Distance and Walks HP Camp

Athletics New Zealand Event Group Plan 2023-24 - ‘Stepping Up Distance and Walks Camp’ 

Are you a top NZ-based distance and walks athlete who wants to step up to elite international level?  

The Athletics New Zealand - Distance Event Group is hosting an inaugural ‘Stepping Up Distance Running and Walks Camp’ in Tauranga from 10am Friday 24th to midday Sunday 26th November 2023. 

The focus of this 3-day (2-night) camp is to provide a collaborative development opportunity in a free-flowing and informal setting for our top NZ-based athletes.  Athletes who already have or are targeting a top-5 Under-20 or senior national ranking, and who are committed to ‘stepping up’ to achieve international representation and/or to significantly improve their national and/or international ranking performances are invited to attend. Our ultimate aim is to develop and support these athletes to achieve podium results at pinnacle international competitions. 

Coaches are encouraged to attend with their athletes, as one of the key goals of the camp is to enable opportunities to connect with fellow NZ-based coaches and athletes. Coaches can benefit from sharing their insights and learning from one another alongside our invited key topic presenters. Having athletes attend alongside their coaches will help maximise the benefits of ongoing learning for all. 

Distance Event Group Lead Coach - Craig Kirkwood said: 

“This inaugural EG initiative is all about bringing together our best NZ-based distance runners and walks specialists and their coaches - to connect, collaborate and contribute - we can all learn from each other.” 

The camp offers opportunities for daily group training sessions (with flexibility for athletes to maintain their individual training plans and/or compete in the Athletics Waikato track meet at Tauranga Domain on the Saturday afternoon - please click on the downloaded document which will take you to the 2023-2024 Summer Handbook link to see what events are on) and is complemented with number of interactive presentations from invited presenters, covering the key topics of: 

• Developing a running/walks career plan - with personal insights shared from Sam Tanner, one of NZ’s current leading international athletes;
• Athletics NZ development pathways and support systems;
• Understanding and leveraging the World Athletics points system;
• Femmi theory and approach to running training, health & wellbeing;
• Athletics NZ athlete wellbeing support & safety systems; and
• Functional testing processes to support individualised strength & conditioning programmes and injury prevention.

Spaces for this camp are currently limited to 30 people (including coaches) and your application will be conditional upon acceptance. ANZ program athletes/coaches will take priority for acceptance and then will look at national rankings to select the rest of the 30 participants. The total cost of the camp is $180 (GST incl) per person (includes 2 nights accommodation, clinics, training facilities, and Saturday’s evenings BBQ dinner). Transport to/from the camp and all other meals are at the participant’s cost.  All participants are required to stay at the camp’s booked accommodation. The cost of the camp is $180 and will require payment to lock in your position.  

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Mickle at kim@athletics.org.nz or 022 469 5765.