saw Mike Boit run 3:28.36 down Queen Street.

In 2025, the Mile returns with even more energy. Hosting the New Zealand road mile championships will see top Kiwi athletes line up in the elite fields to go head-to-head with some of the best in the world. All chasing finish-line glory and, for our Kiwi competitors, national titles. 

The course in Nelson is electric, with crowds packing the entire circuit. Racers complete 2.15 laps of the circuit around central Nelson. 

Read more about the logistics for the 2025 New Zealand Road Mile Championships.

The 50km

On the other end of the spectrum, the 50km Championships offer a true test of grit. This year’s course will take athletes on a scenic yet demanding journey through the Nelson region, blending challenging climbing and descending with some incredible scenery that ultra runners thrive on. Participants in 2024 raved about the scenic and challenging course through the local trails. 

Jason Cameron, Head of Out of Stadia Events at Athletics NZ, is excited about the partnership:

“We look forward to partnering with The Spectacle on these exciting competitive opportunities with the athletics community. The Spectacle is an amazing event, gaining prominence nationally and internationally with its unique fusion of trail and road races. Staging the Road Mile and 50km Championships will be an epic combination for our trail and road devotees or even as a gruelling back-to-back double for the more adventurous.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with high-quality events in the running market to offer a different running and competition experience. We’re aiming to build the profile of running in our host regions and provide great opportunities for our member clubs and athletes to get involved too.”

Athletics NZ is proud to be working alongside The Spectacle team to deliver a truly unforgettable event.

Whether you’re a miler, an ultra runner, or just love being part of the action, this is your chance to experience something special. 

Enter by midnight, 27 September, to beat the price rise. Enter here.

This exciting partnership brings together New Zealand’s pinnacle teams-based road running event with a nationwide leader in physical, mental, and workplace wellbeing.

The Road Relays are one of the most iconic dates on the athletics calendar where clubs from across Aotearoa come together to test their strength, strategy, and teamwork. From national titles to community bragging rights, the event captures the spirit of competition and camaraderie like no other.

“Running has always been more than just a sport.” said Athletics NZ Chief Executive Cam Mitchell. “It builds resilience, connection, and community. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Geneva Wellbeing, their commitment to supporting people’s physical and mental health fits hand-in-hand with the values of our sport.”

Geneva Wellbeing supports people through life’s toughest moments – injury, illness, trauma, and major life changes. Their nationwide services span physical rehabilitation, mental health, addiction, assessment and rehabilitation, and workplace wellbeing, delivered with expert care and personalised plans tailored to individuals, whānau, and organisations. Geneva Wellbeing – moving your health and life forward.

“We’re proud to partner with Athletics New Zealand for the 2025 Geneva Wellbeing New Zealand Road Relay Championships,” said David Hughes, Health and Wellbeing Director at Geneva Wellbeing. “This event celebrates teamwork, resilience, and community – values that are at the heart of everything we do. Supporting wellbeing isn’t just about recovery, it’s about helping people thrive, and we’re excited to champion that alongside the running community.”

Entries for the 2025 Geneva Wellbeing New Zealand Road Relay Championships are now open.
Learn more and register your team today!

A city’s main marathon is a phenomenal barometer of potential. You need the infrastructure to support quality roads; the corporate buy-in to drive required sponsorship; and, most importantly, a population with enough energy to put themselves through months of preparatory hell just for the chance to run their local streets. With that said, for the first time in many years, it can be said with confidence that the Christchurch Marathon—and the city it represents—is back.

A record-breaking 6,700 athletes will take to the streets this Sunday. This is the largest field size the city has ever seen, and a whopping 24% increase on the already impressive numbers we saw in 2024. Certainly, some of this success can be attributed to the undeniable boom ‘run culture’ is experiencing worldwide, but in a time where traffic management is a minefield, credit needs to go to a local organising committee that has created an event people don’t just want to participate in, but truly experience. 

After some shaky years post-earthquakes, where the race rotated through naming-rights sponsors and runnable roads, a 10 km loop through the city has been found, which allows spectators outstanding opportunities to see some of NZ’s best domestic athletes, who will be battling it out for the New Zealand Marathon Championships, incorporated into the Christchurch Marathon for 2025. 

