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Recommended Distances for Children

The table below contains maximum distances suggested by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) that junior athletes should run in any given session. Over an entire week, twice these distances should not be exceeded. It also provides guidelines for different age groups on the maximum number of sessions children should undertake in a week; up to 14 years – three sessions, 15 to 18 years – five sessions. These guidelines however, may need to be adjusted to each child’s circumstance as they are very general. Other physical activities children participate in have to be taken into account and will affect the amount of training they undertake.

Age (Yrs)Maximum Distance
Under 93km
9 – 115km
12 – 1410km
15 – 16Half-marathon (21.1km)
1730km
18Marathon (42.2km)

Photos

View photos from previous Feature Events.