Cross Country & Distance Running

Cross Country & Road Season

April – September | Ages 7–14

If your child enjoys distance running, staying active, making friends and being part of a supportive team environment, Cross Country and Distance Running may be the perfect fit.

The Bays Athletics winter programme forms part of the Athletics Auckland Cross Country and Road season and provides opportunities for athletes to train, compete and develop throughout the winter months.

Annual Membership

Bays Athletics membership is an annual membership running from 1 April to 31 March each year.

Membership includes access to both:

Summer Track & Field
Winter Cross Country & Road Running

There is no separate Track & Field only or Winter only membership option.

Who Can Participate?

Cross Country and Distance Running is open to Bays members aged 7–14 years.

Beginners are welcome and athletes of all abilities are encouraged to participate.

Athletes compete in age groups based on the age they will be on 31 December during the current season.

Winter Club Nights

Winter Club Nights are the starting point for most athletes interested in Cross Country and Distance Running.

When

Monday evenings

5:30pm

Where

AUT Millennium

Meet at the Bays Shed and ask for Coach Jonathan Wood.

What to Expect

Sessions focus on:

Running technique
Endurance
Fitness
Confidence
Enjoyment of running

Athletes train in a supportive environment alongside others of similar age and ability.

Additional Training Opportunities

As athletes develop and gain experience, additional training opportunities may become available.

Experienced Athletes (Typically 12+ Years)

Thursday5:30pm – 6:30pm

Sunday10:00am – 11:30am

These sessions are generally aimed at experienced distance runners. Participation should be discussed with Coach Jonathan Wood.

Competition Opportunities

Athletes may choose to participate in:

Athletics Auckland Cross Country Events
Road Race Championships
Relay Events
School Cross Country Competitions
Athletics Auckland Winter Competitions
Regional Championships
National Championships

Participation in competitions is encouraged but not required.

Athletes can participate at a level that suits their interests and goals.

Pathways for Every Athlete

Bays Athletics focuses on participation first while providing opportunities for athletes who wish to pursue competitive goals.

Many athletes begin with Monday Winter Club Nights before progressing to additional training opportunities and representative competitions.

Why Train with Bays?

Experienced distance running coach Jonathan Wood
Beginner-friendly environment
Pathways for competitive athletes
Athletes training together in a supportive team environment
Access to AUT Millennium's outstanding athletics facilities
Year-round athletics opportunities

Trial Sessions

New athletes are welcome to attend a trial session before registering.

Please contact Coach Jonathan Wood to arrange a trial session.

📧 jonbron1991@gmail.com

Stay Connected

Registered athletes can join the Junior Distance Running communication group for training updates, event information and competition reminders.

Questions?

📧 club@autmillennium.org.nz

📞 022 329 8211