England Athletics track and field championships return to Bedford this summer
Bedford will play host to the England Athletics U20, Senior and Para Championships and the Age Group Championships this summer. The Relay Championships will remain at Birmingham in partnership with local club, Birchfield Harriers in August.
We are delighted to have the support of Citroën as our headline sponsor for this summer's championships.
Below we have outlined extra information about each of the upcoming championships, so you know what to expect!
England Athletics U20 / Senior Championships, incorporating Senior and U20 Combined Events, and the UK Athletics Senior Combined Events Championships
3-5 July: Bedford International Athletic Stadium
- Athlete entries are due to open on 11 May 2026 on Roster, so please check back here when entries open.
- Spectator tickets are now on sale, and you can buy your tickets on Eventbrite.
England Athletics Age Group Championships and Junior Para Championships
25-26 July: Bedford International Athletic Stadium
This event will see our new age group changes coming into effect and we will have our very best U16 and U18 athletes competing for the first time in these age groups at our championships. Find out more on the age group changes, the process so far and everything you need to know ahead of the summer.
At these Para Championships only athletes aged 19 or under are permitted to enter and they must have a classification.
- Athlete entries are due to open on 25 May 2026 on Roster, so please check back here when entries open.
- Spectator tickets are now on sale, and you can buy your tickets on Eventbrite.
England Athletics Age Group Combined Events Championships and Senior Para Championships
22-23 August: Bedford International Athletic Stadium
This year, we’ve separated the Age Group Combined Events Championships from the main championships, allowing athletes to compete in both weekends if they want to also compete in the individual events.
- These Championships will also include the Senior Para Championships and entry standards must be achieved to apply. Make sure to check the para athletics entry standards to find out what these are.
- Athlete entries are due to open on 13 July 2026 on Roster, so please check back here when entries open.
- Spectator tickets are now on sale, and you can buy your tickets on Eventbrite.
England Athletics Relay Championships in partnership with Birchfield Harriers
Sunday 23 August 2026 – Alexander Stadium
Once again, Birchfield Harriers are proud to host the England Athletics Relay Championships in 2026 for the third year. The championships are now a set fixture in the England Athletics Championship calendar. Staged at the prestigious Alexander Stadium a week after the European Championships take place this year, the event delivers a vibrant atmosphere as athletes, clubs and families come together to cheer on their teams.
Invitations will be sent to the top clubs on Thursday 16 July for the Relay Championships and will then be open to all on Monday 27 July.
Championship policies
Entry policy
As with our indoor season, athletes will need to have achieved the entry standard for our outdoor championships - but approval will not be automatic or immediate as in previous years. Entries will be approved after the closing date, and we will accept the athletes based on top performances on Power of 10 at the time of entries closing. The approval process will begin as soon as the entry window has closed.
- Download entry policy (PDF 250kB)
Entry standards
Entry standards are in place for all our championships apart from the Junior Para Championships and U16 and U18 Combined Events. Para-athletes do still require a national classification to compete in these championships. The U16 and U18 Combined Events will implement minimum starting heights and set height progressions in the vertical jumps. Note that for the combined events, athletes must also be competent and have competed in all technical events prior to entering the championships.
- Download athletics entry standards (PDF 650kB)
- Download para-athletics entry standards (PDF 270kB)
Medal policy
Please note and review the changes to this year's championships, to understand the medal process in the transitional year as we introduce the age group changes.
- Download medal policy (PDF 500kB)
Media and exhibiting at our championships
We always enjoy having media attend our events and report on the Championships
If you are interested in attending any of the England Athletics events as an exhibitor, please complete the expression of interest form.