If you sampled a group of Christchurch locals and asked them who the men’s national marathon record holder was, 50% of responders would probably say, “Oska Baynes.” Such is the legacy the 37-year-old 5x national champion, and owner of ‘The Frontrunner Colombo’ local running store, has created in his own city. While Oska’s PB of 2:16.46 (set in 2022 at the Reboot Marathon) may be a tad shy of the national record, it’s within spitting distance of Tom Birnie’s 20-year-old Christchurch Marathon race record of 2:15.12, and Oska hasn’t been shy in his desire to attack the time this Sunday. He’ll likely need a perfect storm, but with wins over the Christchurch Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10km in the past, nobody has a more intimate knowledge of this race or what it’ll take to achieve his goals. “It’ll be tough,” he admits, “but you’ve got to try tough things in life.” 

Last year, Oska paced his training partner Andy Good to race victory, but Oska is excited about the refinements made to the course, especially the corners, which should help to avoid congestion on later laps, a huge hurdle Good had to contend with in 2024. Even so, 2:15 is a tough time no matter which way you slice it, and attempting such a task comes with risk. Murphy’s Law; what can happen, will happen; is a personal favourite of the marathon gods on race day, and if Oska blows, he could find himself in a real tussle for the title. 

Two of those who will be hoping to take advantage of any such situation will be Orestas Rimkus and Blair McWhirter. With a 2:28 PB, Orestas (31), a teammate of Oska at the University of Canterbury Athletic Club, has quietly put together a domestic resume of distinction over the past few years, which includes back-to-back podiums at the Queenstown Marathon in 2023 and 2024. Blair (42, Sumner) has an even more impressive run of consistency. Since 2012, the only years he has FAILED to break 2:30 in the marathon are 2020 (a year where he still placed 2nd at the historic Rotorua Marathon) and 2022. In an event that punishes swings and misses, this is Kipchoge-level consistency, so even experienced gamblers would be sweating at the thought of betting against Blair.

The men’s event may be a chaser’s affair, but don’t be surprised if a cagey cat-and-mouse race develops on the women’s side. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a favourite, though. Because it’s 2025, and Ingrid Cree has forgotten how to lose. 

In 2022, Cree (42, Olympic Harrier and Athletics Club) began an insane run of titles with a win at the Hawkes Bay Marathon. She returned and won it again in 2023. Then, in 2024, she decided that wasn’t enough, throwing the Christchurch (April 21st) AND Hawkes Bay (May 18th) marathons on the calendar for the year. Less than four weeks between races? No problem; she won them both, and in almost identical finish times (2:46.43/2:46.47). Her PBs keep coming down, and her aura keeps getting stronger… will anyone be able to stop the domestic juggernaut that is Ingrid Cree in 2025? 

Enter Clara Fergus. Showing up to last year’s Christchurch Marathon, Fergus (28, Don Greigs Racing Stables) had zero expectations, and was content to idle in the throngs of people on the starting line rather than forcing her way to the front of the crush. It was only after the race, where Fergus narrowly missed the podium by 10 seconds, with a “chip time” that would’ve seen her wearing bronze, when she realised her lack of confidence might have come back to haunt her. She will come into this year’s race as one of the hungriest competitors, and rumour on the street is that DGRS club mate (and 2:11 marathoner) Caden Shields will be on pacing duties for Clara, on a tempo that would shave almost 10 minutes off her 2:58.13. It’s a bold strategy, but one that highlights Clara’s confidence, all of which may be required to counter the experience of someone like Ingrid Cree, who’s unlikely to make a mistake, even on such an illustrious stage.

While she’s been flirting with the ultra-distance scene for the last couple of years, finding huge success as the 2024 NZ 100km champion, Mel Aitken (48, Wellington Scottish) is far from slowing down. She has one of the spiciest PBs in the field at 2:47 and has broken 3 hours more times than I’d care to count. But getting on the podium in Christchurch won’t be easy for anyone, as a whole host of women will be scrambling to prove they deserve a place on the dais. Amanda Waldron (31, Napier Harriers), Kate MacDonald (43, Night Ninjas), Annabelle Bramwell (35, Whippets Running Project), and Maisey Kilner (29, North Harbour Bays) will all be competitive, as will Julia Grant; who is currently unregistered (and therefore ineligible for the NZ title), but is allegedly in incredible form and using this as a final hit-out before her 100km debut in May.

