What are the recommended minimum ages for road race distances?
Guideline- Australia
- Athletics Australia
- Road running
- All ages
- 2026
- Runners
Australian Athletics' FIT Model (first published 2019, updated January 2025) recommends:
| Distance | Recommended minimum age for participation |
|---|---|
| 5km | 12 years onwards |
| 10km | 16 years onwards |
| Half Marathon | 17-18 years onwards |
| Marathon | At least 18 years onwards |
| Ultra | 18-20 years or more for Marathon to 100km ultras |
It also recommends delaying specific regular training for longer road runs until 15-16 years for 5km, 17-18 years for 10km and 18+ for distances beyond 10km. Participation at younger ages could be fun runs or parkrun events.
These are general guidance only. Any competition rules for a particular event distance set by World Athletics, Australian Athletics or another governing body take precedence, and the listed ages may not suit every individual child or adolescent.
Source: Australian Athletics, The FIT Model: Minimum Age Recommendations for Road (Running and Race Walking) Distance Events: https://www.athletics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-FIT-Model-Minimum-Age-Recommendations-for-Road-Running-and-Race-Walking-Distance-Events12.pdf
Added 24 Oct 2026