<h2>European Running Championships</h2>
<p><strong>European Athletics is delighted to announce that the first ever edition of the European Running Championships will take place in Leuven and Brussels on 12-13 April 2025, with the masses joining the elites for a festival of running on the streets of Belgium.</strong></p>
<p>The inaugural edition will see road races take centre stage at a standalone European Championships, featuring three races over two days: 10K, half marathon and marathon. Europe&rsquo;s top distance runners will race alongside the masses, bringing the stars of the sport and their fans closer than ever before.</p>
<p>The marathon course will run from Brussels to Leuven, starting in the heart of the Belgian capital before reaching the finish in the historic heart of Leuven.</p>
<p>The European marathon champion had previously been crowned at the European Championships, but now the classic distance, and its finest exponents, will take the spotlight at their very own festival of running, with medals awarded for individual and team honours at all three distances. Mass-race participants can also compete for medals in brand-new &lsquo;country ranking&rsquo; competition.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The European Running Championships symbolises my vision of a sport that really is for everyone,&rdquo; said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov. &ldquo;Young and old, male and female, fast and slow, big and small, elite and amateur will all compete together and simultaneously in mass marathon, half marathon and 10km races, with global and national ranking places on offer.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Karamarinov added: &ldquo;For too long, athletics has been seen as a rarefied activity, the preserve of only the super-fit and the super-gifted. All children, and a growing number of adults across our continent, take part in athletics, in the form of recreational running, every day. Yet many of them do not think of themselves as athletes. I am determined to bridge this gap.&rdquo;</p>
<p>European Athletics CEO Christian Milz said: "This will be a unique championships as every runner will be an athlete and every athlete can be a champion. It gives everyone in our sport the chance to experience that unique championships feeling. Welcome to the European Running Championships.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Team & Media Information

Media Logistics Information

European Running Championships

European Running Championships Regulations

Team Manual - European Running Championships 2025

<p><strong>On Global Running Day (4 June), the Dutch city of Utrecht is confirmed as the hosts of the third edition of the European Running Championships set to take place in May 2029.</strong></p>
<p>The inaugural edition in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April this year was a huge success. Around 180,000 spectators cheered on 28,500 mass participants taking part in 10km, half marathon and marathon events behind elite athletes such as four-times European champion Nadia Battocletti and multiple European medallist Yann Schrub.</p>
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<p>The next edition will take place in the Serbian capital of Belgrade on 17-18 April 2027 and following that, the picturesque Utrecht will play host two years later.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A rich history</h2>
<p>Utrecht has a rich history in organising running events. As well as the Utrecht Marathon, Utrecht is also homebase for the Singelloop Utrecht, the oldest road running event in the Netherlands.</p>
<p>The event is a unique opportunity for recreational runners to take part in a European Championship. Top European athletes, who will compete for the Championships medals, and the recreational runners who will run for country ranking medals, will be running together.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 2029, the event will be organized by Golazo Events, the organizer of the Utrecht Marathon, in collaboration with the Dutch Athletics Federation and the City of Utrecht.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1748983034/20250518_091328_UTRECHT-MARATHON_RICHARD.jpg"></p>
<h2>"Extremely proud to host"</h2>
<p>European Athletics President, Dobromir Karamarinov said: &ldquo;Utrecht and the Netherlands have been selected to host the third edition of the European Running Championships in 2029 for one simple reason: the Netherlands is all about running!&ldquo;<br><br>"Whether it is a Marathon, Half Marathon or the 10 km, we can see people falling in love with running, and we expect that the City of Utrecht will become the European Capital of Running for this event. The Utrecht Marathon will transform itself to the European Running Championships with an ambition to host 40,000 runners from across Europe in 2029.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Wilbert Lek, Managing Director Golazo Events said: &ldquo;We are extremely proud to host the European Running Championships in 2029. For once, the Utrecht Marathon will be transformed into the European Running Championships!</p>
<p>"This perfectly matches our ambition to get as many people as possible moving and to combine International top-class sport with social impact. We want to show Europe how fantastic the province of Utrecht is as a running environment, with Utrecht Science Park as centre of the sport!"</p>
<p>Pieke de Zwart, CEO of the Dutch Athletics Federation said: "Following the highly successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn earlier this year, we are more determined than ever to bring additional top-level international events to the Netherlands. We are therefore extremely proud to be hosting the European Running Championships in 2029 in Utrecht.</p>
<p>"This unique international running event unites elite athletes and recreational runners, perfectly reflecting our mission to get people moving responsibly &mdash; and keep them moving &mdash; as we strive to become the most active nation in the world."</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6yX0cJ55MiE?si=ruh8AmqQ5WykY9wR" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe></p>
<p>Eva Oosters, sports councilor of The Municipality of Utrecht added: &ldquo;Utrecht has been a real running city for years, with great events like the Singelloop and the Utrecht Marathon. I am proud that we are bringing the European Running Championships to our city in 2029.</p>
<p>"This championship is special because both top athletes and recreational runners will be competing together. That fits well with what we find important in Utrecht: that everyone can participate in sport. We want to inspire inhabitants of Utrecht to move and meet through sport.</p>
<p>"Utrecht has the knowledge, energy and city dynamics to make this championship an unforgettable and unifying European sports event."</p>
<p>Christian Milz, CEO, European Athletics said: "The successful launch event of the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven this year has demonstrated a winning format for mass participants and elite athletes. Our Member Federations and running organisers across Europe are recognising the potential of this new European Athletics event.</p>
<p>"With Belgrade set to host in 2027 and now Utrecht in 2029, we have two prestigious venues to look forward to and can see a long-term future for this event as a celebration of athletics and running for the whole of Europe - a true opportunity to Run with Champions."</p>

