Whanganui Central crew. The Whanganui Central heat was held on Wednesday, October 16.
Whanganui Central crew. The Whanganui Central heat was held on Wednesday, October 16.
On your marks, get set, go ... the Fastest Kid on the Block is back and coming to a local park near you!
Tamariki are invited to test their speed and see who has what it takes to represent their neighbourhood in a series of heats held across the Whanganui region throughout October and November.
The under-11 girls' placegetters Whanganui Central heat was held on Wednesday, October 16.
The winners from each heat will go on to compete for the ultimate title of “Fastest Kid” in the final at the prestigious Pak’n’Save Cooks Classic on January 25.
Jodie Brunger, Sport Whanganui active communities manager says it’s a fun opportunity for kids to participate in a low-pressure environment.
Francie Bayler and Jodie Brunger from Sports Whanganui on the finish line. The Whanganui Central heat was held on Wednesday, October 16.
“Having been on hiatus since 2021, we’re so excited to introduce a whole new group of tamariki from across the region to Fastest Kid on The Block.”
At each neighbourhood heat, there will be races for boys and girls in the under-9 (60m), under-11 (80m), and under-14 (80m) age groups.
Winners from each heat will not only earn local bragging rights but will also be invited to represent their neighbourhoods as part of the Pak’n’Save Cooks Classic programme, a highlight of the national athletics calendar.
Paula Conder giving instructions at the Whanganui Central heat.
“For the ‘Fastest Kids’ who go on to race at Cooks Gardens it’s a chance to wear their neighbourhood colours with pride and experience the thrill of being able to compete on the same track as some of New Zealand’s best athletes,” said Brunger.
■ Raetihi – Tuesday, November 12, Raetihi Primary School
■ Ohakune – Thursday, November 14, Ohakune Primary School
■ Taumarunui – date and location TBC (organised by Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust)
Under-9 boys' race. The Whanganui Central heat was held on Wednesday, October 16.
Races at each heat will be run from 3.30pm to 4pm, with prizegiving held after the last race. Parents and whānau can register participants online at http://tiny.cc/fastestkid or in person on the day.
“If you miss your neighbourhood heat, you can go along to any of the other heats and still have a go. It’s about getting as many kids as possible taking part and enjoying running together,” says Brunger.
Fastest Kid on the Block is sponsored and supported by Whanganui Athletic and Harrier Club, Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust, CookieTime, and MTVIEW screen printing.
The Pak’n’Save Cooks Classic is a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event incorporating the New Zealand senior mile national championships for women and men. For more information visit www.athleticswanganui.co.nz.
