World-class athletics coming to the Bay - POSTPONED TO MARCH 26-27

Olympic bronze medal winner Eliza McCartney will be one of the top athletes competing at the event. Photo/Alisha Lovrich

Olympic bronze medal winner Eliza McCartney will be one of the top athletes competing at the event. Photo/Alisha Lovrich

Hawke’s Bay residents will get the chance to see world-class athletes in action in their own backyard in March when the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships comes to town.

The prestigious event will take place at Mitre 10 Park in Hastings over three days from March 5 and is set to attract more than 600 of the country’s finest athletes.

Always a highlight of the sporting year, the 2021 meet promises to be even more special as it takes place only a few months before the rescheduled Olympics and Paralympics, meaning many of the competitors will be at their best as they look to peak for a shot at glory in Tokyo.

All the big names of New Zealand athletics are likely to descend on Hastings, with locals treated to the likes of Dame Valerie Adams, Tom Walsh, Eliza McCartney and rising sprint star Eddie Osei-Nketia all strutting their stuff on home soil.

A host of Paralympians will also be on show, including Holly Robinson, Anna Grimaldi, Jess Hamill and William Stedman, who all won medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and world-record holder Lisa Adams.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Bay and for athletics to be brought here,” says Dame Valerie Adams, one of the most iconic figures in New Zealand sport after winning two Olympic gold medals and four world championship titles in shot put.

“It’s a lovely place to compete – I have competed here before and I absolutely love it. Everyone will be able to see athletes performing to the highest of their ability, especially with it being an Olympic year.”

And it is not just spectators at Mitre 10 Park who will be in for a treat.

With visitor spend estimated at nearly $1.8 million, over 10,000 bed nights, significant media coverage across New Zealand and live streaming worldwide, the Hawke’s Bay region is set to benefit greatly by hosting one of the marquee events on the New Zealand sporting calendar.

Tickets available at the gate or to buy online now via Eventbrite.

8 March 2021

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