Cross Country
Strong & Competitive
Te Paepae o Aotea has a strong and competitive tradition in cross country, with students consistently demonstrating determination, resilience, and excellence in distance running. Each year, the school hosts its annual Cross Country event during Term 1 at the Hāwera A&P Showgrounds. This whole-school event provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves, compete within their age groups, and represent their whānau with pride.
Students compete in the following categories:
- Year 7-8 Boys,
- Year 7-8 Girls
- Year 9-10 Boys
- Year 9-10 Girls
- Under 16 Boys
- Under 16 Girls
- Over 16 Boys
- Over 16 Girls
The event serves as an important pathway for students aspiring to compete at regional and national cross country competitions.
Taranaki Cross Country Competition
In Term 2, the Taranaki Secondary Schools Sports Association (TSSSA) hosts the annual Taranaki Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships at the Hāwera A&P Showgrounds. This prestigious event brings together secondary school students from across the Taranaki region to compete in their respective age-group categories while proudly representing their schools.
This is an opportunity for our top athletes to test themselves against some of the region’s best runners and showcase the results of their dedication and training. Top-performing students at this event may qualify to progress to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships, where they have the opportunity to compete against the country’s leading secondary school athletes. Participation in these events reflects Te Paepae o Aotea’s strong tradition of success and commitment to cross country running.
Year 7-8 Taranaki Cross Country
Students who achieve top placings in the Year 7-8 divisions at our annual whole-school Cross Country event have the opportunity to represent Te Paepae o Aotea at the Taranaki Primary Schools Cross Country Championships in Term 3. This event brings together the region’s leading primary and intermediate-aged runners, providing students with the chance to compete against the best athletes in their age groups while proudly representing their school.
TSSSA Cross Country
2026 Junior Girls
1st Place – Tayla Sturgeon
3rd Place – Mikayla Arnold
5th Place – Lucy Crowley
10th Place – Emily Chittenden
2026 Senior Boys
2nd Place – Ryan Finey
6th Place – Lachlan Wills
2026 Senior Girls
4th Place – Maddison Sturgeon
10th Place – Jirra Lanting
New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country
2026 NZ Cross Country Championships Junior Mixed Race
2nd Place – Tayla Sturgeon
U16 Girls
12th Place – Tayla Sturgeon
3 Person Team Event
10th Place – Tayla Sturgeon
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