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Under Armour Track And Field Nationals
Our Why
This championship is built for performances and personal bests, not mass participation.
Every decision, from entry acceptance to scheduling to event placement, is made with one goal in mind: creating an environment where athletes can run faster, jump farther, and throw farther. This includes significant investment in elite-level facilities, performance-oriented layouts, and competition infrastructure designed specifically for championship execution.
Entries are accepted using a true descending order performance list, similar to the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships. Acceptance is based on verified performance, not registration speed. This ensures the highest-level competitors earn their place in the meet and that field sizes remain intentional, competitive, and performance driven.
Smaller, controlled field sizes allow meet management to prioritize what matters most to athletes: clean warm-up access, efficient athlete flow, adequate recovery time, and proper competition rhythm. Events are actively managed and positioned to take advantage of favorable conditions, including wind orientation, surface quality, and spatial separation between disciplines. This meet is designed to work with the environment, not against it.
Automatic “A” Standards guarantee entry once marks are verified, ensuring elite-level athletes are never excluded due to timing, registration volume, or system limitations.
At the middle school level, this championship intentionally restores key events often eliminated at the national level, including true pentathlons, pole vault, hurdles, and more. Young athletes deserve the same respect for preparation, opportunity, and competitive experience as older athletes, and this meet is built to reflect that belief.
This championship is not about how many entries can be accepted. It is about delivering a professional, athlete-first environment where preparation is respected, facilities are leveraged to their fullest potential, and personal bests are expected, not accidental. The goal is simple: raise the national standard for track and field competition by building a meet that truly serves the athlete.
Information
Awards
Top 8 finishers receive medals in all finals.
Top 6 finishers in Championship events earn All American honors and receive an additional special prize.
Championship relay winners receive a branded relay baton and a piece of finish line tape if used in their race.
Additional awards and prizes may be presented on site. Athletes must register, be accepted, and win to find out more.
Backpacks
All athletes accepted into the event will receive an event customized, high end Under Armour backpack to commemorate participation in the inaugural championship.
If an athlete is accepted into the meet after the event cap has been reached (with meet management approval)- no backpack will be provided to the athlete.
Pacing Lights
IMG Academy is home to the first permanent WaveLight pacing system installed on U.S. soil and will offer this technology for select running events at the meet.
Pacing lights will be used in all final races of 800 meters and longer. Pace targets will be determined by meet management and may reflect U.S. number one performances, national records, youth world records, or other elite benchmarks.
Pacing lights may also be used in preliminary rounds of the 400 meters and longer to visually indicate qualifying cut lines for advancement.
Coaches with athletes pursuing record level performances may submit pacing requests by emailing [email protected]. While not all requests can be accommodated, meet management will make every effort to support personal best and record chasing opportunities.
Venue
IMG Academy Stadium, West Campus
5650 Bollettieri Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34210
Airports
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): approximately 20 minutes from campus
Tampa International Airport (TPA): approximately 55 miles from campus
Hotels
Partner hotel information and room blocks are currently being secured. Hotel details will be posted here once finalized.
Book HereMeet Merchandise
Official Under Armour event merchandise will be available for pre-order during registration through Athletic.net.
Event merchandise will also be available for purchase on site. Please refer to the Day of Logistics page for merchandise tent locations and hours.
*There will be NO refunds for purchased merchandise. If you have pre-ordered meet merch, you will pick that up ON SITE during your packet pickup experience. NO items will be shipped*
Pre Sale LinkTeam Tent Rentals
Team tent rentals will be available through an approved event vendor, similar to setups used at NCAA Division I regional championships.
Tents will be placed in premium locations adjacent to the warmup facility and competition areas. Rentals are available for teams or families seeking a dedicated team space during the meet.
Upon arrival, tents will already be pitched and ready for use. Each tent will be clearly labeled with the team name or reservation holder for easy identification.
Additional details, including pricing and reservation instructions, will be posted once the final vendor is confirmed.
Registration Process Overview
All entries for the Under Armour Track & Field Nationals must be submitted through Athletic.net.
Click HereThis championship uses a standards-based entry system designed to ensure elite competition, proper event depth, and a true national-caliber championship experience.
There are two pathways for athletes and relay teams to be accepted into the meet.
Route 1: Automatic “A” Standard
Athletes or relay teams who achieve the Automatic “A” Standard in their respective event during the qualifying window may enter the meet through Athletic.net.
