Competition Age Groups
Scottish Athletics uses the same age groups for track & field, cross country and road running.
An athlete's competition age group is determined by their year of birth.
This makes it much simpler for athletes and parents to know which age group they compete in, as it stays the same for every event throughout the season.
If you have already competed for the club, your current competition age group will also be shown on your athlete profile.
Track & Field: Masters competition begins at age 35.
Cross Country and Road Running: Masters competition begins at age 40.
Masters athletes can always compete in Senior events. Where an event is open to Masters only, you must have reached the minimum age by the day of the competition.
Masters results are usually split into five-year bands, e.g. M35/W35, M40/W40, M45/W45.
An athlete's competition age group is determined by their year of birth.
This makes it much simpler for athletes and parents to know which age group they compete in, as it stays the same for every event throughout the season.
2026/27 Season
The season runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.| Age Group | Abbr. | Year of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 | U8 | 2020 or 2021 |
| Under 10 | U10 | 2018 or 2019 |
| Under 12 | U12 | 2016 or 2017 |
| Under 14 | U14 | 2014 or 2015 |
| Under 16 | U16 | 2012 or 2013 |
| Under 18 | U18 | 2010 or 2011 |
| Under 20 | U20 | 2008 or 2009 |
| Senior | Sen | 2007 or earlier |
Masters Athletes
Masters age groups work differently from the age groups above. They are based on your age on the day of the competition, not your year of birth.Track & Field: Masters competition begins at age 35.
Cross Country and Road Running: Masters competition begins at age 40.
Masters athletes can always compete in Senior events. Where an event is open to Masters only, you must have reached the minimum age by the day of the competition.
Masters results are usually split into five-year bands, e.g. M35/W35, M40/W40, M45/W45.