Run Nation Championship legal dispute in New South Wales

Organizers of the Run Nation Championship initiated legal action against the New South Wales Combat Sports Authority to prevent the cancellation of a high-speed collision event scheduled for September 12 at Royal Randwick. The organizers sought to quash a regulatory notice, arguing that the competition—featuring former rugby players—did not meet the legal definition of a combat sport under the Combat Sports Act 2013, as its primary objective was not striking or grappling.

On September 8, the NSW Supreme Court upheld the regulator’s decision to cancel the event. Justice Andrew Coleman ruled that the activity constitutes a collision sport, noting that characterizing the contact as a ‘tackle’ does not change its fundamental nature.

Health experts had previously expressed concerns regarding the life-threatening risks of the sport, citing a fatality in New Zealand involving a similar ‘run it straight’ trend. Following the court ruling, Run Nation CEO Tremaine Fernandez stated the organization intends to work with the Combat Sports Authority to continue the sport, and ticket holders will be offered refunds or carries to a future date.