With sunny conditions forecast, the NZ Marathon Champs are ones you won’t want to miss. Will Oska Baynes come away with his long-coveted race record of 2:15.12? Will Ingrid Cree continue her illustrious vein of form with another win? Or, as the races develop, will the winds of change begin to blow? 

It is Christchurch, and I’d never doubt what the winds are capable of.

Timaru’s Levels Raceway set the scene for an exciting day of racing at the 2024 National Road 10km Championships, where the Whippets Running Project took home both senior titles despite challenging wet conditions. With puddles scattered across the track, runners faced unrelenting rain but were spared the feared wind.

In the men’s race, Olympian Sam Tanner was the standout presence on the start line in his bright orange Puma suit, joined by a competitive lineup including Taonga Mbambo, William Little, Connor Melton, and Ronan Lee. Notably absent was Hill City University’s Oli Chignell, who withdrew due to illness. The race quickly took shape with Tanner, Little, Mbambo, Lee, and Melton pulling ahead. This lead pack held together until around the 24-minute mark, when Lee dropped off, and moments later, Little surged ahead leaving only Tanner alongside him.

With 1500m left, Tanner stepped off the track, opening the door for Little to claim an uncontested lead. He crossed the finish line in 29:32.54, securing his second national title of the year. Melton, this year’s National Cross Country Champion, took silver in 29:40.47, while Mbambo earned bronze with a time of 29:53.45, his first national medal since 2019. Reflecting on the conditions, Little said, “It’s an awesome race. Everyone was worried about the weather, but I just approached it like any other race. I just sat in and raced.”

The women’s race proved just as competitive, with Brigid Dennehy, Laura Nagel (Bays Athletics) and Eva Pringle (Whippets) all taking turns at the front. Sticking with a pack of male runners, the trio maintained a steady low-34-minute pace for most of the race. Dennehy made an early move as the pack in front of her surged after one lap. But by the 17-minute mark, the group had reconvened. Approaching 28 minutes, Dennehy eased off, likely conserving energy for the upcoming Auckland Marathon. This left Nagel and Pringle to battle over the final stretch, with Pringle pulling ahead in the last 500m. Nagel closed in during the final 150m but couldn’t overtake, leaving Pringle to secure gold in 33:59.91. Nagel took silver in 34:01.95, and Dennehy finished with bronze in 34:16.12. Pringle shared her excitement, saying, “I love it here. I’ve never run this course, and it’s so fast—it just feels great.”

The Whippets Running Project also dominated the club team races, taking both men’s and women’s titles, with Run Timaru finishing second in the women’s event and Fielding Moa finishing second in the men’s events. Canterbury won the men’s centre team title, followed by Wellington and Otago, and also secured the women’s title as the sole competing team.

Catherine Lund of Ariki Athletics won the U20 Women’s 10km in 35:20.48 from Kate Currie of Christchurch Avon in 35:29.81 and Kimberley Iversen of Leith Harriers in 38.11.43. Run Timaru took out the team’s title as the sole team. Canterbury took out the centre teams title as the sole team.

Pai Wynyard of Papanui Toc H claimed the gold in a tightly fought U20 Men’s 10km in 32.01.85 from Lorcan Rabbitte of Victoria University in 32.09.73 and Harry Witt of New Brighton in 32.13.38. Run Timaru took out the team’s title as the sole team. Canterbury took out the centre teams title as the sole team.

Andy Good of University of Canterbury Athletics claimed the gold in the master’s 35-49 Men’s 10km with a time of 30:33.86, followed by Oliver O’Sullivan of Hill City University in 32:46.11 and Nick Moore of Owairaka Athletics in 33:17.85.

Laura Langley of North Canterbury was dominant as expected in the senior womens 10km walk. Finishing in a time of 47:14 well clear of her younger rival, Arnika Nelson of Palmerston North, who finished with a time of 52:22. Langley pulled away from Nelson early in the piece and was challenged only by her male counterparts over the later stages of the race.

Lucas Martin of Athletics Whanganui took the gold in the senior men’s 10km walk. His time of 47:09 had him over a minute and a half of space back to eventual silver medalist Alex Brown of Caversham. Brown clocked a finishing time of 48:50. Third place belonged to local walker, Xye Doyle of Run Timaru who rounds out the podium with a time of 1:13:56.