Utrecht confirmed as hosts of 2029 European Running Championships

<p><strong>This Earth Day (22 April), European Athletics celebrates the success of the European Running Championships held in Brussels-Leuven on 12&ndash;13 April&mdash;and the bold example it set in sustainability and environmental responsibility.</strong></p>
<p>With over 28,000 participants and more than 300 elite athletes across the marathon, half marathon, and 10 km, the championships were designed to be a benchmark for sustainable sports events.</p>
<p>In collaboration with the Flemish government, local authorities, and the organising committee (LOC), a comprehensive sustainability strategy was implemented, covering energy use, water management, mobility, waste reduction, and more.</p>
<h2>Smarter Energy Use</h2>
<p>A core ambition was to minimise energy consumption. The event offices were eco-friendly, incorporating green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient designs. Temporary diesel generators were limited by connecting to local green urban power grids in Brussels and Leuven wherever possible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Where that wasn&rsquo;t feasible, battery packs and biodiesel generators were used according to a strict priority order.</p>
<h2>Water-Saving Measures</h2>
<p>Water use was reduced by promoting reusable water bottles and installing drinking fountains for participants, spectators, and staff. Efforts were also made to limit water transportation and packaging.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Public toilets were used wherever possible, supplemented by eco-friendly mobile units only when needed. At several supply points, drinking water was provided directly from the public water network.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1745317879/b1169ad8-d9be-4886-a869-863866686a80.jpg"></p>
<h2>Waste Not, Want Not</h2>
<p>Avoiding and managing waste was a major priority. A detailed waste management plan, designed with external partner Ecofest, guided operations. Participants were encouraged to bring their own cups for water at supply zones, and eco-teams on cargo bikes assisted with waste collection.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1745317871/45836a92-fb57-4dfd-b21b-7aa9d3a7dede.jpg"></p>
<p>A plogging (picking up litter and jogging) event the day after the races helped further clean up the course.</p>
<p>To reduce waste even further, the event embraced digital tools&mdash;with fewer flyers, less printed material, and more QR codes. Clothing left behind at the start was collected and donated for reuse.</p>
<h2>Finishers T-shirts from Recycled Bottles</h2>
<p>The t-shirts provided to every finisher was made from sustainable sources by Scitimar Sportswear. Approximately six plastic bottles go into the making of each t-shirt, which are also recyclable.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Healthy, Sustainable Catering</h2>
<p>Food and drink offerings focused on healthy, plant-based options with reusable systems. Reusable cups were standard in fan zones, and glass or porcelain was used in VIP and media areas. Food waste was minimised through careful planning and real-time attendance tracking.</p>
<h2>Greener Mobility</h2>
<p>Transport was a key concern. Working with Scelta Mobility, the event encouraged fans and participants to follow the STOP principle: walking, cycling, public transport, and lastly private cars.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Electric vehicles supported the races, and international athletes received travel guides promoting trains and coaches over flying. Incentives were also offered for those who cycled to the venue.</p>
<h2>Inclusivity and Safety</h2>
<p>The championships were committed to being inclusive and accessible. Special seating and parking were available for people with disabilities, and disadvantaged groups had access to discounted participation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In terms of safety, a dedicated team from ToB-Seen and the Red Cross provided on-site security and medical support. Fair play was prioritised, with anti-doping measures and respect for athletes, fans, and the environment encouraged throughout.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1745317871/07abeff9-957e-4931-ba44-b6b6ee9fd4d7.jpg"></p>
<h2>Leaving a Lasting Legacy</h2>
<p>Sustainability didn&rsquo;t end when the last runner crossed the finish line. The event set plans in motion for an annual marathon in Leuven and promoted the continued use of tap water at supply stations in future races. &nbsp;A full sustainability audit is now underway to identify areas for further improvement.</p>
<p>With its far-reaching commitment to environmental and social responsibility, the 2025 European Running Championships set the pace in building a greener, more inclusive sporting future.</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Sustainability leads the way at the Brussels-Leuven 2025 European Running Championships 

