Trackside at the 2026 English Schools' Athletics Championships
Trackside at the 2026 English Schools' Athletics Championships
The English Schools' Track and Field Championships brought some of the best young athletes in the country to Alexander Stadium, with Junior, Intermediate and Senior competitors representing their counties across two days of racing, jumping and throwing. County colours filled the stands, spikes hung from kit bags, parents kept one eye on the timetable and athletes tried to stay loose before their name was called.
The English Schools' Track and Field Championships brings together young athletes from across the country, all competing for their county across two days of sprints, distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps and throws.
Pro:Direct Running was there with the full championship merchandise range, so athletes and parents could check colours, sizing and products before ordering online. Plenty stopped by between events, some still in county kit, some with medals around their necks, and most carrying more bags than they probably wanted.
There were temporary tattoos, cowbells, crowd bangers and branded Polaroids too. The Polaroids became the easy win. A quick photo after an event, sometimes still in spikes, sometimes with family, and something physical to take home from the weekend.
PUMA joined us with the new Deviate Pure Nitro, plus the latest running shoes and spikes. Athletes could try the shoe properly and get a feel for where it fits. The PUMA Deviate Pure Nitro is a lightweight, non-plated daily trainer with a smooth, controlled ride for easy runs, steady miles and longer tempo efforts. For young athletes at English Schools, it is the kind of shoe that can handle the training around race day without feeling heavy or overbuilt.
Out on the track and in the field, the level was high. Championship records fell across the weekend, while county teams packed the barriers for finals and relays.
That is what English Schools does well. It feels serious without losing the familiar bits of track and field. Coaches shouting splits. Parents looking for safety pins. Athletes comparing spikes and trying not to miss call time.
Two days with the athletes, families, county teams and everyone helping the weekend run.
Track and Field Obsessed.