Athletics New Zealand is exploring opportunities for New Zealand relay teams to compete at the 2026 World Athletics Relays (“WARs”) scheduled for 2-3 May 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana.
World Athletics (“WA”) determines eligibility for this event through its published Qualification System, based on a combination of top placings at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships and Top List rankings in the qualification period of 1 January 2025 to 5 April 2026. Athletics New Zealand may select any relay team that is eligible to be entered as per the WA Qualification System. Team selection and composition shall be determined at the discretion of the selectors (selection panel to be announced at a later date), in consultation with the relays advisory panel and/or other relevant personnel.
The 2026 WARs is an athlete-funded competition.
To help understand interest, Athletics New Zealand invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for this competition. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee selection; only teams that meet the World Athletics Qualification System will be eligible to compete. EOIs must be submitted by 4 February 2026 via the EOI form. Selected athletes and teams will be announced once World Athletics has confirmed the list of qualified teams following the conclusion of the qualification period.
Please express your interest here
Relay teams selected for the 2026 WARs must be composed of athletes eligible under WA rules, be in good standing with Athletics NZ, comply with all relevant codes of conduct and team agreements, and meet any additional requirements communicated by Athletics NZ prior to departure.
For further information, please contact Tessa Hunt ([email protected]), Athletics New Zealand Participation Coordinator.
You can view the World Athletics Relays Qualification System here