Jonah Cropp of Sumner Athletics had the fastest performance of the day in the U20 men’s 10km. The 2024 World U20 Championship representative showed once again why he is one of the countries’ leading walks exponents. Flying home in a time of 44:55. Toby O’Rorke of Egmont Athletics earned the silver behind Cropp with a time of 47:35.

Yandri Fourie of Pakuranga won the women’s U18 5km walk in 31:17.
Alysa Brown of Selwyn won the women’s U16 5km walk in 28:38.
Richie Trathan of Pakuranga won the men’s U18 5km walk in 25:16 from Ari Bennet of Ashhurst Athletics in 28:48. This adds to Trathan’s dominant string of walks titles this year.
Catherine McCarten of Egmont Athletics won the Masters Women’s 45-49 walk in 1:07.25

Masters Results
We are still confirming further masters results – these will be shared when officially confirmed and available.

Full Results
For a detailed breakdown of all available race results, times placings and team results, please visit Athletic Live.

Livestream Replay
You can relive all the action on the livestream replay!

Thank you to the team at the Timaru Ten for putting on a great event. Also for the photos included in this article.

Known for its fast, flat course, this event promises another thrilling contest as athletes chase national titles and recreational runners seek personal bests. This is the first time the national road champs has been run as incorporated in with a wider event, paving the way for a wide range of future racing opportunities.

Timaru’s flat layout is ideal for those aiming to push the pace, and with the supportive crowd and a legendary post-race spread, the atmosphere is always worth the trip to Timaru. Whether you’re an elite competitor or a first-time runner, the Timaru Ten offers a unique experience that blends competition with community spirit.

In 2024 Athletics NZ are hosting club, and centre based teams competitions at the 10km Road Champs. Bringing an extra element of racing and camaraderie to the event. These championships will be held across all grades and distances!

Senior Women’s
In the senior women’s race, the competition promises to be fierce, with several top athletes lining up for a shot at the title. The gold and silver medals should be a hard fought battle between Auckland based training partners Brigid Dennehy and Laura Nagel, both of North Harbour Bays Athletics. Dennehy has a sharp 10k PB of 34:06 from September in Melbourne, and is the 2024 National 5000m Champion. She’s proved to be somewhat of a revelation this year having break through performances across a raft of distances. Nagel will make it a tough race from start to finish with her 10km PB in need of a rewrite. The 2024 Mile, 5000m and Road Mile National Champion boasts a 15:35 5000m PB.
Katrina Andrew of the Night Ninjas will be hot on the heels the two Bays athletes from the start. The 2024 National Cross Country silver medallist holds a 10km PB of 35:20 and will be looking to dip under the 35minute mark in her quest for a national medal.
Hoping for an upset will be Eva Pringle of the Whippets Running Project. The 2024 3000m Steeple Chase National Champion holds a 5000m PB of 16:29 and is a dark horse for the medals. The flat, fast course in Timaru presents an ideal setting for strong times, and the national championship stakes will bring out their very best!

Senior Men’s
The senior men’s race will showcase some of New Zealand’s finest distance runners, all aiming to add their names to the list of national champions. An impressively deep field has assembled with Oli Chignell of Hill City University leading the pack on paper with a 10000m PB of 27:52 from the Night of 10k PBs (UK) in 2022. The 2023 World XC Rep and 2023 track 10000m gold medalist will be setting his sights on notching up another national title.
He won’t have it all his own way, with two time Olympian, Sam Tanner of Athletics Tauranga, throwing his hat in the ring. With a track 5000m PB of 13:32 and his trademark flying kick, you won’t want to be leaving it to a last 400m burn up.
Fresh off a close fought win at the NZ Road Relay championships, a trio from the Whippets Running Project are looking to bring their trademark pink and black on to the podium. 2024 National 5000m Champion, William Little, had a strong display over the long leg in Taupo and brings a 10000m PB of 29:14 from December at the Zatopek:10. Connor Melton claimed the 2024 National Cross Country title in July and will be in the mix from the gun. Completing the trio of Whippets is Ronan Lee. The 2023 10k Road silver medallist will be hoping for a repeat of last year to find himself on the podium.
Rounding out the major threats is University of Canterbury’s Taonga Mbambo. Having recently returned from scholarship in the USA at Lasalle College where he competed in the NCAA, this will be Mbambo’s first individual race back on NZ soil. He went toe to toe with Little over the long leg in Taupo, so will be a dangerous man to have on the start line.
The field continues with a raft of athletes with PBs in 30-32minute range who could all cause an upset. With the fast course and the prospect of perfect racing conditions, the battle for the title is expected to be intense, as athletes aim for national glory and personal bests.

