<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

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European Running Championships

European Running Championships Regulations

Team Manual - European Running Championships 2025

<p dir="ltr">The 2025 European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven will be streamed live for viewers on the European Athletics website on 12-13 April.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The stream will be available for viewers internationally (some geoblocking restrictions will apply) and all six races will be accompanied by expert English-language commentary from Tim Hutchings and Ellen Ellard.</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live stream</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.acn-timing.com/?lng=EN#/events/2157860289051328/ctx/20250412_ek/cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live results</a></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">The championships begins on Saturday with the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s half marathons which will be followed by the 10km and marathons on Sunday. European champions Nadia Battocletti and Dominic Lobalu and European record-holders Jimmy Gressier and Diane Van Es are among some of the big names in action.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">In addition to the live stream, the European Running Championships will also be broadcasted in the following territories.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Europe</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">Croatia - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">France - L&rsquo;Equipe*</li>
<li dir="ltr">Greece - ERT*</li>
<li dir="ltr">Israel - The Sport Channel</li>
<li dir="ltr">Montenegro - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">Portugal - RTP*</li>
<li dir="ltr">Republic of North Macedonia - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">Serbia - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">Slovakia - RTVS*</li>
<li dir="ltr">Slovenia - Arena Sport</li>
<li dir="ltr">Spain - RTVE*</li>
<li dir="ltr">Ukraine - UAPBC*</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Middle East, Africa and Asia</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">China - Huya</li>
<li dir="ltr">Middle East and North Africa - Dubai Sports Channel</li>
<li dir="ltr">Southeast Asia - SPOTV</li>
<li dir="ltr">Sub-Saharan Africa - Africa XP</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">(*denotes geoblocking restrictions on the European Athletics website)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Daily highlights covering the best of the action will also be published on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EuropeanAthletics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Athletics YouTube channel</a> on Saturday and Sunday afternoon followed by race replays on the week beginning 14 April.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Other useful links</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://european-athletics.directus.app/assets/60c87551-ea8b-40d2-bde1-3dba5b4b7543/ERC%202025%20-%20Final%20Entries%20Athletes%20List%20By%20Event.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Final entries</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/competitions/european-running-championships/news-topic/team-news-and-previews-brussels-leuven" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Previews</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://european-athletics.directus.app/assets/5917b4d8-c8b7-49d8-8218-a50f16bc6293/Brussels-Leuven%202025%20-%20ERCH%20-%20Athlete%20Biographies.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Athlete biographies</a></li>
</ul>

