2026 African Championships: CAA Sets Qualification Marks

2026 African Championships: CAA Sets Qualification Marks

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has released the official qualification standards for the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships, setting clear benchmarks for athletes targeting a place at the continental showpiece in Accra, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to details released on Wednesday evening, the entry marks cover track, field and combined events for both men and women ahead of the championships, scheduled to take place at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon, from May 12 to 17, 2026.

In the sprint events, male athletes are required to clock 10.20 seconds in the 100m and 21.00 seconds in the 200m, while the women’s qualifying standards stand at 11.70 seconds and 24.00 seconds respectively. 

The 400m qualification times have been fixed at 46.50 seconds for men and 54.60 seconds for women.

Middle- and long-distance runners must meet demanding benchmarks, including 1:47.30 in the men’s 800m, 3:39.00 in the men’s 1,500m and 13:30.00 in the 5,000m. For women, the required times are 2:06.00, 4:21.00 and 16:18.00 in the respective events.

In the field events, the men’s long jump qualifying mark is set at 7.80m, with women required to reach 6.15m. 

The high jump standards are 2.12m for men and 1.75m for women, while the javelin throw qualification stands at 69.00m for men and 49.00m for women.

For combined events, athletes must attain a minimum of 6,960 points in the decathlon and 5,000 points in the heptathlon to be eligible for selection.

The release of the qualification standards officially signals the start of the race for places at the championships, as Africa’s top athletes intensify preparations in pursuit of continental honours in Accra.

The CAA has already confirmed key dates and host arrangements, with Ghana set to welcome athletes, officials and administrators from across the continent. 

Technical officials are expected to arrive from May 8, 2026, followed by a council meeting and team arrivals on May 10. A technical meeting is scheduled for May 11, one day before competition begins.

The championships will conclude on May 17, with team departures slated for May 18, as Accra takes centre stage in African athletics for six days of competition.