Para Athletics
Para Athletics includes a wide range of track and field events for athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impairments.
Competitions are organised through a classification system that groups athletes according to how their impairment affects their performance in a specific event. This allows athletes from a range of impairment groups to compete across a diverse programme of track and field events.
Latest News
The latest news from the British Para Athletics Team
Marcel Hug and Sophie Hahn Lead Global Para Athlete Line Up for Novuna London Athletics Meet
Woods in personal best form in Nottwil
Wheelchair racer Woods keen to build on World medal success
Sidbury aims to continue rebuilding after ‘challenging’ time
Liverpool to host groundbreaking Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival in May 2027
Para Athletics is one of the original Paralympic sports, with 165 medal events on track, field and road, competing against 150 teams from across the globe. At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, the British team of 33 brought home 18 medals. Next stop is LA in 2028.
Learn more about the different events and disciplines that feature at the Paralympic Games within para athletics.
World Class Programme
The British Athletics World Class Programme (WCP) supports the UK’s top athletes to achieve success at the biggest events in sport, especially the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is funded by The National Lottery through UK Sport.
For the Paralympic programme, the main goal is to win gold medals at the Paralympic Games. The programme is designed to help athletes reach this level while also building long-term success.
Athletes are supported through a tiered system, with different levels of funding and support based on performance and potential. Those who are close to reaching this level may be supported through the Futures programme, brought to life by Nike.
The programme runs on a yearly cycle from December to November. Each year, athletes are reviewed to determine whether they will remain on the programme. This decision is based on performance targets and future medal potential. Athletes must continue to meet their goals to remain part of the programme.
Paralympic Futures
The Paralympic Futures programme is the first step towards the British Athletics World Class Programme (WCP). It supports athletes who have the potential to compete at the highest level and become future Paralympians.
The programme helps athletes develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to progress in the sport. This includes improving performance, learning how to train and compete effectively, and building the habits needed for high performance.
Athletes who are part of the Futures pathway will receive targeted support from coaches and performance staff. They take part in training camps and learning environments designed to help them grow, develop and prepare for the demands of elite sport. The aim is to support athletes, so they are ready to move into the World Class Programme when the time is right.
The Futures pathway works to find, develop and support talented athletes across the UK. We work closely with the Home Country Athletics Federations to provide clear, progressive opportunities for athletes to improve and progress through the pathway.
Get involved
If you are an aspiring para-athlete, we would love to hear from you. This includes young disabled athletes and adults with a newly acquired impairment who want to get involved in athletics.
We also welcome contact from coaches, teachers, medical professionals and charities who support disabled people in sport. By working together, we can help more athletes find their pathway into athletics and reach their full potential.
Please get in touch with Job King on jking@britishathletics.org.uk
Home Nation Programmes
Each Home Nation has dedicated Para Athletics Leads to signpost disabled athletes to local clubs and coaches, and to provide advice on equipment, funding, and next steps, including UK Classification and competition opportunities. Athletes demonstrating potential in Paralympic Medal Events will be considered for National Talent Programmes to further develop their skills on and off the track.
The Commonwealth Games is a key focus for Home Nations and a unique opportunity for para-athletes to compete in a multisport environment alongside Olympic athletes. The Commonwealth Youth Games and GAPS Programme are further opportunities for next-generation talent.
Classification
UK Athletics adheres to the current World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations and the IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards (2015):
Athletes can enter any mainstream club and open competitions without a classification. National classification allows eligible athletes to compete in all National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) and UK Athletics competitions to be included in the UK Disability Rankings (Power of 10). It does not qualify an athlete to compete internationally, nor does it mean an athlete will automatically receive a WPA (international) classification.
National classification in Athletics is performed by UK Athletics certified classifiers according to the current WPA Classification Rules & Regulations.
Useful Links
Discover and explore events to experience a range of Para Sports, including athletics:
Every Body Moves
Directory of inclusive sports clubs and activities:
IPC Classification Module