PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic Elevated To Full World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Event
The PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic, a longstanding highlight of the summer season in Whanganui, has officially been upgraded to a full World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze-level meet, completing the Summer Circuit alongside four other major events:
Allan & Sylvia Potts Classic / NZ Short Track Championships - Hastings
PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic - Whanganui
Sir Graeme Douglas International - Auckland
International Track Meet - Christchurch
New Zealand Track & Field Championships - Auckland
The Bronze designation acknowledges the continued commitment of the PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic team to creating a premier event for the region and country. An event that continues to attract top international talent, provides an athlete-first meet experience and an engaging track and field spectacle for fans in person and via livestream.
The home of the PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic, the Whanganui Cooks Gardens, known as the home of the mile, was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in 2023 in the 'Landmark' category.
'We are thrilled that our iconic venue, Cooks Gardens is to host a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event not just for 2026 but also for 2027 and 2028. We are grateful for the Whanganui District Council who in 2024 had the track resurfaced and recertified by World Athletics to enable us to continue to host these types of events in Whanganui,' said meet director, Russell Sears.
'An annual event that will bring over 50 overseas athletes to compete at Cooks to add to the heritage the Gardens holds in World Athletics. The mile will continue to be our signature events for the Classic. By moving to a complete Bronze meeting, we will be able to showcase another 12 events, offering opportunities for more New Zealand athletes to compete against world class athletes.'
As a full World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Event, the PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic brings the opportunity for athletes to earn valuable world-ranking points at the Bronze level (C) and compete against leading international athletes right here in New Zealand. Along with the bronze status comes higher prize money for athletes, more internationals travelling to the region, and a bigger spotlight on the event.
The 2025 edition of the event drew the biggest crowd in over a decade, as the sport of track and field continues its rise in New Zealand. A big drawcard to the event was Olympic champion, Hamish Kerr, competing on home soil for the first time since winning his historic Olympic gold.
The PAK'nSAVE Cooks International Classic, together with the full Summer Circuit, forms the pinnacle of domestic competition in New Zealand. Dates for each event, event grid, entry information, and ticketing details will be released as available.
A bidding process was held by Athletics New Zealand to allocate the third Bronze meet. Applications were reviewed by a panel of five including Athletics NZ CE, Cam Mitchell, Head of Track and Field Events, Keegan McCauley, a representative from the Athletes Commission, a representative from Oceania Athletics and a representative from the Athletics New Zealand board.
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