Eyes On The Prize

Athletes to battle it out for European and World Cup places, as well as national titles

THE 2018 British Championships hold arguably more importance than ever before, with places for not only the European Championships up for grabs but the Athletics World Cup, too.

The equation for athletes wishing to compete at the World Cup is simple – win your event at the Championships. The format only allows for one athlete from the eight nations involved per event and there are no qualification standards to be met.

Just three of the 18 events scheduled at the British Championships have no World Cup implications – the 5000m, 3000m steeplechase and 5km race walk. The 5000m and 3000m steeplechase will carry European importance, though.

The British Championships continue the start of a new procedure introduced at the start of 2018 for athletes wishing to compete at the showpiece events of the year.

Those aiming to be put forward for selection for this summer’s European Championships in Berlin are required to attend the British Championships and compete in the event in which they wish to be considered.

There are exceptions for the marathon, 10,000m and 20km race walk events, which have their own separate trials as part of the London Marathon, Night of 10,000m PBs and British Grand Prix of Race Walking respectively.