As you may be aware, England Athletics and UK Athletics have updated the cross-country competition age groups. Please read the details below carefully to ensure you or your young athletes race in the correct race.
The Metropolitan Cross Country League (Met League) wishes to inform all athletes and their parents or guardians. This ensures everyone is aware and can arrive for the correct race at the correct start time.
Please read the details below carefully to ensure you or your young athlete is running in the correct race.
Note: Your club representatives/team managers and clubs should be fully aware of these changes and can assist you with any questions.
1. Summary of Age Group Categories & Cut-Off Dates
Your race age group depends on your age relative to specific cut-off dates for the 2026/27 season:
- Junior Age Groups (U12, U14, U16, U18): Calculated based on the athlete’s age on 31/08/2027.
- Minimum Age: Athletes must be over 10 years old as of 31/08/2027 to compete. Younger athletes are not eligible to enter.
- Seniors: Calculated as of 31/12/2026.
- Veterans (Vets): Calculated as of the date of the first league race of the season—10/10/2026.
Important Rule: Athletes must run in their designated age group. Competing in the wrong race will result in immediate disqualification. Thus, resulting in a loss of points for you and your club.
2. Date of Birth Guidance for Junior Categories
Parents and guardians can use the table below based on the 31/08/2027 cut-off date to easily find the correct category for their young runner:
| Age Group | Eligibility & Date of Birth Range |
| Under 12 (U12) | Born between 01/09/2015 and 31/08/2017 (Must be over 10 on 31/08/2027) |
| Under 14 (U14) | Born between 01/09/2013 and 31/08/2015 |
| Under 16 (U16) | Born between 01/09/2011 and 31/08/2013 |
| Under 18 (U18) | Born between 01/09/2009 and 31/08/2011 |
3. Key Changes to Junior Race Formats
- Junior Women (U16 & U18): Under 16 Girls and Under 18 Women will compete in a combined race over the same distance, officially listed as the Junior Women race.
- Boys / Men (MU16 & MU18): Under 16 Boys and Under 18 Men will no longer run together. They are now split into two separate races held over two distinct distances.
4. Race Timetable & Approximate Start Times
Please make sure you know your race time and arrive with plenty of time to warm up and get to the start line:
| Race # | Category | Description | Start Time |
| 1 | MU12 | Under 12 Boys | 12:00 |
| 2 | FU12 | Under 12 Girls | 12:02 |
| 3 | MU14 | Under 14 Boys | 12:10 |
| 4 | FU14 | Under 14 Girls | 12:12 |
| 5 | MU16 | Under 16 Boys | 12:30 |
| 6 | Junior Women | Combined FU16 & FU18 Women | 12:32 |
| 7 | MU18 | Under 18 Men | 12:50 |
| 8 | Senior & Vet Women | Senior & Veteran Women | 13:20 |
| 9 | Senior & Vet Men | Senior & Veteran Men | 14:20 |
Please note: The start times are subject to change. Please check the fixture details.
Unsure About Your Category or Start Time?
If you or your parent/guardian are unsure about which age group you belong to, please contact your club representative or team manager. As they have been fully briefed on the new system, they will be able to confirm your category for you.
Please do not contact the Met League Admin team directly. Especially on race day, when we are busy managing the event and processing results. Failure to comply may result in the athlete(s) being disqualified.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the start line for Race 1 on Saturday, 10th October 2026!