<p><strong>Italy has come to expect success on the international stage. In winning the Division 1 at the Silesia 2023 European Athletics Team Championships and 24 medals at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, the <em>Azzurri</em> is amid a golden age in the sport.</strong></p>
<p>At the recent European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven, all eyes were on Nadia Battocletti, who duly won her fourth European title on three surfaces, winning the women&rsquo;s 10km.</p>
<p>But there was another, more unexpected success for Italy, as Iliass Aouani took a well-executed victory in the men&rsquo;s marathon. The 29-year-old, who was 19th in the Munich European Athletics Championships over the classic distance, was not among the pre-race favourites.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>But he showed tremendous composure to get the better of Munich 2022 silver and bronze medallists Maru Teferi and Gashau Ayale, plus their Israel teammate Haimro Alame in the closing stages.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>"Like a champion"</h2>
<p>&ldquo;I think this is my best race ever. I've never won, a medal, like a European Championships never did. The way I ran, the way I conducted the race, it was just like, just like, the way a champion runs,&rdquo; said the thrilled Italian in the aftermath.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1745059743/IMG-20250413-WA0258.jpg"></p>
<p>&ldquo;I was not one of the favourites on paper, but nobody knew I was in the best shape of my life, which was an advantage. I knew they (Israel) were going to run, like, a team race. So, I was ready for everything. But I'm proud, like, about how I stayed calm, relaxed and about the way I won the end.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The Israelis were trying to, you know, push me to lead. I was like &lsquo;I'm not going to lead. I'm not going to be a pacer for you.&rsquo; So, there was a lot of tension going on, and it was for them, they were trying to do like a team race.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I tried just to stay calm. I tried to go away at 37km, but they were still too fresh, so I tried to stay calm, relaxed and accepted the fact that race was going to be won in the last kilometre.&nbsp; I honestly did not know how much I had got left, until I saw like 500 metres left.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Tokyo beckons</h2>
<p>The breakthrough performance has earned Aouani a place in the Italian marathon team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, alongside Yohanes Chiappinelli who was fifth in the men&rsquo;s half marathon in Brussels-Leuven and Roma 2024 half marathon winner Yemaneberhan Crippa.</p>
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<p>Training between home in Milan and Ferrera, where his coach is based, he revealed some hefty numbers to prepare for Brussels-Leuven. &ldquo;There were some days where I was running more than 40km a day. I did a lot of mileage,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking back on Munich 2022, he recognises the significant improvement. &ldquo;That was my second marathon. I was still, like, very new, not that experienced. I made a lot of mistakes, and I still had a lot to learn. I have matured a lot since then.&rdquo;</p>
<p>In his developmental years, he was based in the USA, where he graduated from Syracuse University in Civil Engineering. It is a career he will seek to return to, but for now, is focussed on running.</p>
<p>&ldquo;In this period of my life, I'm just giving my entire energies towards running,&rdquo; he said with the confidence that comes with becoming a European champion.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Tokyo-bound Aouani feeling like a champion after Brussels-Leuven success

