Hamilton City Hawks

We are delighted to announce that Debbie Strange has been elected President of Athletics Waikato-Bay of Plenty.

Debbie brings a lifetime of service to athletics and a deep connection to our region. For more than four decades, she has coached athletes at every stage of their journey — from beginners making their first attempts to high-performing athletes competing on the international stage at the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Her impact reaches far beyond the throws. Debbie has consistently invested in coaches, officials and athletes, helping create opportunities for people to learn, develop and feel they belong in athletics. She remains an active club coach with Hamilton City Hawks and has supported countless regional initiatives, including the long-running Sam Johnson Throws Meet and Throw Like a Girl.

Debbie’s contribution has been recognised nationally and internationally. She is a life member of Oceania Athletics and was only the second recipient of Athletics New Zealand’s Arthur Eustace Award for Coaching — recognition of her coaching achievements and her commitment to fairness, inclusion, and education within our sport.

We are grateful that Debbie will bring this experience, care and practical understanding of athletics to the Presidency. Her appointment is wonderful news for Athletics Waikato-Bay of Plenty.

Congratulations, Debbie — we look forward to your leadership.

A great day of championship racing: That’s a wrap on the 2026 Waikato-Bay of Plenty Road Race Championships.

Full results here - https://my.raceresult.com/411129/results

A big thank you to all the athletes who came along and competed today. From our younger runners through to Masters, it was great to see athletes from across the region out racing, chasing personal bests and competing for championship honours.

Thank you also to the coaches, families, supporters, officials and volunteers who helped make the day happen. Events like this rely on plenty of people behind the scenes, and we appreciate everyone who contributed.

A special thank you to APL for accommodating the event at their complex in Hautapu and allowing us to make use of the excellent facilities and circuit. We really appreciate your support of athletics in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty.

Congratulations to all our championship medalists, and well done to everyone who got out there and gave it a go.

We’ll see you at the next one.