- Any athlete or relay team who:
- Achieves the Automatic “A” Standard, and
- Completes their entry on Athletic.net by May 20 at 10:00 PM (EST), and
- Pays the required entry fee
- Will be guaranteed a spot in the meet once the mark is verified.
An Automatic “A” mark achieved early in the season is treated the same as one achieved later in the season.
An Automatic mark achieved on February 10 carries the same weight as one achieved on April 10.
Automatic “A” Standard entries may briefly appear as Waitlisted while marks are being verified in the system. Once verified, these entries will be moved to Accepted status and are guaranteed entry regardless of event field size.
Automatic “A” Standard athletes will continue to be accepted at any point through May 20, regardless of waitlist activity.
Route 2: Minimum Standard and Waitlist
Athletes or relay teams who achieve the Minimum Entry Standard, but do not meet the Automatic “A” Standard, may still enter the meet through Athletic.net. These entries will initially be placed on the waitlist.
Important notes regarding Minimum Standards:
- Most events have Minimum Entry Standards
- All middle school events do NOT have Minimum Entry Standards
- Championship high school relay events do NOT have Minimum Entry Standards
Athletes or relay teams who do not meet the Automatic “A” Standard are strongly encouraged to enter and join the waitlist. Automatic “A” Standards are intentionally elite, and the majority of events will not be filled by Automatic qualifiers alone.
- Waitlisted athletes are ranked relative to other entries within the same event, based on verified performance.
Waitlist Acceptance Waves
To ensure elite competition, proper event depth, and early clarity for athletes and coaches, waitlisted entries will be reviewed and accepted in two structured waves:
Wave 1 — April 1 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- This wave is designed to:
- Reward early high-level performances
- Establish strong competitive fields
- Provide certainty for top-ranked waitlisted athletes and coaches
Wave 2 — May 1 at 12:00 PM (EST)
- This wave allows meet management to:
- Finalize event field sizes
- Balance depth across disciplines
- Account for late-season improvements and withdrawals
Once an athlete’s or relay team’s entry status changes to Accepted, entry fee payment must be completed to officially secure a place in the meet.
Between April 1 and May 20, meet management will actively manage the waitlist. As registrations continue to flow, meet management may proactively accept waitlisted athletes outside of formal waves when appropriate, while preserving the integrity of the entry process.
Event Field Sizes
Event field sizes will not be released until closer to the event. This allows the meet committee to ensure the appropriate caliber of talent and competitive balance across all disciplines.
Automatic “A” qualifiers are accepted first. Remaining spots are filled from the waitlist based on ranking, competitive needs, and event balance.
Relay Entry Standards and Composite Times
Relay teams may qualify using composite FAT times for the following events:
- 4x400 meters
- 4x800 meters
- 4x1 Mile
- Distance Medley Relay (DMR)
Composite times must:
- Be fully automatic timing (FAT)
- Be from the 2026 indoor or outdoor season
- Indoor marks from December 2025 onward may be used
Relay teams that do not meet the Automatic “A” Standard are encouraged to enter and will be evaluated through the waitlist process if space allows.
Combined Events Qualification
Combined events athletes may qualify for entry through either of the following methods:
Automatic “A” Standard Qualification
Athletes who achieve the Automatic “A” Standard score in a completed:
- Decathlon
- Heptathlon
- Middle School Pentathlon
during the qualifying window are guaranteed entry, provided the mark is verified and the entry fee is paid.
Composite Score Qualification
Athletes may also qualify using a verified composite score built from individual event performances.
Eligible composite scores may come from:
- The 2025 outdoor season
- The 2026 indoor season
- The 2026 outdoor season
All component marks must be FAT verified where applicable.
Waitlist Entry
Athletes who do not meet the Automatic “A” Standard through either a completed combined event or a composite score are strongly encouraged to enter and join the waitlist. If the combined events field is not filled by Automatic qualifiers, remaining spots will be filled from the waitlist to ensure full and competitive fields.
Meet management reserves final authority on combined events qualification and acceptance.
Results Verification
All entry marks must be verified through Athletic.net or another meet-management–approved source.
- Acceptable marks may come from:
- The 2025 outdoor season, or
- The 2026 indoor or outdoor season
If a mark is not listed on Athletic.net, official proof must be submitted through:
- A certified timing company, or
- A recognized and verified results platform
Indoor Marks and Conversions
Indoor marks may be accepted only if they represent a direct and appropriate conversion to an outdoor event.
