How old do I have to be to run a 10k, half marathon or marathon?
Rule- UK
- UK Athletics
- Road running
- Road races
- All ages
- UKA Rules 2026
- 2026/27
- Runners
UKA Rule TR3 S4 sets maximum distances by age on the day of the race, for all road and off-track events:
| Age on the day | Maximum distance |
|---|---|
| 10 (guidance) | 3km |
| 11 (guidance) | 5km |
| 12 or 13 | 6km |
| 14 | 8km |
| 15 | 12km |
| 16 | 16km |
| 17 | 25km |
| 18 | Marathon |
| 19 | 45km |
| 20 and over | Unlimited |
So in practice a runner must be at least 15 for a 10k, 17 for a half marathon (21.1km) and 18 for a marathon. Mass-participation races without age-group categories must keep every entrant within the maximum for their age on the day. Organisers may set their own, stricter age limits.
Masters road running categories start at 35 on the day of the race.
Added 21 Oct 2026