Age Group Masters opportunities

Cornwall contingent at Masters Half Marathon Maidenhead

The life of a Masters athlete starts at age 35 – opening up a world of opportunities for athletes to compete in Masters age group competition in athletics and running.

Go to our Masters teams and selections page

Road and trail running

Our Masters programme offers England Athletics affiliated runners, age 35+, an annual rolling programme of qualifying events and representative opportunities at trail running, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon distances.

Masters marathon 2026

The masters marathon is moving from the traditional slot in October to April and will be hosted as part of the Manchester Marathon on 19 April 2026. Because of this, there is insufficient time to get the usual 5 qualification races in. On that basis we are keeping the two races this October in Chester and York, and for this year only will be selecting the reminder of the team from expressions of interest.

Masters Marathon Selection Policy (PDF 300kB) Masters Marathon Expression of Interest

England Masters Athletics Association


EMAA is one of the four Regional Associations that make up the BMAF collective along with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. EMAA promotes events for the benefit of its eight Area Clubs in England. EMAA is proud to be able to field an International Cross Country from the members of the Area Clubs as well as promote Inter-Area cross country, road, and track and field competitions.

Find out about EMAA

British Masters Athletic Federation

The British Masters Athletic Federation, and its operating company BMAF Services Ltd, offer athletes the opportunity to compete in 5-year age bands for the rest of their lives.  Track & field and running championships take place at regional level via their eleven area clubs, nationally via BMAF Services Ltd and internationally via the governing bodies for European and World Masters Athletics.

Find out about BMAF

Masters teams

Find out how you could earn yourself the right to pull on the coveted England Masters vest.