Under 20s
It should be a hotly contested race between Kate Currie of Christchurch Avon, Catherine Lund of Ariki Athletics and Kimberley Iversen of Leigh Harriers in the Women’s U20 10km. Pai Wynyard of Papanui Toc H looks to stand alone in the Men’s U20 10km as the sole favourite.

Walks
Senior 10km Race Walk

In the senior women’s race, Laura Langley of North Canterbury Athletics Club and Arnika Nelson of Palmerston North Athletics and Harrier Club battling for the win. Reigning NZ champion, Langley, is hoping to better her PB of 46:34. Nelson is excited to return after a three-month training stint in Ireland and change in coach (Jamie Costin) following World Team Championships.

The senior men’s 10km title is expected to be fought for by NZ 10000m champion Lucas Martin of Wanawatu Wanganui, and Alex Brown of Caversham Athletics Club. Martin boasts a PB of 46:10 obtained at NZ Track and Field Champs 2023. After an “unideal” lead into World Teams Champs, Brown is hoping that his consistency in training these past five months will bring some rewards and will challenge Martin for the senior title.

U20 10km Race Walk
Jonah Cropp of Sumner Running Club is expected to show great form and dominance in the U20 10km race after his fresh return from World U20 Championships in Peru, where he placed 31^st in 43:58. Cropp will have World Team Champs teammate Toby O’Rorke of Egmont Athletics Club to contend with. O’Rorke’s has had impressive progression over the last 12 months, having improved his 10km PB by over three minutes to 47:04 in Türkiye.

Teams Competitions
Senior Men’s
After their success at the NZRR Championships, the formidable Whippets Running Project are heavy favourites for the team title. With the aforementioned Little, Lee, and Melton leading the charge for their three scoring runners, they are well supported by Tom Moulai, Jared Monk and Cameron Clark. The University of Canterbury team will make it a race right to the line with Ethan Smolej and Chris Dryden making up their team alongside Mbambo. Fielding Moa are looking sharp, with Andre Le Pine-Day, Benjamin Wall, and Isaac Murphy making up their team.

Senior Women’s
It will be a two way tussle between the home team Run Timaru and the Whippets Running Project. The locals are bringing the trio of Cass Hetherington, Courtney Bracefield, and Joy Courage to make up their scoring three. While the Whippets have Caitlin Bassett, Eva Pringle, Liberty Mcintyre-Reet, and Phoebe Carter scheduled to start in Timaru. The top three of the four will make up the team for the title!

Cover Image Credit: Hannah Nicholson

This weekend, Taupo International Motorsport Park will transform into a battleground of speed, strategy, and team spirit as more than 140 teams race to claim victory at the 2024 New Zealand Road Relay Championships. In a departure from the traditional open-road relays, athletes will face off on a high-octane closed-circuit track, delivering non-stop energy until the final team crosses the checkered flag.

With varied lap lengths ranging from 4.66km to 10.14km for senior athletes, and legs as short as 2.29km for the under-12s, the championships have drawn teams of all ages and abilities to Taupo. Each squad will face its own unique set of challenges on the fast-paced motorsport track, adding an exciting new dynamic to the competition.

Senior Womens

Leading the charge in the senior women’s race is North Harbour Bays Athletics, who look set to continue their relay dominance. Their A-team, featuring Laura Nagel, Brigid Dennehy, Anneke Arlidge, Holly Manning, Jasmine Finney, Jess Wright, and Clara Lachurie, is packed with talent. Fresh off a stellar European track season, Nagel is in lifetime form and is hopeful of securing her team another relay title.

In 2023, the Bays women finished 1st and 2nd over the Loburn68 course in a stunning display of depth and teamwork. Their two teams finished only 40 seconds apart over the 68km relay—a testament to the strength of the club. Since 2020, the Bays women have won every title, making them the team to beat this weekend.

