All you need to know about Track & Field events for athletes and parents.

Age Categories

The following age categories are for this year, 2024.

Example

If you were born in 2017 and are 7 this year or turning 7 before or on 31st Dec 2024 you are Under 8.

Events

• Mayo & Connaught Indoors
• Children Games
• Mayo & Connaught Outdoors

Mayo & Connaught Indoors

The Mayo Indoors is typically the first competition event of the year for our athletes.

This year the Mayo Indoors are due to be held on 5^th February 2024 in TUS Athlone.

The Connaught Indoors are due to be held on February 24^th & 25^th 2024 in TUS Athlone.

U9, U10 and U11 Athletes can choose from 2 events and a Relay event. 

From U12 to U19; Athletes can choose from 3 events and a Relay event. 

Cost: €5 per individual event

The club will cover the cost of the Relay event. This means if your child is U9 and you choose to compete in 2 events and the relay, you will need to pay €10.

Indoor Track & Field Events

Children Games

This Children Games is an event to introduce Track & Field to our younger athletes, from U9, U10 to U11.

Dates and Costs are TBC.

There is a limited number of events that a child can be entered for;

Mayo & Connaught Outdoors

This year the Mayo Outdoors are due to be held on TBC in TUS Athlone.

The Connaught Indoors are due to be held on TBC in TUS Athlone.

From U12 to U19; Athletes can choose from 3 events and a Relay event. 

Cost: €5 per individual event

The club will cover the cost of the Relay event. This means if your child is U12 and you choose to compete in 3 events and the relay, you will need to pay €15.

Outdoor Track & Field Events

Juvenile Handbook

All the information above can be found in the latest Athletic Ireland Juvenile Competition Handbook that is updated each year. The handbook for 2024 can be found here and contains all the information you need to know about the rules and conditions with Juvenile competitions in Ireland.

New to Track & Field?

Here are somethings you may need to know about Track & Field events;

1. Know where you’re going!
   • Make sure to double-check the location
     
2. Arrive early
   • It can take time to park, and more time again to walk from the carpark to the track are taking place.
   • All athletes need a number to race; the coaches will have collected the numbers and will distribute them from base camp.
   • The base camp will be a Swinford AC tent in an area designated for clubs.
     
3. Stay Warm and Dry
   • Parents and children should dress warmly, particularly for outdoor events. While staying dry is not a concern at indoor venues, it’s important to keep warm between events.
     
4. Bring The Right Gear
   • The Warm-up
     • We’d recommend a light long-sleeved top that can be worn over a singlet and runners (not race spikes).
     • If an outdoor event and weather is wet, make sure to bring a jacket. Base layers are also great on colder days.
   • The Race
     • Essential race gear are shorts, club singlet, socks and a pair of spikes with 6mm spikes.
   • Handy accessories to pack
     • Baby wipes, safety pins and pliers!
     • Umbrella for outdoors.
     • Camper chair
5. Commit to the day
   • Track & Field competitions tend to have a long programme of events and the athletes often compete in multiple events. This typically means you will have to commit to the day.

6. Be race rested and fueled
   • Make sure athletes are rested from the night before, and bring energy giving healthy snacks for before the race and then some yummy treats for after. Bring enough treats to share!
     
7. Set your expectations correctly!
   • If your son or daughter is the fastest in their school or has done well in counties that is fantastic and you should be proud. BUT these competitions are at another level.
   • So, wherever your kids finish in their event they deserve the same hug, congratulations and respect as if they had won!