<p><strong>It was a weekend of surprises at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April. Among them was Eva Dieterich of Germany who won silver in the women&rsquo;s 10km.</strong></p>
<p>It was the first international medal for the 26-year-old, whose previous best results had been sixth over 10,000m at the Tallinn 2021 European Athletics U23 Championships and 10th in the women&rsquo;s U23 race at the Dublin 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships.</p>
<p>But in the exuberant atmosphere in Leuven on Sunday (13), the German, who plays musical instruments, hit the all the right notes and delivered the performance of her career.</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1BlQA9Q-5VI?si=0X7aP_ZYZrqHzQFf" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe></p>
<p>As the opposition melted away behind the charging Italian Nadia Battocletti, who was heading her fourth European title on three surfaces, Dieterich maintained a solid pace.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ninth at the 5km point and seemingly out of medal contention, she gained ground on the undulating course in the second half and finished strongly for a surprise silver with 31:25, 15 seconds behind Battocletti and one second ahead of European leader Klara Lukan of Slovenia, who took bronze.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>European 10,000m Cup and Tokyo in her sights</h2>
<p>&ldquo;I didn't think I could make the podium, maybe top 10 or 15?&rdquo; she admitted afterwards. &ldquo;But I think I come from a very hilly area, so I'm used to hill, so I think that was good for me.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I knew that the first half was a bit easier because we're downhill. So, the plan was to go easy in first just find your place and then push in the second half.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>As she began to catch athletes, it inspired her to up the pace. &ldquo;I saw that they were getting closer and closer to me, so that gave me a push to go faster.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744904165/IMG-20250413-WA0105.jpg"></p>
<p>The T&uuml;bingen-based runner is now looking towards defending her 10,000m title at the German Long Distance Championships in Hamburg on 3 May.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beyond that, she is targeting the European 10,000m Cup in Pac&eacute;, France on 24 May and qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She is also considering making her marathon debut at the end of the year, possibly in Berlin.</p>
<h2>Hitting the right notes</h2>
<p>Dieterich has put her law degree at the Eberhard Karls University of T&uuml;bingen on hold for now. &ldquo;I'm a law student,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;I (have) postponed my academics for now, but the plan is to do the state exam in the next couple of years and then, after my running career, I want to work as a lawyer.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The multi-talented German also has an interest in music and has played within an orchestra. &ldquo;I have played violin and piano all my life,&rdquo; she says.</p>
<p>But for now, she has found her running rhythm and will be hoping her success at the European Running Championships sets the tone for the season ahead.</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Dieterich sets tone for promising season with silver at European Running Championships

<p><strong>Following her breakthrough victory at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven, Chlo&eacute; Herbiet is now eyeing up next month&rsquo;s European 10,000m Cup, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and a national record for the marathon.</strong></p>
<p>The Belgian thrilled the vast home crowds on the streets on Leuven on Saturday (12) winning her first major title in a gutsy display, taking the women's half marathon gold ahead of teammate Juliette Thomas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I (will) remember this for a long time,&rdquo; she said in the aftermath of her career-best performance. &ldquo;And I hope it&rsquo;s a good push for the rest of the season and just the start of big season for me.&rdquo;</p>
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<h2>Herbiet targeting European 10,000m Cup&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Following her road success, her immediate target is back on the track. &ldquo;I would like to do the European 10,000m Cup in Pac&eacute; in France [on 24 May]. After that I would like to try to for the World Championships in Tokyo in the 10,000m by the rankings. The time is very hard to do,&rdquo; acknowledges the Belgian, who was 10th over 10,000m at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships and has a personal best of 32:15:24.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Or if it is not possible, maybe marathon?&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;But I am not sure. I would like to break the Belgian record and so you need a fast race, maybe Valencia in December for the marathon?&rdquo;</p>
<p>The current national record of 2:23:05 was set by Marleen Renders in 2002. Renders won both the Berlin and Paris Marathons in an illustrious road career. But with a best of 2:24:56 in Valencia set last year, Herbiet is within striking distance.</p>
<h2>Mid-wife and Jiu-Jitsu background</h2>
<p>And having only been a full-time athlete since 2023, pausing her career as a mid-wife, the 26-year-old Herbiet has plenty of scope for improvement.&nbsp;</p>
<p>She is a relatively late comer to the sport, having only taken up running aged 18. But with a background in swimming, basketball, football and jiu-jitsu, she has already shown she has plenty of fight in her.</p>
<p>Her half marathon victory at the European Running Championships revealed her courageousness and an innate will to win, leaving in her wake several athletes with bigger international reputations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I worked every kilometre on the race for (the) adversaries&rsquo; tiredness and I put action, action, action into the race,&rdquo; she explained afterwards.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Finally, the last action was in the hills, and I see the adversaries (didn&rsquo;t) follow me. So, this(was) my chance to go first, so I (took) the lead. It was a good opportunity to take the first place.&rdquo;</p>
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<p>With a European gold medal around her neck Herbiet has sent a clear message of intent for the season ahead.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With 28,000 participants, Brussels-Leuven 2025 established a culture of running in the host cities and Herbiet&rsquo;s rise to becoming a significant player in international athletics is another legacy of a successful occasion for Belgian running.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

