As a rule, children are not encouraged to run long distances or on hard surfaces as they are still growing. Most races for children and teenagers are on soft surfaces and are of a short duration. Examples might be say cross country or track races.
When organisers apply for a licence for a road race from Athletics Ireland, the permit states the following....
9. Athletes must be 18 years of age to compete in events of 10,000m and over. The recommended age groups for juveniles are: Up to U11 – 1 mile / 12 – 13 years of age = 2 kms / 14 - 15 years of age = 3 kms / 16 – 18 years of age = 5 kms.
This also applies to the Athletics Ireland insurance i.e. underage runners are not insured.
If you are someone organising an event like a fun run or are thinking of bringing your child to a race, you should consider these guidelines.
5 comments:
Interesting as Cork City Marathon -Youth Challenge is 5.8miles, almost 10km http://www.corkcitymarathon.ie/therace/youthteamchallenge/
I don't agree with children and teenagers taking part in road races and also running on the road for training purposes. It is not good for them and it is also very dangerous. I see regularly and essentially in winter some kids/teenagers from clubs other than Athletic Clubs running in my local town. It is just mad!
If only those East Africans listened to these guidelines us Europeans might be abe to compete with them. What nonsense.
I find it hard to understand the 5k limit for 16 to 18 year olds. A fit and prepared 18 year old would take a 10k in their stride.
Travelling from US, I wanted to sign up kids 9 & 11 to run a 5M in Ireland. This guideline is ridiculous. They shouldn't disallow but rather let parents sign a waiver.
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