Up to 65 athletes aged eight to 50 are competing in CrossFit competition ‘E Kokō.

The competition run by Tumuora Crossfit in Arorangi, has attracted 16 teams.  

Four teams competed in the youth division on Tuesday who were aged eight to 15.

Athletes had to run, cycle and lift weights as part of the competition.

The adults will begin the competition on Friday evening and will resume and finish on Saturday afternoon.

Jamie Gotty, who is running the event alongside Olaf Rasmussen, said the event was based on CrossFit methodology. This meant exercises had aspects of gymnastics, cardio and weightlifting.

“This is the first time that we've run this particular comp, we're hoping if it does well this could become bigger once the borders open and hopefully be an inaugural thing,” Gotty said.

The gym also needed new equipment and the competition was a way to fundraise for it, she said.

“When you train CrossFit you need to be constantly testing yourself… for people who train all year round this (competition) is a good tester.”

Gotty said the event aimed to get involvement from people who would not normally participate in CrossFit. She said there were three or four teams who were new to the gym.

“We wanted to be able to promote kids getting involved in a healthier active lifestyle and also try and pull in the community at the same time.”

Each team participating in an adult’s division must have a master athlete who is over 40 in their team.

The event has 20 judges looking over the competition, Gotty said this was to ensure all exercises were done at the same standard.

“We need to make sure all teams are hitting the same movement standard, i.e. if you’re squatting you need to be squatting below parallel,” she said.