How To Get Into Athletics
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Fast Answers |
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Why get into athletics? |
Athletics offers the widest range of choice of any sport as its various disciplines provide the opportunity to throw, run or jump. |
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Who is it for? |
Everyone. The different disciplines suit different body shapes and sizes. |
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Is there a cheap option? |
As long as there is space for a race, you can practise athletics. |
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What if I want a proper workout? |
If you are looking to work up a sweat, athletics is the activity for you as each discipline requires varying degrees of strength and fitness. |
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Can I take it to another level? |
Join a club and start competing for them in your preferred events. |
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Is there a disability option? |
The various impairment categories in athletics make the activities widely accessible. |
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Is there a family option? |
Running, throwing and jumping is for everyone. Grab some props, head to the park and create your own mini athletics competition. |
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Where can I take part? |
Head over to Scottish Athletics Clubs Page – you will also find a list of athletics events near you. |
You might want to be the next KJT, Mo Farah, or just want to get fit and see how well you can do - either way, athletics can be the sport for you.
Sprint events
Sprint disciplines include the short, sharp, powerful events such as the 100m and 200m. The sprint hurdles (100m for women, 110m for men) require the same explosion of speed, but with the added element of having to clear a number of barriers. There's also the one-lap 400m race and the 400m hurdles.
Middle-distance events
Middle distance running relies on pacing and stamina rather than pure explosive power, but don't worry - go for a run with some friends and you'll soon see a difference in your fitness levels.
The 800m requires sustained pace around two laps of the track. In the 1500m and 3,000m tactics are everything. Go off too hard, too soon and you will fade and be out of contention in the sprint finish. The 3,000m steeplechase has the added obstacles of hurdles and a water jump.
Long-distance events
Going long requires stamina and mental toughness. On the track, the 5,000m and 10,000m can become a real mind game of tactics, while the marathon - a 26.2-mile course outside the confines of an athletics stadium - is athletics' ultimate test of mental and physical endurance.
Thousands of people take part in 10k races, half marathons and marathons every year, take a look on the Run Britain website for more.
Throwing events
While upper-body strength is key to shot put, javelin, discus and the hammer throw, these disciplines require more than just power. Sound technique, allied to strong legs and a stable core are crucial so you can transfer your body weight and generate the acceleration required to secure a lengthy throw.
Your local club will be able to provide you with any specialist equipment to give the events a try.
Cross-country
You might want to be the next Mo Farah, or just want to get fit and see how well you can do - either way, athletics can be the sport for you.
It includes a huge variety of disciplines, so whether you want to run, jump or throw you can find an activity that suits you.
Jumping events
Do you want to learn the polished technique of the jumping disciplines? You'll develop the strength needed for take-off in long jump and triple jump and flexibility needed in high jump, to arch your back, raise your hips and clear the bar.
And who hasn't wanted to try pole vault? The extreme sport of athletics. The discipline sees strong, fast and gymnastic competitors use a pole to launch themselves upside down and over a bar which can be higher than a double-decker bus - not for the faint-hearted!
Heptathlon and decathlon
Can't decide on a single event? Perhaps decathlon (men) or heptathlon (women) is for you. The heptathlon consists of seven events, while men have to compete in 10 events.
Both competitions stretch the athlete to the limits of their endurance and skills. You'll need incredible stamina, along with strong running and fine throwing and jumping techniques to score as many points as possible over a multi-day competition.
From beginners to Olympians, anyone can take part in parkrun - a phenomenon that is taking over the UK.
Parkruns are free-to-enter, timed 5km runs that take place in more than 400 parkland sites in the UK and thousands worldwide. Anyone can take part in a parkrun, whatever your ability, so follow these links to register and find an event near you. We are proud to have 2 of these in East Lothian – Meadowmill, Tranent (behind the Sports Centre) and at Lochend Woods, Dunbar (next to Hallhill)
Disability athletics
Para-athletics uses a classification system that groups athletes based on their ability. Track events include all Olympic and Paralympic distances. Field disciplines comprise shot, discus, javelin, club throwing (for athletes with a high level of impairment), plus long jump, high jump and triple jump. Some events are specific to particular classifications. If you are looking to start in para-athletics, the Parallel Success programme from British Athletics offers great opportunities.
School athletics
Schools across the region have their own athletics competition each year at the annual sports day where kids (and parents) can try out some of the different disciplines. By adding fun elements (who doesn't love the egg-and-spoon race?) everyone can have some fun while learning the fundamental skills of the sport. But these don't have to be a once-a-year treat. All you need is a park and some props and you can create your own mini games whenever you like.
Sportshall and Giant Heptathlon athletics also give youngster people an enjoyable way to try running, jumping and throwing activities as they take their first step into athletics.
Coaching and Volunteering
Athletics clubs are always looking for people to coach, officiate or help out on club nights, across a range of roles.
So whether you want to help inspire children, get adults running or encourage someone to take up javelin, there will be a role for you and the uCoach can help to get you started. Sport Coach UK can also steer you in the right direction.
To find out about event or club volunteering opportunities across the region, please contact lgilroy1@enjoyleisure.com
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It really is that easy!
