UK Athletics turns a profit for the first time in eight years

The British Athletics Federation announced a surplus for the first time since 2017, after two years facing the risk of bankruptcy.

The board reported a record annual loss of £3.7m in 2023, but implemented strict measures to achieve a surplus of £107,588.

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

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

Ian Beattie, UKA chairman, said: “I’m very pleased with our return to profit – it’s an important moment for UK Athletics and a real sign that the steps we’ve taken over the last two years are working.”

He added, “But I do not underestimate how difficult it is to return to this position. We have made difficult decisions, careful management, and the commitment of a large number of people to change things.”

“The Organization has gone through a period of real change. We have had to make savings across the board, including redundancies and reducing support for some programs outside the Global Performance System.

“Those were extremely difficult decisions and were never taken lightly, but they were necessary to secure the long-term stability of the sport. We are a leaner organization now – more streamlined and more focused on the right fundamentals and culture – but we are also stronger as a result.”