Fastest Kid on the Block is back!

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 winners from each heat will go on to compete for ultimate title of ‘Fastest Kid’ in the final at the prestigious Pak’n’Save Cooks Classic on 25 January 2025.

Jodie Brunger, Sport Whanganui Active Communities Manager says it’s a fun opportunity for kids to participate in a low-pressure environment.

“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 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.

“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,” says Jodie.

Dates and locations for heats are:

• Central Whanganui – Wednesday 16 October, Peat Park, (includes central city & Aramoho)
• Coastal Whanganui – Friday 18 October, Lundon Park, (includes Castlecliff, Mosston and surrounding areas)
• Eastern Whanganui – Wednesday 23 October, Williams Domain (includes Durie Hill, Putiki and Whanganui East)
• Western Whanganui – Friday 25 October, Victoria Park (includes St Johns Hill, Westmere and Waverley)
• Rangitīkei – NEW DATE/LOCATION – Friday 22 November, Marton Park, Follett Street, Marton
• Raetihi –Tuesday 12 November, Raetihi Primary School
• Ohakune –Thursday 14 November, Ohakune Primary School
• Taumarunui –date and location TBC (organised by Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust)

Races at each heat will be run from 3.30 to 4.00pm, with prizegiving held after the last race. Parents and whanau 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 Jodie.

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 and incorporates the New Zealand senior mile national championships for women and men. For more information visit www.athleticswanganui.co.nz.