UK Athletics in profit for first time in eight years

UK Athletics has reported a surplus for the first time since 2017, two years after facing the threat of bankruptcy.

The governing body announced a record annual loss of £3.7m in 2023 but has implemented strict measures to deliver a surplus of £107,588.

UK Athletics (UKA) introduced tighter cost controls and restructured internally – reducing staff numbers from 72 to 62 – and “reducing support for some programmes”.

UKA also struck a “groundbreaking” deal with the organisers of the London Marathon and Great North Run in 2024 to help it tackle financial crises.

“I am very pleased that we are back in profit – it’s an important moment for UK Athletics and a real sign that the steps we have taken over the past two years are working,” UKA chair Ian Beattie said.

“But I don’t underestimate how difficult it has been to get back to this position. It has taken hard decisions, careful management and the commitment of a great many people to turn things around.

“The organisation has gone through a period of real change. We have had to make savings across every area, including redundancies and reduced support for some programmes outside the World Class Performance system.