Examples:
- A 60-meter dash does not qualify for 100-meter entry
- An indoor 800-meter time may qualify for outdoor 800-meter entry
- An indoor weight throw mark does not qualify for hammer throw entry
Meet management reserves final authority on mark verification, conversions, and athlete eligibility.
Standards
Automatic “A” Standards and Minimum Entry Standards vary by event and division.
Please click the link below to view the full list of published standards:
Standards are designed to:
- Ensure elite competition
- Maintain proper event depth
- Provide fair access for late-season performers
Athletes and relay teams who do not meet Automatic “A” Standards are strongly encouraged to enter and join the waitlist.
Eligibility
The meet is open to middle school and high school-aged athletes.
Athletes may register under their school, club affiliation, or as unattached.
Canadian athletes are eligible to register and compete.
International athlete entries will be extremely limited and accepted only at meet management discretion.
International athletes not affiliated with a U.S. high school are not eligible for All-American honors, but are eligible to medal.
Meet Schedule
A tentative meet schedule will be released and posted here in the near future.
The initial schedule will outline the order of events and include a start time for the first event of each session. This preliminary version will not include a full event by event time schedule.
Competition will take place over three days:
Friday through Sunday, May 29 to May 31, 2026
Pre meet activities and packet pickup will occur on:
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The day of competition for each event and the overall order of events will not change. Final event declarations will be used to build the official time schedule.
The final time specific meet time schedule will be released on May 25, 2026.
The meet will operate on a fixed time schedule, not a rolling schedule. Any necessary adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather, will be communicated through the official event text alert system- make sure you sign up!
Facilities
IMG Academy, located in Bradenton, Florida, is a premier sports campus built to support elite performance. In preparation for the Under Armour Track and Field Nationals, IMG Academy has made significant investments in brand new facilities designed to maximize speed, safety, and competitive opportunity.
Many of the venues used for this championship have been completed or upgraded within the last six months, ensuring athletes are competing on the most modern track and field infrastructure available in the United States.
Track and Stadium
- Brand new 400-meter Rekortan G13 gel-based track completed December 18, 2025
- Permanent WaveLight pacing system integrated into built in rail curbing
- 5,000 seat stadium designed for championship level competition and spectator experience
Warm Up and Jump Facilities
- Dedicated Bermuda turf warm up area adjacent to competition venues
- Eight dedicated long jump pits
- Seven dedicated pole vault pits with eight possible box locations
- Two high jump pits
Throws Facilities
- Brand new throws complex scheduled for completion prior to the 2026 outdoor season
- Two shot put rings
- State of the art Gill Coliseum discus and hammer cage
- Brand new javelin runway surfaced with Rekortan G13 throwing surface
These upgrades reflect a deliberate investment in athlete performance. This championship is being built into newly developed, championship level facilities designed to support personal bests, elite competition, and the future of the sport.
Day of Logistics
Text Alerts and Sign-Up Instructions
An official text alert system will be used to communicate real-time updates throughout the event.
Text alerts may include:
- Schedule updates or delays
- Weather advisories
- Facility or logistics changes
- Special announcements
Sign up instructions will be posted here once finalized. Signing up for text alerts is strongly encouraged. Athletes and coaches who do not sign up may miss critical updates during the meet.
Event Map
A comprehensive event map is currently in development and will be posted here prior to the meet.
The map will include:
- Competition venues
- Warm up areas
- Packet pickup location
- Parking zones
- Spectator viewing areas
- Awards photo locations
Parking Options
A detailed parking map and parking instructions will be released prior to the event.
Please review parking assignments prior to arrival, as access points may vary by role.
Pre-Meet Facility Hours
IMG Academy facilities will open on Thursday, May 28 to allow athletes access for pre meet preparation.
Facilities will also be open during morning hours on Friday, May 29 for athletes competing later in the weekend who wish to complete a shakeout session.
Specific facility access areas and hours will be listed here closer to the event.
Packet Pickup Locations and Hours
Packet pickup will be located in the IMG Academy Field House, the large building located at the north end of the track complex.
All competing athletes and teams must complete packet pickup as the first step of meet check in. Packet pickup days and hours will be posted here once finalized.
At packet pickup, athletes will receive:
- Competition bibs
- Entry confirmation
- Backpack redemption slip
- Additional event materials
Athlete Flow
A detailed athlete flow map will be released prior to the event.
The athlete flow process is designed to be simple, efficient, and performance focused.
Field Events
Athletes may report to field event areas one hour before scheduled start time.
Runways and aprons for high jump, long jump, and triple jump will open 45 minutes prior to start time.
