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During the winter season, Athletics Wellington coordinates a series of races and relays for athletes from Wellington’s clubs. Scottish club members can compete in any or all of these for free.
Wellington Mountain Running Champs
Wellington Mountain Running Champs
The NZ Mountain Running Championships return on 18 April in Johnsonville, Wellington, set along the iconic Skyline Track over Mt Kaukau. This classic up‑and‑down course sends runners out and back along the western hills, starting and finishing at the northern end of the trail before tracing the ridgeline south toward Mt Kaukau and beyond. Each race features a turnaround point, with the long course adding an extra loop.
Shaw Baton Relay
Shaw Baton Relay
Teams of four race in 2.1km each of hills, horse jumps, ditches, fences and the spectator favourite water pit. The Shaw Baton Relay is the first interclub event of the season. It is hosted by Olympic Harriers and takes place at Pauatahanui’s Battle Hill Farm Park.
University Relay
University Relay
The University Relays and Wellington Mixed Relay Championship sees teams of four race 3.7 km each over soft, sandy cross-country and farmland. The University Relay is hosted by VUW Athletics Club and takes place at Queen Elizabeth II Park at Mackay’s Crossing in Paekakariki. The day includes:
The 6km Chocolate Walk, where walkers must estimate their time, with the winners being the walkers who are closest to their estimated time
A scratch race for Boys and Girls U10 — a scratch race (i.e. mass start) over 1.1 km for athletes under 10 years of age at the end of the year.
The U14 Mixed Championship Relay — teams of 4 athletes from the same club comprising 2 males and 2 females running over a 2 km lap.
A fun run for Boys and Girls U7 — an out & back fun run from the start/finish line over approximately 200 metres.
The Junior, Open, 170 and 220 Wellington Mixed Relay Championships — teams of 4 athletes from the same club comprising 2 males and 2 females running over a 3.7 km lap. Running order must be Male, Female, Male, Female. All grades start together.
Vosseler Shield
Vosseler Shield
The Vosseler Shield is one of New Zealand’s most historic races. Organised by Wellington Harrier Athletic Club, the Vosseler Shield is the perfect way to test out your early-season fitness! For many, finishing the race will be a fantastic goal, as the course takes you up and down the hills of Houghton Valley.
Dorne Cup
Dorne Cup
The Dorne Cup is a flat cross-country race at Trentham Memorial Park that usually takes place on the second Saturday of June. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious cross-country races in New Zealand. Hutt Valley Harriers organises the race.
Wellington Cross Country Champs
Wellington Cross Country Champs
The finale of the local cross-country season takes place at Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt. Each lap has a mixture of flat and undulating cross-country running.
Moonshine Relay
Moonshine Relay
The Moonshine Relay is organised by Trentham United Harriers and takes place at Trentham Memorial Park on a paved trail alongside the Hutt River. Events include:
Walker’s Turkey Trot – All ages – 3.5k course.
Children’s Under 10 Relay – Mixed – 3 runners per team, each running the same 900m lap.
Children’s Under 7 – Fun Run – Mass start
Children’s Under 14 Relay – 4 runners per team, each running the same 2k lap.
Moonshine Relay – All grades from Under 20 to Open Masters 60+. All teams have 4 runners, each running the same 3.5k lap.
2026 details to come
Wellington 5km and 10km Road Champs
Wellington 5km and 10km Road Champs
The Wellington 5km and 10km Road Champs are the last of the big interclub races for the season. They are an excellent opportunity to run a fast 5km or 10km time with a large pack of runners to pull you along. They are held in the scenic Wainuiomata Recreation Area. The course is an out-and-back road race on a 1.25km stretch of road closed to public traffic. The course is largely sheltered from the wind.
2026 details to come
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