County Championships: A celebration of athletics across the country

For many athletes the County Championships kick off their outdoor season each May. Last weekend, the Club Support Team and other members of England Athletics staff were delighted to visit a range of championships spanning the country.

Here's what they got up to:

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The importance of county-level athletics

Local athletics and running clubs are the lifeblood of our sport, delivering sessions and competition opportunities all year round - and the County Championships are a fantastic cherry on the cake. County Champs for many athletes will be their first taste of a championship level competition, and the County Associations do a fantastic job to make their events welcoming and a great development opportunity for athletes of all ages - something which athlete Tony Murray enjoys:

"I am 50 years old and a member of Leven Valley AC. I used to run a lot when I was younger and I haven't run for a long time until January of this year. I suffer with fibromyalgia and fatigue and until last year I was a lot heavier than I am now. I joined Slimming World as the only man there, and I introduced exercise and do 9-11 miles per week. I have been able to build that up to 15 miles on a good week. Today I have managed to run 19 minutes in the 5k today and just want to be a good example to my children who are both keen on running because if I can do it, anyone can."

England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones, attended the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Championships with Club Support Manager, Heidi Bradley. Commenting on the wonderful atmosphere of the Championships, Chris said:

"It is fantastic to see first hand the impact of the County Championships here in Mansfield. There is a fantastic number of people here across the event groups. We have athletes all the way from QuadKids to masters, all enjoying our sport at one competition. It is great to see such effective partnership working across both county associations.

"These events would not be possible without the unwavering support of volunteer officials, coaches, and helpers - all of whom work tirelessly to ensure that the competition is a safe, fair and enjoyable experience. It has been great to learn more about the impact these volunteers have on the local athletics community, with some having devoted decades to our sport. It has been great to be here, grassroots athletics at its best."

Essential support from passionate volunteers

The scale of volunteers at each of the County Championships across the country is vast, and we are so appreciative of people giving up their time to provide such important and exciting competitions to athletes. Club Support Manager, Amy Murtagh, attended the Middlesex Championships, and caught up with two officials who were each celebrating a sensational 50 years in the sport.

Speaking on his experience, official Frank Adams, said:

"I began as an athlete rather than an official, then as I had children who were interested in athletics I got more involved with officiating and helping out. I have always been involved in athletics since the age of 14, but now support with officiating, coaching and administration. It is such good fun to be involved rather than sitting on the side lines. You meet nice people who are similar-minded and like to help out in whatever role it is they are prepared to do."

Fellow official Major Carrs added:

"I joined Victoria Park Harriers in East London in 1968, I tried everything as it was a small club in those days. I was enthusiastic about athletics but pretty useless at it. Within the first few years I became the club secretary and was for nearly 20 years. In 1972 I started to officiate on the roads, cross country and track and field and was mentored by a couple of the Middlesex officials at the time before undertaking my track and field qualifications. As a fan of athletics, I ended up involved with 15 different organisations. Whenever I have a free Saturday I go and timekeep at my local parkrun and I love to follow the British team around the world, going to every Olympics, World and European Championships. I really am obsessed and love this sport."

At the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Championships, we caught up with National Award Winner and President of the Nottinghamshire AAAs, Pat Carlan.

"This is the first time this championships has been held in Mansfield for over 20 years and we're very pleased and proud to be hosting the competition. It has been an absolutely fabulous weekend and everything has gone to plan. All of the officials know what they are doing, the athletes are great, the sun is shining and it has been fantastic."

We would love to extend our sincere thanks to all of the officials, volunteers and coaches who helped to deliver the championships, and prepare the athletes to have the best competition possible. It was fantastic for the Club Support Team to be able to visit the below Championships across the weekend:

• Kirsty Fardell (Club Support Manager, South East and East) - Suffolk Championships
• Sarah Friday (Club Support Manager, North East & North West) - Cumbria Championships
• Richard Ayling (Club Support Manager, West Midlands & South West) - Warwickshire Championships
• Amy Murtagh (Club Support Manager London) - Middlesex Championships
• Heidi Bradley (Club Support Manager Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands) - Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Championships

It's time to celebrate your volunteers!

The 2025 Regional Volunteer Awards are back, and it is the perfect time to thank your club volunteers. Whether someone made you feel welcome at your first session, officiated your PB jump or has supported you personally, the Regional Volunteer Awards are the perfect opportunity for them to get the recognition they deserve. Nominations are currently open until 9 June, so don't delay!