“NZ Road Relays is a special one for us Bays athletes, especially our senior women’s teams,” says Nagel. “It’s one of our favourite events of the year. We do have a winning history, and we’ll always want to continue that and put our ‘best feet’ forward on the day. We’d love to see two Bays teams on the podium again this weekend! Beyond that, it’s about the camaraderie and proudly wearing the black, gold, and green colours.”

Nagel acknowledges the unique nature of this year’s relays: “While this year’s event won’t be the traditional van-hopping experience we all know and love, I think it will allow teams to mix and mingle throughout the day—something we often don’t get to do. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend, and we’re excited to support every single Bays member competing.”

The race for the remaining podium spots will be fiercely contested. The Bays B-team, who finished within a minute of their A-team in 2023, will be in the hunt, as will the Whippets Running Project, led by 2024 national 3000m champion Tillie Hollyer. Wellington Harriers, boosted by the return of Tessa Hunt from Providence College in the USA, and Christchurch Avon also look set to field strong women’s teams.

But one thing is certain—success is never guaranteed in road relays, where every leg can shift the balance of power.

Senior Mens

In the senior men’s division, a full-strength University of Canterbury team is the frontrunner for the title. With an intimidating lineup of Ethan Smolej, Daniel Balchin, Andy Good, Oska Baynes, Taonga Mbambo, Chris Dryden, and Henry McMeeking, the 2022 champions are poised to reclaim the title after their second-place finish in 2023.

“I’m pumped to be back racing in New Zealand after five years of studying and competing in the US,” says Taonga Mbambo, returning after a successful stint in the NCAA system. “It’s exciting to reconnect with friends I haven’t seen in a long time. Team camaraderie is rare in competitive running, so being part of the vibrant culture here in Christchurch with UC is really cool. I look forward to seeing how the friendly rivalries between teams play out and being right in the thick of it all.”

Hot on their heels will be the Whippets Running Project, who claimed their first national title in 2023. Though missing some key athletes, they’ve proven over the years to be a force not to be underestimated.

Also in the mix are last year’s bronze medal winners, Fielding Moa, as well as a strong Victoria University of Wellington Athletics team, led by Eric Speakman. Athletics Tauranga, featuring Olympian Sam Tanner, are also expected to challenge for the podium.

Masters & Under 20s
The masters divisions will be equally competitive. In the women’s 35-49 category, Athletics Tauranga, Wellington Scottish, and Fielding Moa are all in contention for the title. Meanwhile, in the men’s 35-49 category, Pakuranga, Night Ninjas, Wellington Harriers, and Whippets will be battling for the medals.

Keep an eye out for ACA, Bays and Wellington Harriers in the U20 women’s race. Meanwhile Athletics Tauranga, ACA, Pakuranga and Wellington Harriers will battle it out in the U20 Men’s race.

With rivalries across all divisions and no shortage of talent, the 2024 Road Relay Championships promise to be a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. Racing kicks off at 8am on Saturday at the Taupo International Motorsport Park. Will the reigning champions hold on to their titles, or will new challengers emerge from the pack? We’ll find out soon enough.

The dynamic and vibrant closed-circuit course promises to serve up a national road relay experience to remember with the unveiling of the 3.35km International Circuit and 2.3km National circuit laps.

With shortest legs of 4.6km and the longest at 10km of gentle elevation on a smooth-running surface, participants will pass through the pitlane – the all-action and high energy mixed zone near their allocated team garages – in and out of their respective laps, change over and finish area.

The race will serve up different championship grades of seven, six or four laps and also offer social/community and corporate relays and U14 and U12 non-championship race options – which will offer a more inclusive feel to the latest New Zealand Road Relays Championship event.

Serving up a festival-style atmosphere with live music and other entertainment around the pitlane area, Taupo Motorsport Park will also offer hospitality suites available for hire above the pitlane with leaderboard updates throughout the race.

Athletics NZ Competitions Manager Jason Cameron said: “The 2024 New Zealand Road Relay Championships promising to a unique experience offering the very best of a closed-circuit course.

“With many innovative features from the leaderboard, pitlane and transition zone with music pumping and entertainment the 2024 version will offer something genuinely unique, so I would encourage club athletes, recreational athletes or kids to come on aboard and fully embrace this festival of running.”

One of the marquee days on the Athletics NZ calendar is not one to be missed. Entries open no later than week beginning Monday 8 July.

