Kennett Cup Steeples 2026

At Rawhiti Domain on Shaw Avenue in New Brighton, the Kennett Cup Steeples directs runners over low, wide barriers or around them on the longer path. Christchurch Avon Athletic Club organizes the Saturday afternoon cross-country steeple races, with younger grades starting the programme and distances from 1.8 to 6 km. Local clubs consider the Kennett Cup the South Island Champs, and it is the first event on the calendar offering medals. The course places one steeple at the end of the first lap, then two steeples on each subsequent lap; the barriers are 750 mm high, wider and steadier than sprint hurdles, with lower rails that smaller athletes may use if they choose the direct route.