How to watch the 2025 European Running Championships

<p><strong>World and European silver medallist Maru Teferi heads the entries for the men&rsquo;s marathon at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.</strong></p>
<p>The European Running Championships will be streamed live from start to finish with English-language commentary on the European Athletics website.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live stream</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Teferi was runner-up at the Munich 2022 European Athletics Championships when he was run down in the very late stages by an inspired German Richard Ringer before repeating the feat at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.</p>
<p>The Ethiopian-born Israel solidified his championship credentials by finishing fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome although the 32-year-old would have been slightly disappointed only to finish 26th in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744124559/GettyImages-2166332414.jpg"></p>
<p>Since then, Teferi has regrouped with a third-place finish in the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:05:42 before clocking a national record of 2:04:44 just six weeks later to finish seventh in the Valencia Marathon. This means Teferi, whose wife Selamawit is also an international-level distance runner, will be contesting an ambitious fourth marathon in eight months.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He will be joined by teammate Gashau Ayale, who won bronze behind Teferi in Munich 2022. Ayale ran a lifetime best of 2:04:53 in Seville last year and arrives fresh from setting a national record of 59:59 in the Lisbon Half Marathon last month.</p>
<p>And the Israelis begin as the overwhelming favourites to reclaim the team title they won in 2022. Their team also includes Haimro Alame (2:06:04 PB), Godadaw Belachew (2:07:45) Yitayew Abuhay (2:07:26) and Bukayawe Malede (2:07:40).</p>
<h2>Ozbilen is fastest in the field</h2>
<p>In the 43-strong field representing 23 countries. T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s former European record-holder Kaan Kigen &Ouml;zbilen is the fastest among the entrants with a marathon best of 2:04:16 dating back to the 2019 Valencia Marathon.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1743767812/GettyImages-889539262.jpg"></p>
<p>He is an athlete of significant pedigree, winning the men&rsquo;s race at the 2017 SPAR European Cross Country Championships as well as silver in the half marathon at the 2016 European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam.</p>
<p>In more recent times, the 39-year-old was a DNF in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but clocked 2:08:36 in the Doha Marathon in January to show he still has plenty of running left in his legs.</p>
<p>The Turkish team also features fellow Kenyan-born runner and namesake Ilham Tanui Ozbilen, a former world and European indoor 1500m medallist who has ownership of a 2:08:36 lifetime best for the classic distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Navarro leads French medal bid</h2>
<p>The French challenge will be led by the experienced Nicolas Navarro. Fifth in the marathon at Munich 2022, 12th at the Tokyo Olympics and 16th at the Paris Olympics, he will be striving to be at the sharp end of the race which begins in Brussels and concludes in Leuven.</p>
<p>With a lifetime best of 2:05:53 from Valencia in December 2023, he has sufficient speed to contend too.</p>
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<p>Also in the French team is former world and four-time European duathlon champion Benjamin Choquert. He has also competed at the last two European Athletics Championships, placing 37th in the half marathon at Roma 2024 and 21st in the marathon at Munich 2022. With a personal best of 2:07:42, he cannot be discounted.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also wearing the French colours is Emmanuel Roudolff, who won 10,000m bronze at the 2017 European Athletics U23 Championships. He was 33rd in the half marathon at Roma 2024 and has a marathon best of 2:07:41 from Sevilla in February.</p>
<p>Ibrahim Chakir is the sole Spanish representative. He was 23rd in the marathon at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships and 34th in last year&rsquo;s Paris Olympics. With a lifetime best of 2:07:32 from Valencia in December, he should be another individual medal contender.</p>
<p><a href="https://europeanrunningchampionships.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries are still open</a> for 10km, half marathon and marathon events for recreational runners providing a unique opportunity to run with the elite athletes for the first time ever at a European Athletics Championships.</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Preview | Teferi bidding for elusive marathon gold at European Running Championships

<p dir="ltr"><strong>After a seven-year hiatus, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter begins as the outstanding favourite to win her second European title at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">The European Running Championships will be streamed live from start to finish with English-language commentary on the European Athletics website.</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live stream</a></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Chemtai Salpeter was crowned European 10,000m champion in her breakthrough season in 2018 but the 36-year-old Kenyan-born Israeli has since excelled in the marathon and is the third fastest European in history behind Sifan Hassan (2:13:44) and Paula Radcliffe (2:15:25) with a lifetime best of 2:17:45.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744124172/GettyImages-1013778538.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr">That performance dates back to 2020 but Chemtai Salpeter has still been a factor at the classic distance in recent years, especially in non-paced races. She has finished third and fourth at the last two editions of the World Athletics Championships as well as a creditable ninth - and the third European finisher home - at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Spain set to reign in the team race</h2>
<p dir="ltr">If Chemtai Salpeter was to falter, one of the likely beneficiaries will be Spain&rsquo;s Majida Maayouf who finished 17th in the marathon in Paris 2024. Maayouf holds the Spanish record with 2:21:01 from the 2023 Valencia Marathon and narrowly missed that mark in last year&rsquo;s race, finishing fifth in 2:21:43.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">And assuming all three athletes finish, the Spaniards begin as the overwhelming favourites for the team title as well. Their triumvirate includes Fatima Ouhaddou Nafie and Esther Navarrete who have lifetime bests of 2:24:05 and 2:24:40 respectively which should put them in contention for individual medals as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">And there is also a possibility of an individual medal for Belgium as well. The fastest runner on the host nation&rsquo;s team is Hanne Verbruggen who finished just two places behind Maayouf in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in 19th.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Verbruggen&rsquo;s preparations did suffer a knock - in the most literal sense - in January when she fell in training and broke her jaw but assuming she has recovered fully from that accident, the 31-year-old - who has a 2:26:32 PB - could make history by becoming the first Belgian woman to win a marathon medal in European Athletics Championships history.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744124245/GettyImages-2165791160.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Other prospective medal contenders include Italian veteran Giovanna Epis (2:23:46 PB), Finland&rsquo;s Camilla Richardsson (2:24:38 PB) and France&rsquo;s Melody Julien (2:25:01 PB) who led the early-to-mid stages of the Olympic Games marathon on home soil in Paris 2024.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">2022 European marathon champion Aleksandra Lisowska from Poland is a late withdrawal and will not defend her title in Brussels-Leuven.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The marathon was first held at the European Athletics Championships in Athens 1982 when Portugal&rsquo;s Rosa Mota claimed her first of three titles while the championship record is held by France&rsquo;s Christelle Daunay who clocked 2:25:14 to win gold in Zurich 2014.</p>
<p><a href="https://europeanrunningchampionships.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries are still open</a> for recreational runners who will have the unique opportunity to run with the elite athletes for the first time ever at a European Athletics Championship. Limited places are still available across 10km, half marathon and marathon disciplines.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Preview | Chemtai Salpeter outstanding favourite for marathon gold in Brussels-Leuven 

