Lovelock track resurfacing

Kate Doherty
Nov 23
4 min read

Updated: Nov 25

Progress report 25/11

Quick report from a site meeting today - work is still progressing well, with the base layer currently being carefully laid. Here's how it's looking.

Unfortunately, there have been some more weather delays, so we have to postpone the planned re-opening on 10 December. It should be completed this side of Christmas, but it's getting too late in the year by then to have a big bash. So, we've decided:

Lydiard Squad (10+) is back at the track after the Christmas/New Year break on Weds 21 January.
Our first full junior club night will be Wednesday 28 January.
Our big reopening event and 4x400 fest will be on Wednesday 4 February. Save the date!

Other squads can resume training at the track when works are complete - your coaches will keep you informed.

While works are ongoing, please stay off the track! Even if the surface looks nice and smooth as works continue, it's still in progress and curing, and entering the work site will slow down completion.

Thanks for your understanding!

Progress report 23/11

Work at the track is progressing well!

At this stage we're working towards a reopening date of Wednesday 10 December and we have a big night planned, including our have-a-go night for juniors, a sausage sizzle and relays for all. Learn more and sign up for our 4x400 fest.

We'll then have one junior club night - 17 December - before the Christmas break. Junior club night will be back in the new year from 21 January (10+) / 28 January (all ages). Other squads - consult your coach for an update on summer plans.

Work highlights so far include:

Water taps at both long jump pits
Removal of grass up to the fence at the long jump pits (easier top mow and no clippings in the long jump pits or run-up)
New throws circles in better, safer locations, ready for a discus cage
Old track lifted and foundation ready for new top
Track materials all onsite and ready to go

A few progress pics from recent weeks

And what it means for training in October/November 2025

Great news! At last the Lovelock Track is set to be resurfaced.

We’ve been working with Auckland Council on planning this work, it’s now due to get under way on 13 October 2025.

All going according to plan, we’ll have a fresh, bouncier and safer new track back in action before the end of the year, as well as a new discus cage and other improvements. How good!

Training & summer athletics

The track works will mean some changes to the start of our summer season, especially for our younger athletes.

Here’s what we anticipate for each of our squads while the track is out of action.

Halberg Squad (u7s) and Snell Squad (7-9s)

We will start our summer programme as soon as we have access to the track and equipment after the work is complete. This is expected to be late-November/early December.

Lydiard Squad (10+) / Lightning Bolts

Nick and Dion will continue with a distance/endurance running programme (similar to Lightning Bolts) on Wednesdays 6-7pm in term four.

Wednesday 8 October

Not sure what Lightning Bolts is like? Come along on Wednesday 8th October at 6pm for a taster and a last run on the Lovelock Track.

From 15 October

We will be based at the football field on top of Owairaka Mt Albert on Wednesday nights from 15th October. We'll use the flat area for speedwork and drills and the surrounding trails and road loop for strength, aerobic work and endurance. Effectively it means that we will have a strong aerobic base for when the new track opens. There's limited parking on the Maunga but plenty on the streets leading up to the summit. This is open to everyone who has been running with us through the winter plus any new 10+ athletes who are not put off by more of a "distance running focus".

We will also continue to offer Saturday morning runs when we're not racing. We meet at 7.55 at the Owairaka parkrun start. Some faster running, some endurance, some hills and some strength work. Get in touch if you are interested in these Saturday sessions.

Sprint Squad (13+)

Monday and Thursday training (5:30-7pm) continues at the Lovelock Track until Thursday 2nd October. From Monday 6th October we'll move to Three Kings Reserve until the works are complete. Contact us if you're in the squad and not on the WhatsApp group.

Jumps / Hurdles / Technical / Combined events (12+)

Monday speed/hurdles sessions at Three Kings Reserve from Monday 6th October until works are complete.
Thursday multi-event sessions with Nanne at Mt Smart (6pm start) from Thursday 15th October until works are complete.
Thursday hurdle sessions with Carolyn at Three Kings Reserve (5:30pm start) until the works are complete.

Senior distance (Baz’s group)

Runs will continue to be based at the clubrooms throughout the works - clubrooms will be accessible for leaving your gear, we'll run from there.

Keeping you informed

As we confirm alternative venues and throughout the track work we’ll keep you informed via email, our social channels and our website, as well as individual squad chat groups. Contact us if you need to be added to a chat group.

There are also events around the region that athletes can take part in - McKinnon Shield, Go! Series and Ribbon Days. Keep an eye on our events page and social channels for details.