Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL EVENT INFO

WHAT IS THE AUSTRALIAN MASTERS ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS?

In 2026 the annual track and field competition for athletes aged 30+ from will be held in our nation’s capital, Canberra. The athletes compete in a range of events in age-graded categories.

WHO CAN COMPETE?

Any registered member of a Masters Athletics club (usually aged 30+) who meets the entry criteria.

BUT I’M NOT A PART OF A CLUB, WHERE CAN I JOIN?

We’d love you to sign up with our ACT Masters Athletics club, but any Masters Athletics club will do. Find your state/territory club here: https://australianmastersathletics.org.au/

I AM A PARA ATHLETE, CAN I COMPETE AT THESE CHAMPIONSHIPS?

Yes. While seated throws will not be available at these championships para athletes are encouraged to enter and compete alongside their fellow masters athletes.

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE, CAN I COMPETE AT THESE CHAMPIONSHIPS?

Information for international athletes will be available soon.

REGISTRATION & ENTRIES

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR EVENTS?

Click the ‘REGISTER NOW’ button at the top of the screen. You’ll need your member number and club details, if you’re not a current member sign up to an Australian Masters Athletics club (see question/answer above).

WHAT’S THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?

Typically, 4–6 weeks before the event. Late entries will not be accepted.

WHEN DOES THE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION END?

Early bird registration closes on 17 December at 11:59pm.

WHAT AGE CATEGORY WILL I BE IN?

Age categories are in 5-year increments (e.g., M/W30-34, M/W35-39, M/W40-44, etc.) based on your age on the first day of competition.

WHERE CAN I COLLECT MY REGISTRATION PACK?

The registration desk will be open each day. Registration will be in the Commonwealth Room (AIS) on Thursday 5 March from 12pm. The Commonwealth Room is located in the Track & Field centre the room on the end by the photo finish tower.

Days 1 & 2: 7am to 4pm at the AIS

Days 3 & 4: 7am to early afternoon, depending on how many registration packs are left to collect.

EVENTS & TIMETABLES

WHAT EVENTS ARE AVALIABLE?

Sprint, middle and long-distance track events, jumps, throws, relays, race walks, cross country, and multi-events like pentathlon.

WHEN WILL THE TIMETABLE BE RELEASED?

A draft timetable is now available; the final version is published closer to the event once entries have closed.

CAN I REQUEST A CHANGE TO THE TIMETABLE?

The timetable has been adjusted to accommodate for the steeple chase. No further requests will be considered.

UNIFORMS & GEAR

CAN I USE MY OWN THROWING IMPLEMENTS?

Yes, but they must be weighed and approved at equipment 2-3 hours check-in prior to your event.

WHAT SPIKES CAN I USE ON THE TRACK AND JUMPS?

Information on spike usage can be found here for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

The maximum length spikes for track events will be 7mm, with 9mm for field events.

ONLY Christmas Tree or Pyramid spikes are allowed to be used. Needle spikes are not permitted.

Woden Athletics Park spike usage is consistent with WMA Competition Rule 5.13.3 Shoes:

Any shoe used in competition must have a sole with a maximum thickness of no more than 40mm (except any shoe that contains spikes which must have a sole with a maximum thickness of no more than 30mm).
At this venue only Christmas Tree or Pyramid spikes are permitted. Needle spikes are banned and are not
to be used under any circumstances. This will be checked. Spike length is a maximum of 7mm for track and
9mm for Javelin and Jumps.