USATF Masters Nationals qualifying standards for the long jump by age group from M35/W35 through M70/W70.
Standards shown by 5-year age group. You compete in the age group matching your age on the first day of competition.
| Age Group | Qualifying Standard | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| M35 | 7.00m | 22'11.75" |
| M40 | 6.60m | 21'8" |
| M45 | 6.10m | 20'0.25" |
| M50 | 5.60m | 18'4.5" |
| M55 | 5.00m | 16'4.75" |
| M60 | 4.50m | 14'9.25" |
| M65 | 4.00m | 13'1.5" |
| M70 | 3.55m | 11'7.75" |
| Age Group | Qualifying Standard | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| W35 | 5.80m | 19'0.25" |
| W40 | 5.40m | 17'8.5" |
| W45 | 5.00m | 16'4.75" |
| W50 | 4.55m | 14'11.25" |
| W55 | 4.10m | 13'5.5" |
| W60 | 3.70m | 12'1.75" |
| W65 | 3.30m | 10'9.75" |
| W70 | 2.95m | 9'8" |
| Athlete | Age Group | Mark | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carl Lewis | M40 | 7.60m (24'11") | 1999 | Masters World Best |
| Ivan Pedroso | M40 | 7.45m (24'5") | 2008 | |
| Fiona May | W40 | 6.30m (20'8") | 2009 | |
| Helga Radtke | W55 | 5.52m (18'1") | 2010 | WMA World Record |
Long jump distance is primarily determined by approach speed. Masters long jumpers who maintain sprint training see the slowest age-related decline. Prioritize sprint speed work (30–60m accelerations, block starts) year-round.
As approach speed decreases with age, takeoff mechanics become relatively more important. Consistent penultimate step, aggressive plant, and powerful single-leg drive become higher priorities for masters athletes than they were at younger ages.
A consistent, repeatable approach run is essential for legal jumps. Masters jumpers who use fewer strides (14–16 rather than 18–22) often maintain better consistency and foul-avoidance. Practice with a checked mark system.
Explosive single-leg strength directly transfers to takeoff performance. Bulgarian split squats, step-up jumps, and single-leg bounds maintain the leg power needed for effective long jump takeoffs as athletes age.
Hitchkick and hang techniques help maintain distance in flight. Masters athletes who consistently execute a two-kick hitchkick tend to maintain better marks than those who float in a flat body position. Practice the flight phase off a low takeoff ramp or in a sandpit.
Landing with feet forward and driving hips through minimizes distance loss at the pit. Specific landing practice — approaching the pit at moderate speed and focusing on foot-forward landing position — is valuable training for masters athletes.
The USATF Masters Nationals qualifying standard for the M45 long jump is 6.10m (20'0.25"), for athletes aged 45–49.
Yes, the long jump is contested at both USATF Masters Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Indoor long jump uses a shorter runway and does not have wind readings that count toward records.
For record purposes, wind readings of +2.0 m/s or less are required. For qualifying standards, check the specific meet rules — official USATF standards require legal wind. Many masters meets accept wind-aided marks for entry qualification only.
Most masters long jumpers who continue training competitively see gradual decline through their 40s and 50s. However, athletes who focus on technical improvement and speed maintenance often maintain competitive performances well into their 50s.
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