- What does x-country mean? [Open | Close]
X-country simply means cross country which is run on grass courses/fields and hopefully mud to make it more fun!
- What is the difference between x-country and road? [Open | Close]
X-country is run on grass and road is run on road courses. X-country runs from March to August and road runs from August to October.
- What footwear is suitable for x-country and road? [Open | Close]
A good pair of training shoes specifically for running is required for road and/or x-country. However, it may be worth considering investing in a pair running spikes (for Grade 12 and above only) for x-country due to adverse course conditions. Ask the Committee members for advice. Children may run barefoot but as they will be running next to children wearing running spikes it is recommended that running shoes are worn.
- Do we need lots of pairs of shoes? [Open | Close]
No, one pair of training shoes should be adequate but they must be kept clean and in good condition following races.
- What happens if it rains? [Open | Close]
The cross country and road events will continue come rain or shine!
- Is there a uniform we need to buy? [Open | Close]
All athletes must wear correct Club uniform.
Children aged 2-6 years old are required to wear the club t-shirt or singlet with navy or Club shorts.
Children from 7 years old upwards are required to wear the club singlet (a crop top is available for girls if desired) with navy or Club shorts.
Other items such as Club tracksuits are available as below. Uniforms can be purchased from the club on Saturdays following the Club pack runs.
When representing the Club it is a requirement to wear the correct club uniform with your ‘PK’ age patch attached and transponder. Note; there is no requirement to wear ‘PK’ age patch and transponder for Club pack runs.
| ITEM |
SIZE |
PRICE $ |
| Cotton T-shirts |
2 - 8 |
15 |
| Shorts |
8 - 6 |
20 |
| Girls / Boy Leg Lycra Shorts |
8 -12 |
30 |
| Singlets |
8 - 16, S-M |
45 |
| Singlets |
Adult Men S-M |
45 |
| Crop Tops |
XS, S, M |
60 |
| Ladies Singlet Sublimated |
8 - 18 |
60 |
| Mens Singlet Sublimated |
S - 2XL |
60 |
| Club Tracksuit |
All |
90 |
Note; prices may be subject to change.
- The age grades are a bit confusing i.e., what does B8, G12 mean? [Open | Close]
B8 means boy grade 8 and G12 means girl grade 12. Refer to the Ages, Grade and Distances table in the clubs Information Booklet which can be downloaded from here.
- How far does each age group run? [Open | Close]
Distances vary depending on the age group.
1 - 6yrs run 1000m for Cross Country and 1000m on the road.
7 - 8yrs run 1662m for Cross Country and 2000m on the road.
9 - 12yrs run 2279m for Cross Country and 2500m on the road.
13 - 14yrs run 2921m for Cross Country and 4000m on the road.
15 (female) - 16 (female) run 2921m for Cross Country and 4000m on the road.
15 (male) - 19 (male) run 4180m for Cross Country and 5000m on the road.
17 (female) - 19 (female) run 4180m for Cross Country and 4000m on the road.
Refer to the Ages, Grade and Distances table in the clubs Information Booklet which can be downloaded from here.
- Are the runs always at Lloyd Elsmore or also at other venues? [Open | Close]
There is a pack run at Lloyd Elsmore every Saturday at 14:30. However, the competitive races are held at various other venues around Auckland and New Zealand (both North and South Islands).
- If I don’t attend the outside/away from Club events, will there be an activity at the Club? [Open | Close]
Yes, there is a pack run at Lloyd Elsmore every Saturday at 14:30
- What is the Grand Prix? [Open | Close]
The Grand Prix is a series of 5 races. These are held at different locations throughout Auckland. There are points awarded for each race ran and the place obtained. At the end of the season the points of the athletes 4 best races are calculated and awards are given to the top achiever in each male and female grade. Don’t worry if you cannot make all the races. Attending 1 or 2 is still a great experience and a lot of fun!
More information on the Grand Prix Series can be downloaded from here.
- Do you have to be competitive to compete in the Relays, Grand Prix Events and/or Championship events [Open | Close]
No, as these races cater for all levels of fitness and most runners seem to improve throughout the season.
- Do you have to attend the outside/away from the Club events? [Open | Close]
No, but we do recommend attendance. Your child gains valuable running experience at Auckland level and the Club pays for your child’s race entry. If transport is a problem, please just talk to a Committee member or relevant Grade Manager and transport can be arranged.
- What happens if I do not turn up to a non-club event? [Open | Close]
The Club has to pay for entries into each non-club event, these fees are not cheap. Therefore, we recommend that you do consider carefully if you would like to run that particular race. Should you have entered a race and you are unable to attend please contact Andrea Martin as soon as possible before the event so we are able to advise race organizers as well as reschedule relay teams if need be. If an athlete does not attend an event, after indicating their intention to attend, then they may be asked to refund the Club their entry fee.
- When I registered why did I get a PK Race Number and Transponder? [Open | Close]
You are given a PK Number to wear on athletics top – these should be pinned to your tops on external races. Transponders should be attached to your laces and worn on all external events. (External events is normally Grand Prix races and Auckland Champs races)
- I have lost my transponder, can I get a new one? [Open | Close]
Yes you can, however, you do have to order and pay for a new one. Please contact andrea_martin@xtra.co.nz and we will arrange a new one for you.
- I want to get more involved but don’t know how to go about it? [Open | Close]
Make it known to one of the committee members. We also have ‘Friends of the Committee’ who are those who are willing to help out where needed (i.e., course marshalling, handing out $2 coins etc.).
- At this stage I don't want my child to have a coach, is there some advice you can offer me? [Open | Close]
The best advice is to allow children to run around whilst playing and try to promote this by prolonging that play period or allowing participation in team sports. By spending lots of time on their feet they are developing what is known as an aerobic base which, can be further developed by controlled faster running. Positive, enjoyable running experiences and actual time spent running are the most important components of future running ability.
- Is there coaching available should we require it? [Open | Close]
Please speak to one of the Committee members for further information.
- Should I have an official complaint or suggestion, who do I address it to? [Open | Close]
In the first instance please contact the Chairperson, Andrea Martin. andrea_martin@xtra.co.nz
