The best university athletes from across the UK will compete for glory this weekend in an attempt to cement their place in the history books.
Participating in athletics is a popular activity for many students who attend universities in the United Kingdom. Many universities offer world-class facilities on campus, along with high-level coaching and support, enabling students to pursue their athletic passions while simultaneously earning a degree.
This weekend, the 2023 BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place, providing an opportunity for university students across the UK to compete against one another in a range of events.
As one of the biggest events on the UK university sports calendar, the Championships will feature almost 50 heart-stopping finals in a wide range of different athletic disciplines. Hosted at the impressive Manchester Regional Arena, over 1,500 students will take part in the final athletics event of the season.
With over 100 universities across the U.K. set to be represented, the three-day event promises to be another exciting showcase of UK university sport as students attempt to become national champions of their respective disciplines.
We look at where this year’s Championships will be held, which events will be taking place, as well as what happened in last year’s event.
Where are this year’s Championships?
The 2023 BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place at the Manchester Regional Arena.
Originally developed as the warm-up track for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the stadium with a capacity of 6,500 has previously hosted the Paralympic World Cup and was once home to the Manchester City Ladies’ side.
In the shadow of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, the Regional Arena provides the perfect backdrop for the best of UK university athletics to battle it out one final time this season.
Which events will be taking place?
From the lightning-fast 100m sprint to the explosive triple jump, the Championships feature a range of exhilarating events that showcase the athleticism and talent of the participating students.
On the track, students will be competing in a range of events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m sprints, as well as the grueling 1500m and 5000m long-distance races.
Over on the field, students will be showcasing their throwing skills in events like the shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin, and demonstrating their speed, and agility in the challenging and exciting pole vault competition.
| 100m | 110m Hurdles | Pole Vault |
| 200m | 400m Hurdles | Shot Put |
| 400m | 3000m Steeplechase | Discus |
| 800m | High Jump | Hammer |
| 1500m | Long Jump | Javelin |
| 5000m | Triple Jump | Relay |
The BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships truly represent the pinnacle of university athletics in the UK, and with opportunities to compete in a wide range of disciplines, students from all backgrounds and athletic interests have a chance to showcase their skills on this national stage.
Moments from last year’s Championships
Learn more about UK University Athletics
Whilst the standard of the BUCS Athletics Championship is high, throughout the U.K. university sport system there are equal opportunities for all levels of athlete to experience competitive athletic competition.
Whether you are looking to compete on the track, participate in long-distance events or test yourself in a field discipline, there are numerous opportunities to pursue your athletic ambitions alongside your education in the U.K. and we can help you find them!
Click below to learn more about UK University Athletics or register your details for our free service.
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