Age Group changes: implementation plan

Ahead of the implementation of the new age groups, the HCAFs have been undertaking further consultation with the sport as well as convening a task group and associated sub groups to ensure a smooth transition.

The key objective of phase one of the implementation process was to establish clear principles around the transition and to establish the key technical aspects of the change. This page outlines the technical information which will form the basis of rule changes ahead of 2026.

Age Group Changes Key Information and Principles

The new rules will be effective from 1 April 2026. Competition providers will have the flexibility to pilot the new age groups and technical rules in the indoor season of 2025-2026 should they wish to do so.

The age groups under UKA rules will be: U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, U20, Senior, Masters.

Records and rankings

Click on records and rankings graphic to download text version.

Technical information

Download technical information (XLS 40kB)

Off-track disciplines

The below table highlights MAXIMUM permitted distances for all athletes in differing disciplines.  Further recommendations are listed for race distances for each discipline for each age group.

Age on Day MAXIMUM distances are also included.

Event Organisers must fully consider all factors when identifying distance and age groups permitted within their races.  Including but not limited to – severity of route, route appropriateness, road closures, rural settings, course marshals, welfare and safeguarding of young and vulnerable groups etc

Age group*Age on dayAll terrains: maximum distancesCross Country: recommended distancesMountain, Trail, Fell, Hill: recommended distancesRoad and Multi-terrain: recommended distancesRace Walking: recommended distances
Senior / Master (20+)20+UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
U20
(18, 19)		19
18		45km
Marathon		10km10km22km20,000m
U18
(16, 17)		17
16		25km
16km		8km8km12-14km15,000m
U16
(14, 15)		15
14		12km
8km		5km6km8km5,000m
U14
(12, 13)		13
12		6km
6km		4km5km6km3,000m
U12
(10, 11)		11
10		5km
3km		3km3km3km2,000m

Events with Age specific races will default to the maximum distance permitted for that age group, mass participation races without age specific races must adhere to the age on day maximum distance.

Click on off track disciplines graphic to download text version.

Notes

*Age groups relate to the two year age category only – e.g. U20 refers to 18 & 19 years olds, not everyone under the age of 20.

Subject to assessment of route and venue, distances may be extended for reasonable accommodation e.g. plus or minus 200m.

Where race organisers wish to hold events for U10s, it is strongly recommended that the focus is on participation rather than competition.

Para-athletics

A full overview and detail around the technical rule changes for para-athletics will be published in due course.

Transition arrangements

Click on off transition graphic to download text version.
  • For Track & Field, the Transition Year will be 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026.
  • For Cross Country and Indoors, the Transition Year will be 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.
  • From 1 April 2027, only U16, U18 and U20 will be awarded National titles and medals (as well as U23 and Seniors).

Age group implementation Task Group

  • James Williams (Chair, Wales)
  • Rhys Williams (Wales)
  • Alastair Love (Scotland)
  • Sarah Benson (England)
  • Scott Grace (England)
  • Nichola Skedgel (England)
  • Karl Ponty (independent)
  • Debbie Calloway (independent)
  • Rob Mann (independent)
  • Richard Llewelyn Eaton (independent)
  • Lorna Boothe (England Athletics Board)
  • Janice Kaufman (England Athletics Board)
  • Chris Moss (UKA)
  • Dean Hardman (implementation Project Coordinator)

Age group implementation sub-group members

  • Off-Track: Ally Love (chair), Elaine Forrest, Sandra Hardacre, Tom Craggs, Alex Donald
  • Competition: Nichola Skedgel (chair), Cilve Poyner, Keith May, David Ashbourne, Stuart Paul, Cathy Walker, Colin Mitchell, Ian Firla, Nisha Desai
  • Technical Events
    Scott Grace (chair), David Ashbourne, Stuart Paul, Richard Llewellyn Eaton, Branka Sukara-Fielding, Nathan Standing, Malcolm Rogers
  • Records/Technology: Nichola Skedgel (chair), Darren Williams, Andy Hulse, David Ashbourne, John Deaton
  • Para: Job King (chair), Pamela Robson, Cathy Walker

News stories: Age Group changes

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