NZ Cross Country Champs return to Taupō

After the success of last year’s event hosted in Taupō, the NZ Cross Country Championships and NZ Cross Country Relay Championships are returning to the beautiful Spa Thermal Park.

You can watch as New Zealand’s top endurance athletes conquer one of the most challenging and picturesque courses in the country, during two action-packed days of competition on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July. Saturday will showcase individual races, followed by the relays on Sunday where the finest clubs from across the nation will clash.

There is also a free 2km Kids Dash, at 11.40am on Saturday. Please arrive 15 minutes before the race start time and listen for directions from the event announcers. No registration is required. Be sure to follow their event page on Facebook: Free 2km Kids Dash at the 2023 NZ XC Champs.

For the convenience and safety of the community, please note that there will be marshals at the two road crossings along County Avenue.

We know that Spa Thermal Park is a popular spot for off-leash dog exercise, so be aware that space may be limited with increased activity during the event weekend. Please be mindful of athletes and spectators and consider whether you need to keep your dog on a lead. Otherwise, we recommend exploring other fantastic dog-friendly parks in Taupō, such as Control Gates Reserve, Kimberley Reserve, Tamatea Water Reserve, Titoki Water Reserve, and Hawai Street Reserve.

You can find more information on dog exercise areas and restricted zones by visiting the Taupō District Council website www.taupo.govt.nz/dog-areas.

For more information on the event, please visit the Athletics New Zealand website www.athletics.org.nz. Both days of the championships will be streamed live on the Athletics New Zealand YouTube channel youtube.com/@AthleticsNZ2022/streams.