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hosts Belgium will have strong prospects both individually and in the team race in the half marathon at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">The European Running Championships will be streamed live from start to finish with English-language commentary on the European Athletics website.</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live streaming</a></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Their team is headed by Juliette Thomas and Paris 2024 Olympian Chloe Herbiet who have respective - and recently set - lifetime bests of 69:48 and 70:04.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, their chances of winning individual gold will depend largely on the race plans of European 10,000m silver medallist and European 5km record-holder Diane Van Es from the Netherlands who has entered both the 10km and half marathon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Van Es is the fastest entrant by over one minute with a lifetime best of 68:03 set earlier this year in the New York Half Marathon. The Dutchwoman will begin as the outstanding favourite if she chooses to contest the longer of the two distances.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744112678/GettyImages-2157175301.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr">If Van Es opts for the 10km, she will face a line-up replete with Europe&rsquo;s finest including Nadia Battocletti - who beat Van Es for the 10,000m title in Rome last year - along with Slovenia&rsquo;s former European U20 5000m champion Klara Lukan who leads the 2025 European list with 30:26, three seconds faster than Van Es&rsquo; lifetime best.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, it is not completely implausible that Van Es could contest both events in Brussels-Leuven. The half marathon takes place on the Saturday (12) while the 10km will be held on the Sunday (13) just before the marathon.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">20-year-old Phillips leads British assault</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The youngest athlete in the race is Great Britain&rsquo;s Natasha Phillips but the 20-year-old, who finished fourth in the 5000m at the 2023 European Athletics U20 Championships, is another leading medal aspirant despite her relative inexperience at senior level.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Phillips is the fastest European U20 in history with a lifetime best of 70:18 set in the Valencia Half Marathon and if she continues at her current rate of improvement, Phillips could be the first European U23 record-holder. The target time for record ratification in a mixed race stands at 70:00.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Spaniards have also entered a strong team who will be challenging for both individual and team honours. The fastest of their triumvirate is Paris 2024 Olympian Meritxell Soler (70:21 PB) who is joined by Maria Jose Perez (70:55) and Ikram Rharsalla (71:05).&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744112764/GettyImages-1639634697.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Another medal contender is Germany&rsquo;s Esther Pfeiffer who is due to contest the half marathon in Leuven only six days after setting a lifetime best of 69:15 in cold conditions in the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday. The 27-year-old is clearly in excellent shape but will two half marathons in six days prove slightly too ambitious?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The half marathon has only been contested twice before at the European Athletics Championships, both times in Olympic-year editions of the championships.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Portugal&rsquo;s Sara Moreira won the inaugural half marathon in Amsterdam 2016 before Norway&rsquo;s Karoline Bjerkeli Gr&oslash;vdal took gold in Rome 2024 last June in a championship record of 68:09.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://europeanrunningchampionships.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries are still open</a> for 10km, half marathon and marathon events for recreational runners providing a unique opportunity to run with the elite athletes for the first time ever at a European Athletics Championships.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Steven Mills for European Athletics</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Preview | Strong Belgian medal prospects in women’s half marathon at European Running Championships

