Trevelyan’s Tauranga Twilight returns to Tauranga Domain on Saturday, January 3, 2026, promising a full day of athletics featuring elite competition, rising young talent and community participation.
The event will include 21 junior and senior races, alongside the popular Innovative Digital Solutions 1000m community challenge, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages.
“The programme ensures something for everyone,” Athletics Tauranga summer club captain Brenda Poutawera said.
The 2026 Twilight also serves as a key lead-in to the North Island Colgate Games, which Tauranga will host from January 9-11. Young athletes will have the chance to compete and watch national and international stars on the same track, gaining valuable inspiration ahead of the major junior championships.
The headline race is the Trevelyan’s elite men’s 1000m, where Tauranga’s Sam Ruthe will attempt to break the New Zealand men’s under-19 record of 2m 23.48s. Ruthe faces strong competition from French elites Felix Rivet and Josue Le Cadre, as well as leading New Zealand middle-distance runners.
“Athletics Tauranga isn’t just my local club; it’s the track where I train and the community that supports me,” Ruthe said. “I can’t wait to race for a record at home before I travel to other major meets and across the world to the USA at the end of January. This event will be special.”
Elite thrower David Mora, in strong form across the Pacific circuit, will headline the Majesty Mortgages and Insurance Shot Put, bringing serious power to the circle.
The Financial Independence women’s 1000m will feature top young talents, including NZ Secondary Schools junior 1500m champion Daisy Ruthe and World Cross Country representative Eleanor Pugh.
Sprint highlights include para-athlete Jaxon Woolley opening his 2026 season in the 100m, alongside NZ 200m champion Brooke Somerfield and national finalist Gurpreet Singh.
Elite thrower David Mora headlines the shot put while distance fans can expect a tight rematch battle in the Modern Office men’s 3000m between Michael Sutton and Ben Bidois.
More information is available at www.athleticstauranga.co.nz.