The Auckland Athletics (AAI) Cross Season runs from May to October, and includes a cross country series plus a road relay and a road championship event. To make the most of the season you will need to be registered with Athletic NZ (see Membership page).
Cross country provides really good short distance workouts that will build your running strength and flexibility – a perfect change to long marathon training runs. Running with the Y team provides support and fun, and of course we have a long-standing tradition of enjoying wonderful home baking for afternoon tea in the Club tent afterwards.
The AAI programme includes a Grand Prix series (GP) covering 5 events – 4 Cross Country (XC) and 1 Road. Athletes collect points based on their performances across the series.
Any questions – contact our Club Captain!
Here’s the 2023 programme of Athletics Auckland Cross Country & Road
(You’ll find more detail about each event here: athleticsauckland.co.nz/get-involved/cross-country-road/)
Grand Prix 1: 20 May 2023 – Pakuranga Athletic Club
It’s an all rounder’s course with some open fast running on the playing fields and some more technical (muddier), steeper bits as well. Pakuranga Athletic Club has food and drinks on offer from their tuck shop and bar after the race.
Grand Prix 2: 10 June 2023 – Barry Curtis Park (incorporating the Athletics Auckland Teams Championships)
As well as competing for individual points in the Grand Prix series, you also gain points for your club so you run as a team. It is a bit like the American NCAA races. If you win your category, you get 1 point, if you are 2nd, you get 2 points. The team with the lowest overall score wins. Every position for every runner counts. It’s great fun! Auckland Teams Race Rules
Grand Prix 3: 24 June 2023 – Pukekohe (incorporating the Athletics Auckland Cross Country Championships)
Auckland Cross Country Champs will again this year be held over the Showgrounds course at Pukekohe. Known as a “true cross country event”, meaning it’s got hills, longish grass and usually a bit of mud! As well as competing for Grand Prix points, the Auckland Cross Country titles are at stake, so fields are usually stronger for this race. Auckland representative teams for the National Cross Country Championships are selected here, so it’s an important race if you want to compete at the National Cross Country Champs, which are on 29th July this year in Taupo.
Grand Prix 4: 22 July 2023 – Long Bay
The Long Bay course is well-drained with a sandy base, so it is dry and fast. It’s also short – 4km for the senior grades. This is the course to show off your wheels and your sprint finish. It’s also right on the beach – so why not make a day of it and go for a walk or an extended cool down jog after your run!
Grand Prix 5: 26 August – Bruce Pulman (incorporating the Athletics Auckland Road Race Championships)
The Grand Prix series finishes with the Auckland Road Championship. The venue for this year’s race is yet to be confirmed. Again, the Auckland Road Race titles are up for grabs as well as selection for Auckland representative teams for the NZ Road Champs, which will be held on 10th September in Palmerston North.