Macleans College excels at Cross Country Nationals as Max Maddock earns New Zealand selection
Posted on July 01, 2026
Nine Macleans College students tested themselves against the country's best young distance runners at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships in Wellington.
The championships attracted New Zealand's leading secondary school distance runners and provided a demanding test of endurance and determination. Cold, wet and windy conditions added to the challenge, making for tough racing throughout the day.
Macleans College athletes produced several strong performances, led by Tobias Crowhurst (Te Kanawa House) who finished 13th in the Junior Boys' race and narrowly missed a top 10 placing.
In the highly competitive Senior Boys' event, Max Maddock (Upham) and Max Wilkins (Mansfield) both secured top 20 finishes, placing 14th and 19th respectively in a field featuring nearly 200 runners. Alongside Christian Geldenhuys (Batten), who finished 77th, they combined to place fourth in the Senior Boys' three-person team competition, narrowly missing a podium finish among 12 teams.
All nine students represented Macleans College with distinction throughout the competition and during the weekend. Their commitment, resilience and sportsmanship reflected the values of the school and capped off a successful national championship campaign.
The strong performances in Wellington were rewarded with national selection. Max Maddock has been selected for the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Association (NZSSAA) Cross Country Team. He will represent New Zealand at the Athletics Australia Cross Country Championships in Ballarat this August.
NZSSAA Cross Country Team Manager Brad Smith said Max's selection reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment he has shown to the sport. Representing New Zealand at international level is a significant achievement and one to be immensely proud of.
Adding to the school’s success, Max Wilkins has been named as a reserve for the national team.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships results
Year 9 Girls (85 runners):
- Amy Errington (Kupe): 61st in a time of 0:14.16
- Ivy Marryatt (Kupe): 73rd in a time of 0:14.58
Junior Girls (114 runners):
- Eunice Suba (Batten): 109th in a time of 0:15.05
Junior Boys (141 runners):
- Tobias Crowhurst: 13th in a time of 0:14.16
Senior Boys (193 runners):
- Max Maddock: 14th in a time of 0:21.01
- Max Wilkins: 19th in a time of 0:21.11
- Christian Geldenhuys: 77th in a time of 0:22.58
- James Whiteley (Kupe): 112th in a time of 0:23.51
- Luke Jardine (Snell): 166th in a time of 0:26.27
