Summer just around the corner as 26/27 dates announced

A big summer of athletics is on the cards for 2026/27 leading into Sydney hosting the Australian Championships in early April.

The Harbour City was today announced as the host venue again after last year’s successful meet on the newly resurfaced Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. The venue is the most prominent host of the event in its 104 year history.

“The new track at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre was so well received by our athletes and there were some remarkable performances, and I expect the same next year,” said Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth.

“We thank the New South Wales Government and the Office of Sport for their continued support to make this event happen.”
Simon Hollingsworth, CEO of Australian Athletics

The location and date for the Australian Junior Championships remains the only major date yet to be across World Athletics, Australian Athletics or its member associations calendars.

What’s different to last season?

The Sydney Track Classic returns to the calendar, following its cancellation last year due to the SOPAC track resurfacing being behind schedule, and with it being held the weekend following the Maurie Plant Meet provides a better opportunity for visiting international athletes to contest both meetings.

The Hobart Track Classic, which filled Sydney’s place last year at short notice, is retained on the calendar, as is the Adelaide Invitational. Perth’s fast Mondo track loses its Track Classic, while Zatopek shifts to a Friday night in December.

Under World Athletics qualifying pathway changes announced earlier this year, the above meets and Nationals are the only ones in Australia where the tough new qualifying marks for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing can be set. Performances in other accredited meets can still count toward an athlete’s ranking scores, which will be how most Australian athletes gain selection, and for setting records.

The other change that World Athletics announced was that indoor performances would not be eligible to be used as qualifying performances for track events. The indoor circuit has been a happy hunting ground in years gone by for Australia’s middle distance runners, who are still considered likely to contest these January events for competitive and commercial reasons.

With Nationals being held the week after Easter, a similarly scant contingent of elite athletes to this year are expected to compete at the Stawell Gift.