The Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) in cooperation with UK Athletics have decided to suspend all planned in person and face to face organised athletics activity until the end of April where the situation will be reviewed once more.

This decision has been taken jointly and unanimously following detailed consultation between all five organisations and is in accordance with the directives outlined by the government through the Prime Minister in his statement on Monday afternoon.

This suspension includes all organised athletics activity within the UK, including competitions and leagues, member clubs, running groups and races.

We are advising that clubs and groups should not be undertaking training, competitive or other related activities during this period, and it is already apparent that parts of the sport are already showing their own leadership and are acting in this respect.

Other suspended activity includes, but is not limited to, coaching, officiating, education and qualification courses and athlete development activities. However those that are able to continue by way of e-learning, digital communication platforms and other methods of distant communication will continue where they can be supported.

Already this Spring we have seen a number of international competitions both at GB & NI and home country level cancelled or postponed, as well as licensed road races and domestic events in the last few days.

Monday’s announcements from the Prime Minister made it explicitly clear that non-essential travel and non-essential social (large or small) gatherings (citing pubs, clubs, restaurants) should be avoided whenever possible and the sport of athletics will adhere to these guidelines.

Finally, where possible athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.

Please also visit the respective Home Country statements:

Athletics Northern Ireland https://athleticsni.org/News/Athletics-NI-News/COVID~19-Statement

England Athletics https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/coronavirus-statement/

Scottish Athletics https://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/coronavirus-latest-guidance/

UK Athletics

Welsh Athletics https://www.welshathletics.org/en/blog/post/all-athletics-activity-suspended-until-end-of-april