“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and courage of your lungs.” Jesse Owens, Olympic Gold Medalist

Join a Group

Athletics tends to be a very individual sport. If you are starting out and find motivation a problem form a group and set a regular time for your particular activity.

Enjoy the collective benefits of mixing with others and regular exercise. Enter a local fun-run or walk with your friends and feel the satisfaction of setting a goal and achieving it.

Join a Club

Athletics Clubs cater to athletes of all ages and interests. The basic skills of running, jumping, throwing and walking translate into competition events that are readily available through an Athletics Club. There are over two hundred clubs throughout New Zealand and they can assist you to develop your particular talents.

Click here for a list of clubs.

Running Jumping Throwing Walking

For people of all ages but especially for youngsters getting started in the sport of athletics is one of the easiest things to do. This is because the cornerstone skills of running, jumping throwing and walking are everyday activities. Thousands of New Zealanders are involved in athletics through their involvement in other sports or by the simple fact that are regular walkers.

Athletics New Zealand recognises that these athletics-participants are part of a wider athletic community and as such may not belong to a club or enter competitive events. However it is keen to expand its membership at all levels and for those wishing to ‘get started here are some simple steps.

Walking and Jogging

All that is needed is a good pair of shoes. Individuals can run or walk anywhere and the health benefits of regular running or walking are recognised world wide.

Maximise your Talent

By joining a club aspiring athletes can benefit from organised coaching and training, regular club events and the companionship of belonging to a community organisation. For some this may a stepping stone to competing at regional or national events and it is important to remember that there is an extensive and varied calendar of year-round events.

Click here for a list of events.