Track and field, also known as athletics, encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level. Through training programs, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport.

Special Olympics track and field is a summer sport where athletes train and compete from March through June at both the Area and State level. 


General Information

The Track and Field Fact Sheet provides general information on the sport’s background, popularity and statistics in the Special Olympics sports world.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for track and field shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. View the most updated Track and Field Rules.

Article 1 provides general principles established by the Special Olympics Official General Rules that are not found in sport-specific rules. When there is conflict between a sport’s official rules and the general rules, the general rules in Article 1 will be followed.


2022 Available Track and Field Events

Available Track Events

• 10M Assisted Walk
• 25M Walk
• 25M Assisted Walk
• 50M Walk
• 50M Assisted Walk
• 100M Walk
• 400M Walk
• 800M Walk
• 1500M Walk
• 25M Dash
• 50M Dash
• 100M Dash
• 200M Dash
• 400M Dash
• 800M Run
• 1500M Run
• 3000M Run
• 5000M Run
• 10000M Run
• 4x100M Relay
• 4x100M Walk Relay
• 4x400M Relay
• 10M WC Race
• 25M WC Race
• 100M WC Race
• 200M WC Race
• 400M WC Race
• 4x25M WC Shuttle Relay
• 30M WC Slalom
• 25M Motorized WC Obstacle Race
• 30M Motorized WC Race
• 50M Motorized WC Race

Available Field Events

• Long jump
• Shot put
• WC Shot put
• High jump
• Running long jump
• Softball throw*
• Tennis ball throw*
• Mini-javelin
• WC Softball throw
• WC Tennis ball throw

* Athletes that can throw a softball or tennis ball more than 25M are strongly encouraged to participate in a different field event.

Pentathlon
  • 100M Dash
  • Long jump
  • Shot put
  • High jump
  • 400M Dash

Upcoming Events

  • 2023 Summer Games The College of New Jersey
    2000 Pennington Rd
    Ewing Township, New Jersey 08618

Coaching Resources

Special Olympics New Jersey strives to provide additional sport training to our athletes so that they are at their best when it comes time for training and competition. Please make sure to check back regularly for new and upcoming training resources!

Coaches are encouraged to use the resources below to be as prepared as possible for track and field training and competition.

If you have any questions on coaching, visit our coach section for information.


Additional Athletics Information

Sports Registration Checklist

Read through and complete this checklist of to-dos before signing up for a local program.