Below is a brief summary of Masters Athletics.
Once you reach 35 years of age you become classed as a ‘Veteran’ or ‘Masters’ athlete.
To ensure you are competing against people your own age there are separate age categories that start and end every five years.
For men; M35, M40, M45, M50, M55, M60, M65, M70, M75, M80 etc
And ladies; F35, F40, F45, F50, F55, F60, F65, F70, F75, M80 and so on.
Your category is dictated by date of birth. So if your 39th birthday is 26th January then you are V35 on the 25th of January and you become V40 on your birthday, the 26th of January.
In the UK, the administration organisation for masters athletics is the BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation). You can find all about them on their website.
As well organising national level track and field events they also organise road events like 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon etc as well as Cross Country events.
To enter national events you need to be a member of BMAF. You join BMAF by joining your local regional organisation, ie Northern Masters or Eastern Masters to name just a few. All is explained on the How to Join page on the BMAF website.
But to enter events like Masters Grand Prix you DO NOT need to be a member of any running club or BMAF. We don’t want to hinder participation by putting club membership restrictions in place.
So as long as you are over 35 you can come along and try our events. Just come along and aim to achieve your own personal best.