England Athletics defends itself over 5,000m sexism claims

England Athletics has been forced to deny it is planning for men to be able to run 5,000m races but not women. 

Current government guidelines only allow groups to train or compete in close contact under two metres for a period of less than 15 minutes. Athletes had raised concerns about this affecting the 5,000m, where elite men can run the event within that time but the current Olympic qualifying standard for women is 15 minutes 10 seconds.

But as things stand, only races up to 1,500m will be sanctioned for men and women, with no plans to create separate guidelines for different genders.

"England Athletics has not released - and is not planning on releasing - any Covid-19 guidance differentiating track and field activity and distance between male and female athletes," said Martin Rush, England Athletics' head of coaching and athlete development.

"Our guidance at this point in time states that 800m racing can take place with certain rules in place, and a varied form of competition is available for 1500m racing - although not in a regular form.

"There are some limitations as to what events can be organised within the guidance from government and EA is working on an update for the middle distance events and will be releasing that shortly."