Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer here, please get in touch via our contact page.

If you notice a hiccup please get in touch via info@papanuitochathletics.org.nz and let is know so we can fix it.

Please refer to our registration page for information on costs and how to register.

Yes!  Join us for our Junior Club Nights every Tuesday evening from 5:10 pm to 7:00 pm at our club base at Papanui High School, 30 Langdons Rd, Papanui, Christchurch. These sessions are packed with fun activities, skill development, and friendly competition!

For the 2024-25 season, club nights will begin on 15th October 2024 and wrap up on 11th March 2025. Whether you’re new to athletics or looking to build on your skills, our club nights are the perfect place to learn, improve, and have a great time with friends!

Great question! If you want to participate in the middle distance race that the club organizes each week (alternating between 800m and 1500m), you should arrive in time for the race, which starts at 5:10 pm. For those not participating in the middle distance race, the regular club night activities begin at 5:30 pm. So, plan to be ready to go by 5:30 pm if you're not running the race!

Your competition age group is determined by your age as of December 31st in the current season. For example, if you turn eight in December, you will compete in the eight year old age group, even if you are still seven at the start of the season.

Our Junior Coaching sessions are held every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Papanui High School. Led by our top-level group of coaches, these sessions are tailored for athletes aged 10 to 15 and are designed to help them develop and enhance event-specific skills, strength, and flexibility.

There is an additional charge of $65 for the season per athlete for those wishing to join the coaching sessions. This can be purchased on the member registration page.

Children new to athletics start with the Get Set Go (GSG) program. Those who have already completed a year of GSG may consider joining the seven year old group. If you're unsure, please ask the GSG Coordinator for guidance.

Interclub competitions take place on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Nga Puna Wai all-weather athletics stadium. These events are a fantastic opportunity for junior athletes to test their skills and compete in a fun, supportive environment. Each week, registered athletes can participate in up to four events plus a relay, offering plenty of chances to shine!

We encourage all our junior athletes to join in the Interclub competitions. Saturdays are not only about competition—they’re also a social, fun-filled morning where kids can make new friends, cheer each other on, and enjoy the excitement of athletics. It’s a great way to gain valuable competition experience and further develop athletic skills!

No, attending clubnight is not a requirement but it does provide a good opportunity to improve your skill and fitness.

Yes, if there is space, but you still have to register as a club member.

No, but they do complement each other. For example, sprinting can enhance speed across a throwing circle, and high jump training can contribute to powerful sprint starts.

Replacement numbers are available from the Canterbury Children's Athletics team on-site at Nga Puna Wai every Saturday. Please note that there is a small cost for this service.