European half marathon champion Herbiet shifts focus to European 10,000m Cup

<p><strong>The first ever European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April introduced a new country ranking competition, enabling recreational runners score for their country alongside elite athletes.</strong></p>
<p>The new concept meant the top 25 male and female runners from each country in the 10km, half marathon and marathon races would have their times counting towards a combined team time as part of the international competition.</p>
<p>It meant that mass participants could be part of the same team as some of Europe&rsquo;s top runners, for example, Italian female runners in the 10km could have their results counting alongside four-times European champion Nadia Battocletti.</p>
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<h2>European nations respond in masses to new concept</h2>
<p>With a huge response from the home country&rsquo;s runners, Belgium topped the country rankings in all six competitions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But runners from France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Poland, &nbsp;Serbia, Ireland, Denmark and Norway all contributed by finishing as one of the top 25 from their country. In total, 1325 runners were included in the country ranking competition.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744641772/TSI_2068.jpg"></p>
<p>The concept is unique feature of the European Running Championships and gives recreational runners an additional incentive to be truly part of a European Athletics event.</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Country Ranking opportunity embraced at European Running Championships

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European Running Championships Features

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Sports sponsorship is part of the international SPAR voluntary food retail chain’s commitment to encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle. Global awareness of the SPAR Brand is achieved through digital and print coverage of sport sponsorship.

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Joma Sport is the most important Spanish sports brand, with the highest sales volume worldwide, and is among the top ten global brands.

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Le Gruyère AOP is a very high quality natural cheese that has been produced for many centuries in an artisanal method without any additives.

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The philosophy of Toyo Tires is to combine driving pleasure with top performance. This is reflected in each of the products, as well as in its close partnership with European Athletics.

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Through its operational department Eurovision Services, the EBU is continuously working to promote athletics by offering the most comprehensive coverage of European Athletics events all over Europe.

Conica has been developing and manufacturing innovative seamless flooring solutions for sports, games and leisure for over 40 years and is one of the world's market leaders and innovation drivers in this field.

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Stars of athletics beat world records using Polanik products. Polanik is held in high regard by many for top quality and advisory services for designers and investors of athletics stadiums.

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The Hotel Royal Savoy is proud to be the Preferred Hotel Partner of European Athletics in Lausanne since 2016, offering valuable support and accommodation services to European Athletics business activities throughout the year.

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The first companies of Würth MODYF Group were founded in Künzelsau, Germany and Neumarkt, Italy in 1997 as an independent subsidiary of the Würth Group and can thus look back on more than 25 years of experience in the field of workwear and safety footwear.

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The high jump challenges athletes to clear a steadily rising bar using a curved approach and a powerful take-off. Competitors must time their run-up perfectly, converting horizontal speed into vertical lift. The Fosbury Flop technique, now universal, requires exceptional body control as athletes arch over the bar. The event builds drama as the bar climbs higher and attempts become limited, often culminating in head-to-head duels.

