Interclub Races
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
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
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
Teams of four race in 3.7 km each over soft sandy cross country and farmland. The University Relay is hosted by VUW Athletics Club and takes place on Queen Elizabeth II Park at Mackay’s Crossing in Paekakariki.
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 beautiful trails of Wellington.
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
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
2026 details to come
Moonshine Relay
The Needle Relay is a road relay race organised by Wellington Harriers. Founded in 2020, it is based at the Kilbirnie Wind Needle, from which laps 1, 3 and 5 go north for an outback 5km, while laps 2 and 4 head east for an out and back 3km. There are three distinct events, open to registered and social members of clubs: the Walker’s Turkey Trot, the Children’s Needle Relay, and the Needle Relay.
2026 details to come
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 using a 1.25km stretch of road that is closed to public traffic. The course is largely sheltered from the wind.
2026 details to come