Calling for Expressions of Interest

Athletics New Zealand is excited to launch a brand-new NZ Cross Country Relay Championships set to take place on Sunday 31 July of NZ Cross Country weekend.

The Club based cross country relay will feature teams of four with two male and two female racing 2km each around a fast, spectator friendly 1km loop at Spa Thermal Park in Taupō.

With grades for under 16, under 18, under 20, senior, masters 35-49, 50-64, 65+ and composite there are plenty of opportunities to field a team in this exciting inaugural event. 

This event would best suit members who may already be in Taupo of the National XC Champs and or a group that would like to have a weekend away in Taupō and dabble in a bit of racing. Further information on the event can be found here

We are conscious timeframes are tight this year considering the location, but if you are potentially interested in this event, please submit an Expression of interest. If there is enough interest we can look at entering a Sumner team(s)

CLUB ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED

Next up in the XC schedule is the Canterbury XC Champs and Halswell Quarry. This is the pinnacle race for the Cross Country season.

This championship race serves to identify the local champions and also acts as selection race for the National Champs. Junior races kick-off at 1.05pm and Senior racing starts at 2.05pm. See here for event information.

Important Note 1: If you would like to be considered for Canterbury Team selection for the NZ XC Champs in Taupo on 30 July, details on the selection process and nomination form can be found here

Important Note 2: Halswell Quarry is getting busier each year and legal parking will be at a premium. It is recommended that you arrive early and allow time to walk to the start. Where practical, carpooling is a good option

Entries via the Club system are now closed. On the day entries will be accepted by Athletics Canterbury up to 45mins before race start. $10 per senior and $5 for under 18’s can be paid in cash on the day.

Good luck to all our runners!

CLUB ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED – On the day entry is available

The Kennett Cup Steeples is the longest running cross country race in New Zealand and doubles as the South Island Cross Country Championships. This Ascot Golf / QE2 Park course is on slightly undulating ground with one steeple at end of first lap, then two steeples per lap. Click here for further information about the race, course and age group categories.

Club entries are now closed. If you have missed the cut-off you can still enter on the day for a fee of $10 for those 18 years + and $5 for Juniors. Payment can be made in cash or paid directly into the Christchurch Avon bank account. Any questions please contact sumnerrunningclub@gmail.com.

Saturday, 11 June 2022 – Entries now closed

This event is hosted by our club at the Motukarara race course and one of the great XC courses to run (not that we are in anyway bias…)

The course has a fast flat start and finish and weaves its way around the contours of the hills that surround the racecourse. Each lap is approximately 2km.

Click here to find out more about the course and event

We look forward to seeing you next weekend

Saturday, 04 June. Entries are now Closed

Sumner runners, our next race in the XC calendar is the Royal Derby.

Join in the fun at this right Royal Event! You can dress up in your “royal attire” or turn up in regular running kit.

There are two race options 2.5km or 5km and the event is open to all runners 7 years +

The course is mostly grassy flat areas with undulations of up to 2m. The organiser’s will add in some small “horse” jumps for good measure as no respectable Derby would be without them.

Check-out the website here for more details

Thank you for your entries. The 5km race starts at 1.45 and the 2.5km race is at 2.20pm. Go well!

Florence McCormick

Bridie McCormick

Emily Watt

Kate Morrison

Robyn Perkins

Louise Martin

Marty Lukes

Jacob Roberts

Helen Bealey

Siobhan Palmer

Neve Majendie

Jackson Lamb

Mac Smith

Mary-Clare Delahunty

Tome Sharpe

Kate Sharpe

Finlay Sharpe

Angus Sharpe

Abi Scott-Douglas

Have a great day out there

Rawhiti is next up in the XC series. This course is a mix of grass and trail out in New Brighton with full and short course options for our Senior runners. Check out the event website here for all the details.

You will be able to pick up your race numbers at the event tomorrow

Looks like a great turn out! Good luck to all our runners tomorrow. Go well out there.

Proposed Teams

Our XC season continues with a second relay race

The Lionel Fox Relay is a 4 person team relay on a 2km course that offers a wide variety of terrain that is sheltered from strong winds starting from flat grass to sandy dunes to winding woodland paths, and some beach. Seniors will complete 2 laps each (4km) and it will be a single lap for our under 18 runners. Event information can be found here

Proposed Teams

Senior Men: Mark Adams, George Hedley, Paul Timothy, Jake Robertson

Masters Women: Jessica Campbell, Louise Martin, Iona Powell, Robyn Perkins

Mixed Masters: Mark Johnston; Bruce Steven; Jan Harrison; Annette Campbell

Under 18 Team 1: Abigail Scott-Douglas, Lucy Wheeler, Jade Majendie, Emily Watt

Under 18 Team 2: Florence McCormack, Abigail Junge, Bridie McCormack, Neve Majendie

Seniors start at 12.35pm; Under 18’s start at 2.35pm.

Please note that no dogs are not allowed at this event.

Good luck and go well!