Run Nation Championship sues NSW regulator over collision sport ban

Organisers of the Run Nation Championship are taking the New South Wales Combat Sports Authority to the NSW Supreme Court following an attempt by the regulator to ban an upcoming competition. The event, scheduled for September 12 at Royal Randwick in Sydney, involves former rugby players colliding at high speeds to determine a winner.

The regulator issued a notice on August 5 directing the cancellation of the event. Failure to comply could result in a $55,000 fine or up to 12 months in prison. Run Nation organizers are seeking to quash the notice, arguing that the competition does not meet the legal definition of a combat sport under the Combat Sports Act 2013, which requires the primary objective to be striking, kicking, hitting, grappling, throwing, or punching.

The championship has faced criticism from experts regarding potential life-threatening risks, drawing comparisons to the ‘run it straight’ trend that led to a fatality in New Zealand last year. The upcoming event is set to feature a headline match between former NRL players Dylan Napa and Sam Kasiano.