Which age group can I run in?

Question

Accepted Answer

You must turn 10 in the year of competition to run, and you can only take part in a single age group. Age groups follow year of birth strictly (except Open and Under 20). For the 2026 championships:

Under 11: born 2016. Under 12: 2015. Under 13: 2014. Under 14: 2013.
Under 15: 2012. Under 16: 2011. Under 17: 2010. Under 18: 2009.
Under 20: born 2007, 2008, 2009 or 2010.
Open: must be turning 16 (born before 2011), with no upper age limit, but you must be able to meet the cut-off time.
Under 23: born 2004, 2005 or 2006, entering and competing in the Open division (the Open 10km includes Australian Athletics Under 23 medals).
Masters: aged 30 or over on the first day of competition.
Para: Under 13 (born 2014-2016), Under 15 (2012-2013), Under 17 (2010-2011), Under 20 (2007-2009) and Open (2006 and earlier).

The 2027 event page lists Under 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and Open (including Under 23) for men and women, plus Masters.

Sources: 2026 Australian Cross Country Championships Technical Regulations, sections 5 and 22, and https://www.athletics.com.au/event/2027-australian-athletics-cross-country-championships/