<p><strong>France's Jimmy Gressier will be hoping to carry on his record-breaking form into the half marathon at the inaugural edition of the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.</strong></p>
<p>The European Running Championships will be streamed live from start to finish with English-language commentary on the European Athletics website.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live streaming</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Already this year, Gressier has set two European records over the same distance. He broke the European indoor 5000m record with 12:54.92 in Boston in February before decimating the European 5km record which he held jointly with European 10,000m champion Dominic Lobalu at 13:12 with 12:57 in Lille in March.</p>
<p>[INSTAGRAM ID="http://www.instagram.com/p/DHQ3DITtNPy"]</p>
<p>The French athlete will be stepping up in distance this weekend to tackle the half marathon, the distance at which he finished as leading European at the inaugural World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga in 2023 in 59:46 which remains his lifetime best at the 13.1-mile distance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gressier won three successive individual and team gold medals at U23 level at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships between 2017-2019 along with a 5000/10,000m double at the 2019 European Athletics U23 Championships.</p>
<p>However, Gressier is yet to add a senior individual gold medal to his CV. He won bronze on his senior debut behind Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships before two near misses in the 10,000m at the European Athletics Championships, placing fourth and fifth respectively in 2022 and 2024.</p>
<h2>Mayo could be the main threat</h2>
<p>If he is fit and in form, Spain&rsquo;s Carlos Mayo, who preceded Gressier as European U23 10,000m champion in 2017, could present a significant threat. He is the national record-holder with a lifetime best of 59:39 from Valencia 2023 which makes him the fastest entrant based on lifetime bests.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But with only a single competitive outing so far this year, placing eighth in the Spanish Cross Country Championships, his form is rather difficult to gauge heading into Saturday&rsquo;s (12) race in Leuven.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744106107/GettyImages-1750310881.jpg"></p>
<p>However, clearly in form is Gressier&rsquo;s French teammate and training partner Valentin Gondouin who clocked 60:17 in placing third in the Seville Half Marathon on 25 January. He was also a creditable tenth in the 10,000m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome.</p>
<p>Also, in a power-packed French team which must fancy their chances in the team competition, is Bastien Augusto, who set a lifetime best of 60:18 in Valencia last October.</p>
<p>Another name to watch is Norway&rsquo;s Awet Nftalem Kibrab, who was eighth over 5km at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia in 2023. He has a recently-set lifetime best of 60:46 from the Barcelona Half Marathon in February.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Strong Italian contingent on show in Leuven</h2>
<p>The big Italian hopes are Yohanes Chiappinelli and Pasquale Selvarolo in the absence of 2024 European half marathon champion Yemaneberhan Crippa.</p>
<p>The former has started to find his niche on the roads having first established his reputation on the track in the 3000m steeplechase. A European U20 and European U23 champion in the steeplechase, Chiappinelli also won bronze at the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744106276/GettyImages-2156735761.jpg"></p>
<p>More recently he has turned to the roads, clocking a half marathon personal best of 60:50 in Valencia last October and an Italian record in the marathon of 2:05.24 in the same Spanish city in December.</p>
<p>Selvarolo was sixth in the half marathon at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, four places ahead of Chiappinelli, and with a lifetime best of 60:32 is another likely contender.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Efrem Gidey leads the Irish challenge. He recently set an Irish 10,000m record of 27:26.95 in San Juan Capistrano in California on 29 March while his lifetime best over the half marathon distance is 60:51 set in Copenhagen last year.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744106348/GettyImages-1245548585.jpg"></p>
<p>The home favourite is two-time national champion Simon Debognies. In March, he defended the title he won last year in a personal best of 61:02 and with a lift from home support, could contend. He is a 5000m silver medallist from both the Eskilstuna 2015 European Athletics U20 Championships and Bydgoszcz 2017 European Athletics U23 Championships.</p>
<p><a href="https://europeanrunningchampionships.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries are still open</a> for 10km, half marathon and marathon events for recreational runners providing a unique opportunity to run with the elite athletes for the first time ever at a European Athletics Championships.</p>
<p><strong>Chris Broadbent for European Athletics</strong></p>