Pole vault athletes may report to the venue 1.5 hours before scheduled start time.
Pole vault runways will open one hour prior to start time.
Pole vault pole storage will be available for athletes.
Running Events
All running event athletes will follow this progression: Warm Up to Check In to Clerking to Staging
Warm Up Area
The primary warm up field is located on the south side of the track complex behind the main video and results board.
Check In
Athletes must report to check in tables 45 to 60 minutes prior to their scheduled start time. After check in, athletes should remain in the warm up area until their heat is called to clerking.
Clerking
Athletes will be called heat by heat to the clerking tent. Athletes may bring a spike bag and warmups only. Time spent in clerking will be kept to a minimum with a goal of no more than 10 minutes.
Staging
Athletes will move to the staging area shortly before competition. Staging locations may vary by event and are designed to minimize heat exposure.
Athlete belongings will be placed in bins prior to competition and returned to athletes at the designated athlete exit following their race.
Coach Flow
Coaches will have designated access areas and coaching zones specific to each event.
Coaches are expected to remain within approved areas to ensure smooth event operations and athlete safety.
Additional coaching flow details will be posted prior to the meet.
Spectator Flow
Additional spectator flow details, including viewing locations and awards photo areas, will be posted closer to the event.
Standards
Automatic “A” Standards and Minimum Entry Standards vary by event and division.
Please click the link below to view the full list of published standards: Click Here
Standards are designed to:
- Ensure elite competition
- Maintain proper event depth
- Provide fair access for late-season performers
Athletes and relay teams who do not meet Automatic “A” Standards are strongly encouraged to enter and join the waitlist. Automatic “A” Standards are intentionally elite, and the majority of events will not be filled by Automatic qualifiers alone- so JOIN THE WAITLIST.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will be updated continuously as questions are received at [email protected] so all participants can benefit from shared answers and clarifications.
Do I need to bring my own implements?
No. Athletes do not need to bring their own implements for throwing events.
Gill Athletics will provide all house implements for athletes competing in open throws and multi event throwing competitions. A list of the exact house implement models will be posted prior to the meet.
Athletes are welcome to bring their own implements if they prefer, subject to weigh in and inspection requirements.
Do I need to bring my own pole vault poles?
Yes. Athletes competing in open pole vault or decathlon pole vault events must bring their own poles.
There will be no poles available for rent or general use on the IMG Academy campus. Designated pole storage will be available for teams that wish to drop poles off prior to the meet.
Are there weigh ins for throwing events?
Yes. Weigh ins are mandatory for all personal implements brought into competition.
Weigh ins will occur during scheduled windows and will not take place immediately before competition. A larger weigh in window will be available on Thursday, May 28, with additional shorter weigh in windows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
All personal implements will be impounded after weigh in and returned to the athlete once they have completed competition for the weekend.
Will multi event athletes have assigned clerks?
Yes. Each middle school pentathlon, heptathlon, and decathlon will have a designated multi event clerk.
Multi event athletes must check in between two hours and 1.5 hours prior to the start of their first event. At check in, athletes will meet their assigned clerk and follow that clerk's instructions for the duration of the meet.
Bag policies, check-in procedures, and athlete flow for multi events differ from individual events. Athletes are expected to follow the direction of their assigned clerk or the meet director.
How many athletes receive medals?
The top 8 finishers receive medals in all finals for both middle school and high school events.
What qualifies as All American status?
The top 6 finishers in Championship division events earn All American honors and receive an additional special prize.
Approved international athletes may medal but are not eligible for All American designation unless otherwise specified by meet management.
Is meet merchandise available for purchase?
Yes. Official event merchandise will be available for pre order during registration through Athletic.net and will also be available for purchase on site during the meet.
Event Facilities
Lifestyle Accommodations
Legacy hotel at IMG Academy
Steps from campus, there’s a place to pursue passions, recover and rejuvenate, and breathe in modern luxury. Legacy Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel offering unique experiences to elevate your active lifestyle.
Due to high demand, Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy is currently booked, please check back for additional accommodation or cotact [email protected] to learn more.
Complete Your Experience
Transportation
IMG Academy offers dropoff and pickup services to and from several local Florida airports. Schedule your transportation as an individual or with a group for ultimate ease.
Retail
Explore IMG Academy’s Official Online Store for a wide selection of branded apparel and gear designed for athletes, families, and fans.
IMG Academy+
IMG Academy+ offers 1-on-1, group and on-demand mental performance and nutrition coaching programs to help transform your game.
