Highlights and What’s Ahead at the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships

The 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships have brought more than 4,000 athletes aged 35 to 100+ from nearly 100 countries to Gainesville, Florida, for a week of spirited competition and lifelong passion for the sport. Held at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center, the championships began on March 23 and continue through March 30, delivering record-breaking performances and remarkable stories of perseverance.

The opening ceremony set the tone, with a Parade of Nations, live music, and cultural performances welcoming athletes to Florida. Over the first few days, standout performances have included American stars Rick Becker and Nora Cary winning their respective 6K cross country titles, and 80-year-old Michael Kiely of Ireland stunning the crowd with a gold-medal 800m run in the 80–84 category, clocking an impressive 3:09.35.

As the championships head into their final stretch, attention now turns to the middle- and long-distance track events. Here’s a look at what’s coming:

Upcoming Events: 800m and Up (March 27–30)

• March 27–28:

• 3000m Race Walk Finals for all age groups (Men & Women 35+ to 85+)

• 1500m Semifinals (Men & Women 50+ to 35+)

• March 30 (Sunday – Final Day):

• 1500m Finals from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM

• 800m Finals from 1:00 PM to 3:20 PM

Every race is split by five-year age brackets, ensuring fair and competitive racing across the decades. Admission is free to all events, and the atmosphere inside the venue has been electric—equal parts competition and celebration.

posted Tuesday March 25th
by Boris Baron