Cross Country, Road & Trail

Cross Country and Road: Juniors (Aged 6 to 19) and Seniors (20+)
Port Hills AC offers year-round training, with a focus on cross country and road from April to September. We welcome runners of all ages and abilities, and have groups with age-appropriate training for children (6–13), juniors (14–19), and seniors (20+). Our squads include high-performing athletes, and we provide quality coaching to support every runner aiming to reach their full potential.

Race Calendar

Athletics Canterbury’s 2025 winter race events page is available here: https://athleticscanterbury.org.nz/competition/events/.
To register for an event, please go to our events registration page.

Cross Country Training

Trainings will be held at Hansen Park, Address : 16A Butler Street, Opawa, Christchurch 8023
For training updates, check the Port Hills AC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PortHillsAthleticClub), the Heja group (GM-394669), and/or contact lead coach, James Ansell.
Below is a link to where you can find Hansen Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uoiYoCHhRTwxeTpBA

Sunday

Trail Run, 7:30AM, Various Locations

The trail run caters for ages 19+. Suitable and adaptable for all abilities. Contact Peter Bayliss for further details on 0273587153

  • Ages (6 to 14): 4:00-5:00pm
There are two groups here: a boys group aged 11-14 with James Ansell, and the boys and girls group aged 6-14. “These sessions focus on a range of skills—sprinting, jumping, hurdling, and aerobic running—tailored to the age range of the children.”
  • Ages (13+): 4:45-6:00pm
    There are two groups: male and female. These sessions focus on the more technical aspects of running—such as sprinting, mobility, coordination, and light plyometrics—as well as general aerobic conditioning.
  • Cross Country Coach
    All training is organised by the club’s lead coach, James Ansell. Contact him for future details on 0273647360 or jjansell800@outlook.es 

Tuesday

  • Ages (13+): 4:30-5:45pm
    There are two groups: male and female. These sessions focus on cross-country specific training appropriate for the training and biological age of the runner.

  • Cross Country Coach

    All training is organised by the club’s lead coach, James Ansell. Contact him for future details on 0273647360 or jjansell800@outlook.es 

Wednesday

Run or Walk, 9:30AM, Hansen Park
The run/walk caters for senior athletes aged 19+. Contact Glen Watts for further details on 0277758716

Thursday

  • Ages (13+): 4:00-5:15pm
    There are two groups: male and female. These sessions are varied, and can include anything from cross-country specific training to sprinting and speedwork to technical training. It varies between being on the hills and the flat fields.
  • Ages (6 to 14): 5:00-6:00pm
There are two groups here: a boys group aged 11-14 with James Ansell, and the boys and girls group aged 6-14. “These sessions focus on a range of skills—sprinting, jumping, hurdling, and aerobic running—tailored to the age range of the children.”
  • Cross Country Coach
    All training is organised by the club’s lead coach, James Ansell. Contact him for future details on 0273647360 or jjansell800@outlook.es 

Friday

Run or Walk, 9:30AM, Hansen Park
The run/walk caters for senior athletes aged 19+. Contact Glen Watts for further details on 0277758716

Saturday

See Calendar
This will be any of the following: A club event, Athletics Canterbury event or Athletics New Zealand event. See our Race Calendar for details

NOTE: There will be other events available provided by Athletics Canterbury. To keep informed, go to the Athletics Canterbury website and check the season calendar.

Our Cross Country, Road & Trail Team

Peter BaylissCross Country, Road & Trail Club Captain
To contact by phone, call 0273587153
James AnsellPort Hills Head Coach
To contact by phone, call 0273647360