About Athletics at Exeter
The University of Exeter Athletics Club (UAAC) is one of the most successful and inclusive sports clubs at the university. UAAC fields athletes across track and field, cross country, road running, and combined events — competing at BUCS Championships while simultaneously running one of the largest social running programmes at any UK university. The Tuesday evening club run regularly draws 100+ students of all abilities. UAAC's location in Devon is a genuine competitive advantage: the Exe Valley trails, Haldon Hill forest, Dartmoor approaches, and the Exeter Arena track give athletes training variety that most UK university clubs cannot replicate.
Club History
UAAC has produced national-standard athletes for decades. The cross country section established a particular reputation in the 2010s with the women's team finishing in the top 10 at BUCS Cross Country National Championships on multiple occasions. Individual alumni have represented England Athletics and GB at junior and senior level. The club's dual identity — elite performance pathway alongside mass participation social running — has been maintained deliberately and is a model other university clubs have looked to replicate.
Joining the Athletics Club
There are no trials — any student can join UAAC. The annual freshers' welcome run in the first week of September regularly attracts over 200 students. Members self-select into appropriate training groups: elite squads for those with strong backgrounds, development groups for improving athletes, and the social run group for fitness and enjoyment. BUCS competitive squads require demonstrated performance standards but the process is transparent and progressive — development athletes who improve are naturally incorporated into higher-level training.
Training
Track athletes train 3 times per week: Tuesday evening interval sessions at Exeter Arena, Thursday tempo work on trail or road routes, and a Saturday long run or race. Cross country runners follow similar patterns with more off-road emphasis. The Tuesday social run departs from Streatham Sports Park at 6:30pm and covers 6–10km at conversational pace. Competitive squads use the Sports Park strength suite for supplementary conditioning. Coaching is provided by British Athletics qualified coaches.
BUCS Competition
UAAC competes at BUCS Cross Country South West Regional Championships (November), BUCS Cross Country National Championships (February), BUCS Indoor Athletics Championships (February), and BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships (May/June). Athletes qualify for championships through submitted times or regional qualifying events. The club also enters BUCS Road Relays and South West university road racing series throughout the year.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
UAAC qualifies athletes for BUCS National Championships every year across multiple disciplines. The women's cross country team has finished top 10 nationally. Individual athletes have reached BUCS finals in 800m, 1500m, steeplechase, and field events. Multiple alumni have represented England and Wales at junior and senior athletics level.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Join in freshers' week regardless of standard — there is literally a group for everyone from park runners to county champions
- Heavitree is best for athletics track training at Topsham Road; Pennsylvania Road is best for trail running from the front door
- BUCS Cross Country Nationals in February is one of the best sports days of the year — go even as a spectator
- Use the Sports Park gym access that comes with UAAC membership from week one — strength work is part of the competitive programme
- The Haldon Hill sessions (Tuesday trail intervals) are a UAAC tradition — go even if they sound brutal
Student Accommodation for Athletics Players
Pennsylvania Road and St James are most popular, with direct access to the canal towpath and university trail network from the front door — athletes can start runs directly from their houses. Heavitree suits those who train regularly at the Topsham Road athletics track, giving better bus links to Exeter Arena. A smaller number of serious competitive runners choose Mount Pleasant for its quieter environment and easier recovery conditions.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Athletics Players
Most University of Exeter athletics players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play athletics you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Exeter Athletics Club called?
UAAC — University of Exeter Athletics Club. It covers track and field, cross country, road running, and combined events, and welcomes athletes from complete beginners to national standard.
Where do Exeter University athletes train?
Track athletes use Exeter Arena on Topsham Road. Cross country and road runners train on the canal towpath, Haldon Hill trails, Dartmoor routes, and university campus grounds. Strength work uses the Streatham Sports Park gym.
Is UAAC only for serious competitive athletes?
Not at all. The Tuesday social run group is one of the largest at Exeter and is specifically for non-competitive runners. Hundreds of UAAC members participate purely for fitness and enjoyment.
Does Exeter University qualify for BUCS Athletics Nationals?
Yes — UAAC qualifies athletes for BUCS Indoor and Outdoor National Championships every year. The cross country team qualifies for BUCS Cross Country Nationals consistently, with the women's team having been top 10 nationally.
What areas are popular with Exeter University athletics students?
Pennsylvania Road and St James for direct trail access from the front door. Heavitree for proximity to the Topsham Road athletics track via bus.
Can I do cross country and track at Exeter University simultaneously?
Yes — many UAAC members compete in both cross country (October–February) and outdoor track (April–June). The seasons complement each other and training overlaps significantly.