When is Track Season? The Ultimate Guide to High School, NCAA D1, and Professional Track & Field

Imagine the thrill of the starting gun, the rush of athletes springing into action, and the electricity of the crowd. Track season isn’t just about competition; it’s about camaraderie, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of personal bests. Whether you're a fan, athlete, or simply track-curious, knowing when each level of track season kicks off... high school, NCAA Division I, and professional... can make all the difference in understanding the sport’s rhythm.

In this guide, we break down each season’s highlights, from intense winter indoor races to iconic outdoor championships under the summer sun. Here’s everything you need to know to follow track’s most exciting events.

High School Track & Field Season

Indoor Season (January to March)

For high schoolers, track season starts indoors in January. Although not all states have indoor programs, for those that do, it’s an intense three-month sprint that ends in March. This season lets young athletes focus on speed and agility in a controlled environment, making it an essential building block for their outdoor performances.

Popular High School Indoor Meet: New Balance Nationals (New York, NY)

New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship will be held at THE TRACK at New Balance, located on the brands Boston campus at its record-breaking indoor facility.Pole Vaulter

The New Balance Nationals Indoor in New York City is the pinnacle for high school track athletes, attracting top talent and scouts. Known for its energetic atmosphere, this meet brings out the best, with thrilling races, jumps, and throws that set the stage for standout seasons.

Outdoor Season (March to June)

High school outdoor track runs from March through early June, when the competition is as open as the skies above. This season includes district, regional, and state championships, where athletes compete on the classic 400-meter tracks in events that push their limits.

Must-Watch High School Outdoor Meet: The Penn Relays (Philadelphia, PA)

Since 1895, the Penn Relays at Franklin Field have brought together thousands of high school athletes. This historic meet features electrifying relays, fiercely competitive sprints, and unforgettable field events, attracting schools from across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

High School Key Dates:

Indoor: January - March

Outdoor: March - Early June

NCAA Division I Track & Field Schedule

Indoor Season (January to March)

The NCAA indoor season kicks off in January, leading up to the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in March. For college athletes, it’s a high-stakes season that sees future Olympians compete and lay the groundwork for their outdoor performance.

Top NCAA Indoor Meet: NCAA Indoor Championships

Held in March, the NCAA Indoor Championships showcase elite athletes from around the country. It’s the ultimate collegiate competition, where athletes race for podiums, records, and a potential springboard into the professional circuit.

Outdoor Season (March to June)

Starting in March, NCAA outdoor season culminates in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, typically hosted at the renowned Hayward Field in Oregon. This event is a landmark in college athletics, known for record-setting performances and intense rivalries.

Can’t-Miss NCAA Outdoor Meet: The Drake Relays (Des Moines, IA)

115th Drake Relays - April 23-26, 2025Pole Vaulter

The Drake Relays, held in late April, bring together top collegiate and professional talent. Dubbed “America’s Athletic Classic,” this meet is renowned for its crowd-drawing relays, field events, and sprints, where athletes compete for records and personal bests.

NCAA Key Dates:

Indoor: January - March (culminating in the NCAA Indoor Championships)

Outdoor: March - June (ending with the NCAA Outdoor Championships)

Professional Track & Field Schedule

Indoor Season (January to March)

The professional indoor track season runs from January through March, where elite athletes compete in the World Athletics Indoor Tour and other high-profile meets. Every event is a chance to sharpen skills and build momentum toward the outdoor season.

Highlight Professional Indoor Meet: World Indoor Championships

Held every other year, the World Indoor Championships is an international event that showcases the best sprinters, jumpers, and throwers in a fast-paced arena setting, setting the tone for the outdoor season.

Outdoor Season (April to September)

From April through September, professional track is in full swing. The outdoor season features the renowned Diamond League series and the World Athletics Championships (in eligible years), where athletes pursue world records and championship titles in packed stadiums.

Elite Outdoor Meet: Diamond League Series (Global Locations)

Held in cities worldwide, from Monaco to Zurich, the Diamond League series offers top-tier competition in sprints, jumps, throws, and distance races. Each meet awards points that help athletes qualify for the grand finale, the Diamond League Finals, where the best compete for the championship.

International Must-Watch: World Athletics Championships

Every two years, the World Athletics Championships draw the world’s top athletes for a competition on par with the Olympics. From start to finish, it’s an electric event with global viewership, monumental performances, and records set.

Professional Key Dates:

Indoor: January - March (with the World Indoor Championships)

Outdoor: April - September (including the Diamond League series and World Championships)

Indoor vs. Outdoor Track: What’s the Difference?

Though they share many events, indoor and outdoor track have unique characteristics. Indoor tracks are typically 200 meters with tighter turns, demanding agility and strategic pacing. Meanwhile, the outdoor 400-meter track accommodates all field events and allows athletes to reach full speed with fewer constraints, adding a sense of freedom and spectacle. Some events, like steeplechase and javelin, are only available outdoors, making the outdoor season a showcase of the sport’s full potential.

Quick-Reference Track Season Schedule

For those tracking key dates, here’s a quick-reference guide:

High School Track Season

Indoor: January - March

Outdoor: March - Early June

NCAA D1 Track Season

Indoor: January - March (culminating in the NCAA Indoor Championships)

Outdoor: March - June (ending with the NCAA Outdoor Championships)

Professional Track Season

Indoor: January - March (with the World Indoor Championships)

Outdoor: April - September (spanning the Diamond League series and World Championships)

Ready, Set, Spectate!

Knowing the track season calendar for high school, NCAA, and professional levels lets you anticipate the energy and spectacle that each season brings. From the local excitement of high school meets like the Penn Relays to the electric atmosphere of the NCAA Championships and the international stage of the Diamond League, track and field offers something for every fan.

So mark your calendars, pick your favorite events, and get ready to watch athletes defy limits in pursuit of greatness. Track season is here, don’t miss a beat!