Age Groups
Age Grade 5 - 8
At Aspiring Athletics Club we follow the Athletics NZ sanctioned 'Get Set Go' program. This fun initiative allows kids to develop the essential movement skills they need to make participation in games and sport more fun and successful, including:
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Physical movement skills
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Knowledge and cognitive skills
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Emotional and social skills
Grades are determined by your age as at 31st December 2026. Club nights are held each Thursday from 15th October and the session you attend is dertermined by the type of membership.
Coaching for Social athletes is from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm during Term 4 only. Social members are eligible to participate in the Wānaka and Alexandra Country Meet events and also Colgate Games.
Those registered as Competitive train from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Club night and coaching continues through to March 2027. Competitive athletes are also eligible to compete in Club Comp days any and all events outside of Wānaka.
Age Grade 9 - 14
For Grades 9 and up, we follow the Athletics NZ approved "Run Jump Throw" program. RJT focuses on teaching the foundation of athletics-specific skills in a fun and inclusive way. The program uses a bottom-up rather than a top-down approach to teach fundamental skills and basic movement patterns before being taught the refined skills. We use modified equipment and games to help maximise participation and enjoyment.
Run Jump Throw provides a supportive environment where children are challenged whilst learning at their own pace, building confidence and improving their overall athletics skills along the way.
Grades are determined by your age as at 31st December 2026. Club nights are held each Thursday from 15th October and the session you attend is dertermined by the type of membership.
Coaching for Social athletes is from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm during Term 4 only. Social members are eligible to participate in the Wānaka and Alexandra Country Meet events and also Colgate Games.
Those registered as Competitive train from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Club night and coaching continues through to March 2027. Competitive athletes are also eligible to compete in Club Comp days and any events outside of Wānaka.
For committed athletes, aged 12 and over, there is the option to join an age 15+ specialised training group (see below).
Age Grade 15+
If you're serious about school and club athletics, our competitive squad may be for you. This squad is for athletes aged 15 and up, however, exceptions may be made for younger athletes.
For athletes focused on personal performance and interclub competition, we offer year round, specialised coaching in distance running, sprints, high jump, and long jump. Athletes typically travel for competition around four times during the season, aiming for personal bests (PBs), and working towards representative selection.
Training is led by Barbara and Michael Beable, and athletes are expected to attend a minimum of three sessions a week. Additional fees apply. Please contact the club for more details.
COMPETITIONS
Competitive Calendar
Athletics Otago (AO) in association with Athletics NZ (ANZ) provide an excellent Competitive Program for both junior and senior athletes who are keen to travel to meets outside of Wānaka. Most of the competitions are held at the Caledonian grounds in Dunedin whilst others, like Colgate Games, are in different locations each year. Travel and accommodation assistance may be available so please speak with your coach about this.
Athletes must wear their competition number at these events. These are issued by Athletics Otago and distributed by the club.
See the Events calendar for a list of upcoming competitions.
Colgate Games 7yrs – 14ys
The Colgate Games are held every January in different locations. They are an excellent opportunity for children to take part in a large competition where the focus is still on community and participation. The locations and dates for the 2027 Games are:
North Island: Trigg Arena, Whangarei, 8 - 10 January
South Island: Surrey Park, Invercargill, 15 - 17 January
With the 2027 South Island Games closer to home in Invercargill we hope for a large contingent of Aspiring Athletes. The competition is open to any child aged 7 - 14 and both Social and Competitive club members may enter.
We offer additional specialised training during the first half of the season for any athletes who plan to compete. You can enter a maximum of five individual events and participate in a relay. Our ability to field relay teams is dependant on the ages and number of Aspiring Athletes competing.
Interclub events
7ys – 14yrs
Interclub runs on Saturday morning throughout the summer season and is held at the Caledonian Grounds in Dunedin. Athletes from clubs across the Otago region compete in a fun competition incorporating four track and field events.
The mix of events over the course of the season ensures that children have the opportunity to compete in a variety of run, jump and throw events. This encourages development across a broad range of skills, rather than specialising too early in their athletics journey.
Social club members can participate in the "Have a Go" days but only Competitive members can compete at Interclub events.
Mini Multis
7yrs – 14yrs
The Mini Multis is a two-day competition held at the Caledonian Grounds in Dunedin over the weekend of 28th and 29th November. The competition runs on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning meaning athletes can travel on the day of competition and need accommodation for only Saturday night.
Athletes compete in four events each day and accumulate points in every event. Overall placings are determined by the highest accumulated points totals in each age group. To enter, you must be registered as a Competitive club member.
Otago Championships
The Otago Championships are held over Otago Anniversary weekend. Competition days are Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March 2027. Competitively registered athletes have the opportunity to compete in their choice of all available events.
Children have the chance to put all their hard work into practice and compete in the season grand finale. Aspiring Athletics is always well represented at this event and it is a wonderful opportunity for the athletes to compete and enjoy the support their fellow club members at a championship style of event.
Competitions for Athletes aged 14+
Competitive athletes over the age of 14 have the opportunity to compete at Interclub level at the Caledonian in Dunedin. These events usually take place on Saturday afternoon which makes it possible to travel down and back in a day.
Other events to work towards are:
Secondary School National Champs
(Note: this is a school led event)
Wanganui, 11-13 December
Lovelock Classic
Timaru, 9th January
Dame Yvette Williams Memorial Meet Dunedin, 13th February
The full season program will be available soon. For more information about any of these events, please speak to your coach.
HARRIERS
Harriers (10+)
The harriers cross-country running group runs in Term 2 and is aimed at school-aged athletes 10+. The program is designed to enhance middle-distance running skills. One-hour weekly sessions focus on speed, agility, endurance, and mindset. In preparation for the cross-country season, athletes are coached on hill running technique, obstacle skills and race considerations.
Harriers training takes place at Kelly's Flat however other locations may be used for specific skills training. The day and time depends on coaching availability and will be confirmed at the end of the summer season. There is an additional cost of $50 to join the group.
Athletes can represent the club at various local and national events where we already have achieved standout performances, including victories at the Central Otago Cross Country Champs.
Example Harriers Program
(subject to change once country race schedule is published)
Week 1
Introduction and baseline measurement (2.5km run)
Week 2
Speed and agility development
Week 3
Introduction to race skills and sprint finishes
Week 4
Techniques for uphill and downhill running
Week 5
Guest coach chat on cross country running mindset
Week 6
Introduction to obstacle running
Week 7
Speed and agility including how to pace during middle distance events
Week 8
Recovery and mobility session
Week 9
Timed run (2.5km run)
Week 10
Final run and end of term celebration