High jump

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100M

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The longest standard track race, the 10,000 metres tests stamina, concentration and consistent pacing across twenty five laps. Athletes must manage physical strain as the race progresses, responding to surges and maintaining rhythm even as fatigue builds. Historically, European Championships have seen both cagey tactical contests and fast, relentless front-running performances. The event rewards those with strong endurance and the mental strength to stay composed for a long duration.

10,000 metres

The 100 metres is the shortest outdoor sprint and sets the benchmark for pure speed in athletics. Athletes accelerate from blocks and reach top velocity within seconds, maintaining form through a high-intensity dash down the straight. Reaction time is often decisive at this distance, with races won and lost by hundredths of a second. The event has a long tradition of showcasing the fastest men and women in Europe, and it remains one of the most watched races at any championship.

100 metres

The 5000 metres is a long-distance track race demanding aerobic endurance, tactical awareness and mental focus. Athletes complete twelve and a half laps, managing pace while responding to changes initiated by rivals. Success often depends on staying relaxed early before increasing pace in the closing stages. The event has evolved over time from slow, tactical races to consistently fast, aggressive championship battles.

5000 metres

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Relay events combine individual speed with coordinated teamwork. The 4x100 metres relies on fast, precise baton exchanges at high speed, with timing and communication proving as important as outright pace. The 4x400 metres tests speed-endurance, strategy and mental resilience as teams select athletes for specific legs. The mixed 4x400 metres adds the challenge of gender order selection, making race tactics central to success. Relays consistently produce some of the most exciting and unpredictable moments in championship athletics.

Relays: 4x100 metres, 4x400 metres, Mixed 4x400 metres

The 200 metres blends the power of the short sprint with the challenge of running a controlled curve. Athletes build speed through the bend before driving into the home straight, aiming to maintain momentum without tightening or losing stride rhythm. Success depends on combining fast acceleration with the ability to hold technique under pressure. The event has produced many memorable European championship performances, often highlighting specialist sprinters who excel in technical curve running.

200 metres

These sprint hurdles events require athletes to combine explosive speed with flawless rhythm over a set number of barriers. Runners must achieve a consistent stride pattern to clear each hurdle cleanly without breaking speed. A clipped hurdle can ruin momentum, while perfect technique creates a smooth, fast race. The short distance leaves no margin for error, making start reaction and precision critical.

100 metres hurdles (women) / 110 metres hurdles (men)

The 400 metres hurdles is one of the most technically demanding events on the track. Athletes complete a full lap while clearing evenly spaced hurdles, forcing them to maintain rhythm even as fatigue peaks. Mastery of stride pattern, pace control and hurdle execution is essential. The race is known for dramatic changes of position in the final straight as athletes fight both their rivals and the physical demands of the event.

400 metres hurdles

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The long jump blends speed, power and precise timing. Athletes sprint along a runway and take off from a board, aiming to maintain momentum into a controlled flight and efficient landing. Key elements include accuracy on the approach and the ability to transfer horizontal velocity into lift. The discipline has deep roots in athletics history and remains a showcase of raw jumping ability.

Long jump

The steeplechase combines distance running with technical obstacle work. Athletes clear barriers and a water jump each lap, requiring controlled footwork, balance and the ability to accelerate after each obstacle. Competitors must maintain rhythm while adjusting stride patterns to navigate hurdles efficiently. The event has become a staple of European competition, producing races that test both endurance and precise technique under pressure.

3000 metres steeplechase

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Apeldoorn is one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands and among the largest municipalities in Gelderland. It is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 161,000. Apeldoorn has a charming and lively inner city and a young, sports-minded population.

The town is easily accessible by car (A1 motorway) and train. The proximity of large cities such as Utrecht (59 kilometre) and Amsterdam (75 kilometre) and its space and tranquillity make Apeldoorn one of the most popular cities in the Netherlands. The area mainly consists of woods and heath-lands and is a popular destination for tourism, in particular hiking and cycling.

The Dutch royal family has always had close ties with the city. Apeldoorn is home to the stately Loo Palace, the former summer residence of the Dutch royal family and nowadays a national museum. Apeldoorn is possibly the most athletic-minded city in the Netherlands.

