What limits apply to young distance runners and steeplechasers?

Question

Accepted Answer

At the Australian Athletics Championships (entry standards 2026-27 and Technical Regulations, 8 April 2026):

Athletes must be turning at least 14 years of age in the year of competition to enter any steeplechase or 3000 metres event.
Athletes must be turning at least 16 years of age in the year of competition to enter any event over 5000 metres.
Steeplechase distances for under-age groups are 2000m (Under 15 to Under 18) and 3000m (Under 20). There is no steeplechase for Under 14.
In Under 14 to Under 18 events of 1500 metres and over, and all age groups for events over 1500m, if more entries are received than fit in one race the slower athletes may be placed in a B division, with the result decided on a timed-finals basis using current year data.