For a full guide the categories, lap order and distances go here

For draft times go here 

For course map go here

For pit zone details go here

***More information will be released as we move closer to entries opening including the weekend schedule and more.

On a pumping night on the closed-circuit course, Nagel dethroned Dennehy of her title won 12 months ago unleashing a blistering late-finish to win by a margin 0.53 seconds. In close pursuit, national 1500m and mile champion on the track Rebekah Greene (Hill City) in close pursuit took out bronze in 4:48.35.

Starting and finishing on Tutanekai Street the two-and-a-half lap course was always likely to serve up a cracking finale to a compelling night of mile action and so it proved.

The three key protagonists were in close order at the front for much of the race but in was Nagel, the 2023 national 1500m, 3000m and 5000m champion, who produced the winning kick over the final 50m to blast to glory.

“It was a very weird race because none of us have raced over the past four weeks,” said Nagel, who bettered the previous national record time of 5:00.5 set by Dennehy at the 2023 national road mile championships. “I didn’t know what I was doing, the bends are not my strong point. But Brigid and I train together, I’ve got a kick, she’s got a kick, and it was who had it on the day.”

After enjoying an outstanding early phase to the track season in which the North Harbour Bays athlete set a flurry of PB’s, Nagel was disappointed with how the campaign petered out but the 32-year-old was lifted by her performance today.

“It was a step in the right direction. It was cool to set a national record. It is always hard to win a national title, I’ve won a few and they are all different. It was an awesome event and I hope it was entertaining. I like to think all my races are cool to watch.”

Nagel now competes in the Runway 5 here on Saturday before moving on to the Oceania Championships in Fiji in early June where she hopes to regain the 1500m title she remarkably last won 16 years ago. She then plans to compete in Europe and potentially North America where she is aiming for more PB’s

A stunning finish around the final half lap propelled Benjamin Wall from a distant third to a stunning gold medal in the senior men’s road mile championship. The 22-year-old Feilding Moa Harrier was ten metres off the scorching pace set by his club-mate George Varney and Matt Arnold of North Harbour Bays leading into the final lap but entering the final bend Wall, a 4:03.19 track miler at his best, held a clear lead as he romped to victory in 4:19.88 to claim a first national senior medal.

The fast-finishing George Wyllie executed an outstanding race to take second overall and clinch the national U20 crown in a national U20 road mile record mark of 4:20.71. It was a brilliant performance by the 16-year-old Athletics Tauranga athlete who claimed the national U20 5000m crown in Wellington in March and who bettered the previous national U20 road mile record of 4:26.2 held by Elliott Pugh.

Varney, the long-time leader, finished 0.09 further back but had the consolation of senior silver. Arnold, the national steeplechase silver medallist, grabbed bronze in 4:22.39.

Callum Murray (Athletics Tauranga) claimed silver in the U20 race in 4:24.11 with Te Puke’s Az Cabusao, the national U20 5000m bronze medallist, taking the same colour medal in Rotorua in 4:27.75.

Wall, a winner of the Lovelock Mile in Timaru in January, said: “I tend to run a wee bit better off a slow pace, and this allows to finish strongly. I just had to believe I could catch the leaders. One of the young guys (Wyllie) challenged with around with 300m but with a slight downhill to the finish I had just enough to get around. I’m stoked to win.

“We came here to have some fun, have a weekend away and see how it went,” adds Palmerston North-based Wall, who is coached remotely by Evan Cooper. He also plans to compete in the Runway5 here on Saturday in Rotorua.

Home athlete Poppy Martin retained her national women’s U20 road mile title, posting a time of 5:07.59. The 18-year-old of Lake City AC, who earlier this year clinched the New Zealand U20 3000m crown, held off the Athletics Tauranga pair of Eleanor Pugh (5:08.61) and Ella Smart (5:09.25) who took out the minor medals.

A memorable opening night to the 60^th anniversary edition of the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon was played out to pumping music and a vibrant atmosphere and also featured a popular Kids Mile and People’s Mile event over the 1609m distance.

The day two action at the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon will open with the full marathon and the Coombs Johnston BMW Half Marathon at 8am followed by the Go Media 10km at 8.15am and the First Credit Union 5.5km from 8.30am.

For the Novotel Lakefront Mile results go here