Lana van Hout-Graves and Cameron Graves are two of New Zealand's most accomplished distance runners. They are also parents to six-month-old Arthur, and they carry the memory of their son Mackenzie, who they lost at 20 weeks. Their story is one of resilience, partnership, and the quiet power of shared passion.
The couple, who married in 2022 after getting engaged at Blue Pools on the Haast Pass, have recently been announced as ambassadors for Jockey's Perfect Pairs campaign, celebrating the brand's 150th anniversary. As part of the Herald's series, How we make it work, they opened up about balancing a young family, elite sport, and the kind of grief that never really fades.
How did these two runners meet?
Their origin story is fittingly athletic. They met as extras on a sports brand ad, but it wasn't until Lana joined Cam's running club that things clicked. Cam remembers the first time he saw her: a cute girl with brown eyes sitting halfway down the bus. He sat directly behind her, too scared to say a word.
When they met again, Cam thought it was fate. And when they both landed roles in a KFC ad three months into dating, it felt like the universe was nudging them together. They've been a team ever since.
What happened during their pregnancy journey?
The beginning of their relationship was light and full of travel, running, and hiking. But after they married, life took a harder turn. At a routine obstetrician appointment, they couldn't find a heartbeat for their son, Mackenzie, at 20 weeks.
Four days later, Lana had to deliver him. She describes it as the most horrific but also the most beautiful experience of her life. A year later, they lost another pregnancy. They never got answers about what went wrong.
It was the most horrific but also the most beautiful experience of my life, and I'll always forever cherish those memories of that time we got with our son.
How did they cope with loss while training?
For Lana, a performance-oriented athlete, the uncertainty was especially hard. She became cautious with her running, which had always been her coping mechanism. Her obstetrician said it was fine, but she wanted to control what she could control.
Cam was her anchor. Their similarities, he says, were a strength in those dark times. He watched in awe as Lana carried their family through loss and, eventually, to Arthur.
What does their life look like now with a baby?
Life with Arthur is jam-packed. No two weeks are the same. They tag-team runs now, squeezing in training around nappies and feeds. Cam had surgery on his Achilles in February, so they're on a comeback journey together, aiming for the marathon at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
They're both looking forward to racing again. And they wonder, sometimes, whether Arthur will love running too. If he could run now, Lana jokes, he would.
How do they make it work as a team?
Cam now works a nine-to-five at Red Bull for a steadier income, and their morning routine is sacred. On weekends, they're best friends with all the same hobbies. It's about committing to each other and finding small moments throughout the day.
Their philosophy is simple: enrich each other's lives, make things easier for one another, and keep moving forward together. It's a lesson in partnership that goes far beyond the running track.
FAQ
Who are Lana van Hout-Graves and Cameron Graves?
They are elite New Zealand runners. Lana has won the Auckland 12km Traverse and Kerikeri Half Marathon, while Cam is a national champion in cross country and the 10,000m. He is currently training for the marathon at the 2028 Olympics.
What is the Jockey Perfect Pairs campaign?
It's a campaign celebrating Jockey's 150th anniversary, featuring pairs who embody partnership and resilience. Lana and Cam were chosen as ambassadors for their story of strength and mutual support.
How do they balance parenting and elite sport?
They rely on a structured morning routine, tag-team training, and a shared commitment to family and fitness. Cam works a steady job while Lana focuses on training, and they prioritize small moments together throughout the day.