Beijing 2027: World Athletics Reveals New Qualifying Standard

World Athletics has officially released the entry requirements for the 2027 World Championships, set to take place in Beijing’s iconic National Stadium from September 11–19.

With competition expected to reach new heights, the governing body has laid out a multi-path qualification system designed to ensure only the world’s elite make the cut. Athletes can secure their spot in four ways: achieving the entry standard within the designated window, finishing high in select competitions, earning a wild card, or climbing high enough in the world rankings.

“Under the approved system, athletes in individual events will be able to qualify in four ways: by achieving the entry standard during the qualification period; by virtue of finishing position at designated competitions; through a wild card; or by world rankings position at the end of the respective ranking period,” World Athletics said in a statement on it’s website.

“The qualifying window for the marathon runs from November 3, 2025 to midnight on May 2, 2027. For the 10,000m, race walks, combined events and relays, the window runs from February 23, 2026 to midnight on August 2, 2027. For all other disciplines, entry standards can be achieved from August 23, 2026 to midnight on August 22, 2027.”

Marathon standards are set at 2:06:00 for men and 2:23:20 for women, reflecting the grueling endurance battle ahead.

Field events demand excellence: high jump (men 2.30m, women 1.96m), long jump (8.25m / 6.86m), javelin (85.50m / 63.40m), and hammer throw (78.30m / 74.00m). Combined-event athletes need 8,620 points (decathlon) and 6,550 points (heptathlon).

World Athletics aims for roughly 40% of the field to qualify via entry standards and 60% via world rankings. Importantly, performances must be achieved at Category C competitions or higher, ensuring marks come from meets with verified quality standards.