Change to Junior Age Categories for 26/27

Change to Junior Age Categories for 26/27
The EA (England Athletics) have changed the junior categories commencing with the 26/27 season.

Previously the Junior categories were U11, U13, U15, U17.

From 26/27 the categories are U10, U12, U14, U16, U18.

The recommended distance for U18 is 8,000mtres. So U18 will compete in the senior race which is approximately 8,000 mtrs (5 miles). Note this is the recommended distance not maximum distance. Being cross country they are about 8,000 mtres: it does not matter that the course may be a 200mtrs longer. The U17 category previously only attracted small numbers. We hope that being able to compete in the senior race will encourage more 16 year olds. Note it is based on age at 31 August at the end of the season (so for 26/27 age at 31 August 2027), so to compete in the senior race the runner must be at least 16 on 31 August 2027: so if they turn 16 during the season they will continue to compete in senior for the full season even though under 16 at the start of the year.   

U16 and U14 will run the 2 to 2.5mile course (3,200 mtrs to 4,000mtrs): previously the distance ran by U13/U15. U12 and U10 will run the 1 mile to 1.25 mile course (1,600 mtrs to 2,000 mtrs). As in previous years the 2 to 25 mile race (now U14/U16) will start at 9:50am and the U10/U12 at 9:55am. All runners in the junior race should be at the race start for 9:45am to hear the pre race briefing. U10/U12 will be asked to stand back from the start until after the U14/U16 have started.  Thus any junior born before 01/09/11 will be running in the senior race and will need to pay £12 to pre-register for all 6 races or £6 in registering on the day and EA registered or £8 if not registered.

Age category is based on the age at 31 August following the end of the season (so for 26/27 season 31 August 2027). Juniors with a birthday during the season remain in the age category assigned on the basis of their age on 31 August.

So with the new categories juniors turning 12 during the year will now run the longer distance.

Note for senior race the age categories are determined based on their age on the date of the first race: For 26/27 the first race is 11 October 2026.