Preview | Gressier eyes half marathon gold at European Running Championships 

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Dominic Lobalu sprinted to 10,000m gold at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships and the Swiss distance star will be looking to strike gold again at the same distance but on a different surface at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>The European Running Championships will be streamed live from start to finish with English-language commentary on the European Athletics website.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/live-stream/european-running-championships-belgium-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live streaming</a></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Lobalu ducked under the European 10km record earlier this season with a 26:54 clocking in Valencia in mid-January although he was beaten to the line by Sweden&rsquo;s Andreas Almgren who took the European record along with the victory in 26:53.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Almgren is one of the few notable absentees from the first ever staging of the European Running Championships but Lobalu will still have to overcome some significant opposition to land his second major European title, including three other runners who occupy a position inside the top-10 on the European all-time list.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Schrub and Daguinos to the fore of the French team</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Lobalu&rsquo;s principal rival could be France&rsquo;s Yann Schrub who ploughed to gold in the rain and mud at the 2023 SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Brussels where he became the first Frenchman in championship history to win senior gold.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Schrub also picked up a silver medal in the 10,000m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome where he was narrowly outpaced in the home straight by Lobalu who won gold in the Stadio Olimpico by a mere 0.16 seconds.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/viP9BSNinI0?si=qZAcXnKgtbn0v5X1" 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 dir="ltr">Schrub has a relatively modest road 10km lifetime best of 27:58 which only makes him the third fastest of the five French entrants but that time is clearly due for some very significant revision in Leuven.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">In his last competitive outing, Schrub clocked 13:00 in a road 5km in Lille in a race won by Jimmy Gressier - who has entered the half marathon at these championships - in 12:57 with both athletes decimating the previous continental record of 13:12 which was held jointly by Gressier and Lobalu.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The French contingent also features Etienne Daguinos, who clocked a since-improved European 10km record of 27:04 in Lille last November. He looks set to improve enormously on his last performance in a French vest when he finished 15th in the 5000m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Kimeli spearheads Belgian medal hopes in Brussels</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One of the most recognisable domestic runners in action this weekend is Belgium&rsquo;s Isaac Kimeli who will also be one of his country&rsquo;s principal individual medal prospects across the six races.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kimeli has picked up medals as a senior at both the European Athletics Indoor Championships and the SPAR European Cross Country Championships and the 31-year-old will be looking to complete the set on home soil on the roads in Leuven.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kimeli, who has told the Belgian media that he is planning on stepping up to the marathon next year, finished fifth in the aforementioned Valencia 10km in January in a national record of 27:10 which makes him the sixth fastest European performer in history.</p>
<p dir="ltr">[INSTAGRAM ID="http://www.instagram.com/p/DE4-_bLo3lO"]</p>
<p dir="ltr">Another prospective medal contender is Narve Gilje Nordas who is ninth on the European all-time 10km list with a Norwegian record of 27:31.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nordas might be better renowned for his middle distance exploits - he was the 1500m bronze medallist at the 2023 World Athletics Championships - but the 10km is by no means an unfamiliar distance to Nordas. He has competed in the 10,000m at both the European Athletics U23 and U20 Championships before discovering his niche in the 1500m.<strong><br></strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Strong British and Spanish teams named for Leuven</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Along with the French contingent, the Brits and the Spaniards are also fielding teams who could challenge for team honours in Leuven.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The British team is headed by reigning European U23 10,000m champion Rory Leonard who broke Mo Farah&rsquo;s British record with a 27:38 clocking in Valencia which makes him the fourth fastest entrant based on season&rsquo;s bests. Just behind him in that race in Valencia was Charles Wheeler who also ducked under the previous mark with 27:42 and will be making his British international debut this weekend.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1744041369/GettyImages-1548265226.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr">An experienced Spanish team is headed by 2016 European 5000m champion Ilias Fifa and Juan Antonio Perez - who have respective lifetime bests of 27:41 and 27:45 - along with Abdessamad Oukhelfen who was Spain&rsquo;s third scorer of their gold medal-winning team at the 2024 SPAR European Cross Country Championships.</p>
<p><a href="https://europeanrunningchampionships.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entries are still open</a> for recreational runners who will have the unique opportunity to run with the elite athletes for the first time ever at a European Athletics Championship. Limited places are still available across 10km, half marathon and marathon disciplines.</p>
<p><strong>Steven Mills for European Athletics</strong></p>

Preview | Lobalu faces familiar rivals for 10km gold in Leuven 

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European Running Championships Previews and Team News

European Running Championships | All Previews and Team News

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.