Apeldoorn

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The heptathlon brings together seven events across two days: hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin and 800 metres. Athletes must demonstrate versatility, technical skill and endurance across a wide range of disciplines. Scoring rewards consistency and all-round ability rather than excellence in only one area. The event is seen as a major test of complete athletic talent and resilience.

Heptathlon (women)

The decathlon features ten events spread across two days and is regarded as one of the most complete tests in sport. Athletes compete in sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and middle-distance running. Success depends on technical skill, physical strength, endurance and mental focus across a demanding schedule. The best decathletes are celebrated for their versatility and their ability to perform across a broad spectrum of athletic challenges.

Decathlon (men)

The marathon covers a distance of 42.195 kilometres and stands as one of the most demanding endurance events in athletics. Athletes must balance pacing, energy management and hydration while navigating a long road course that often includes changes in terrain and elevation. The race typically develops through distinct phases, with early caution giving way to decisive moves in the later stages when fatigue begins to bite. Success requires exceptional aerobic capacity, mental resilience and the ability to maintain form over a prolonged distance. The marathon has a long and respected history within European competition and continues to showcase some of the toughest endurance performances in the sport.

Marathon

In hammer throw, athletes spin several times while controlling a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. The challenge is to build rotational speed while maintaining balance and directing the hammer accurately into the sector. Technical precision and body control are essential, particularly during the final release. The event is one of the most demanding in the throws discipline.

Hammer throw

Javelin throwers combine a fast run-up with a technically efficient release of a spear-shaped implement. The discipline requires speed, mobility, shoulder strength and careful control of the javelin’s angle and trajectory. Athletes must generate force during the run-up while protecting their technique during the final delivery. The event has a long European tradition and regularly produces dramatic long throws in championship settings.

Javelin throw

The discus throw requires athletes to rotate within a circle to build momentum before releasing a heavy disc into the throwing sector. Balance, footwork and technique dictate success, with release angle and timing crucial for long distances. The event dates back to ancient athletics and has remained a showcase of technical throwing skill throughout European competition.

Discus throw

Pole vaulting requires speed, strength, coordination and courage. Athletes sprint down the runway, plant the pole and use it to propel themselves over a set height. Each attempt challenges timing, body control and technique, particularly during inversion and bar clearance. The event is known for its progression of rising heights and the technical battles between athletes to master complex vaulting mechanics.

Pole vault

The triple jump consists of a hop, step and jump in one continuous sequence. Athletes must generate and maintain forward momentum through each phase, requiring rhythm, leg strength and technical consistency. Distances depend on a smooth transition between phases and a balanced landing. The event demands a combination of speed and coordination unique within the jumps programme.

Triple jump

Race walking involves covering long distances under strict technique rules. Athletes must maintain continuous ground contact and keep the front leg straight as it lands, making endurance and technical discipline equally important. Races are often tactical, with pacing and efficiency playing a major role. Europe has a long history of success in this event, which remains a key part of the championships programme.

Race walking

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The 400 metres is a one-lap sprint requiring both speed and controlled pacing. Athletes must judge their effort carefully, building a strong opening but leaving enough in reserve to withstand the final straight when fatigue peaks. The event rewards those with both raw sprinting talent and excellent speed-endurance. Historically, it has produced dramatic finishes as runners push to their limits in the closing metres.

400 metres

Swiss Timing

The 1500 metres is the classic middle-distance race. It requires athletes to balance steady pacing with the agility to respond to tactical changes and late surges. Many races unfold with a controlled early pace before a fast acceleration in the final lap, where positioning becomes critical. The event has a rich European history, often producing championship finals filled with strategy, resilience and highly competitive sprint finishes.

1500 metres

Run over two laps of the track, the 800 metres sits between sprinting and longer middle-distance racing. It is a tactical test as much as a physical one, with athletes often racing in packs, protecting position and timing their final kick. The event demands efficient running mechanics, race intelligence and a strong anaerobic capacity. European athletes have excelled in this discipline for decades, making it a consistently competitive and unpredictable race.

800 metres

Shot putters throw a solid metal ball from within a throwing circle, using either a glide or rotational technique. The event rewards explosive strength, balance and precise timing at release. Competitors must generate maximum power while staying within the circle, making technique as important as physical strength. Shot put has long been a central event in European championships, showcasing powerful and technically skilled athletes.