With the continued support of our Member Federations, European Athletics is pleased to have certified a milestone 200th unique road race on the European Athletics Running for All platform.
Mass participation races remain enduringly popular among a wide demographic and European Athletics is striving to be an active exponent in the development of recreational running across the continent. In total, 34 countries - and counting - play host to a certified road race.
“With 200 certified road races by Running for All, European Athletics can now be considered as a leading partner in mass participation running,” said European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen.
“The aim remains to be recognised as an active part of the running movement across the continent and to create a strong link between road running and athletics.”
European Athletics Running for All was set up last year to reward and recognise races which can guarantee participants the most basic provisions have been adhered to, as stipulated by the European Athletics Quality and Safety Standards.
In total, races are comprehensively measured against 54 categories. Races given a one-star endorsement fulfill the minimum requirements of safety and security for all participants. Races given a three-star rating offer a good level of safety and include a satisfactory level of services to participants, while five-star races offer the highest quality experience and a comprehensive range of services from health and safety to course measurement and timing.
The certification process enables positive partnerships and relationships between everyone involved in running: runners, clubs, organisers, European Athletics, national athletics federations, local authorities, service providers and the media.
The race which has the accolade of being the 200th unique race to be certified is the 20KM de Lausanne held on 23 April, which takes in the Olympic Museum and finishes inside the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.
“It is a nice surprise to be exactly the 200th race. We hope that we will soon read an article on the website on the 1000th certified race!” said race director Gael Lasserre.
“We really think that this number has to increase so we highly recommend other events to come onto your platform to register their event. Indeed, the 20KM de Lausanne recognises the work of European Athletics in developing this tool and we wish it a long and successful life!”
European Athletics Vice-President Jean Gracia has reiterated the active stakeholders will continue to cooperate to further expand and increase the visibility of the platform.
“Now that the Running For All identity has been established amongst European race organisers and Member Federations, we will continue our efforts to increase the number of certified races and offer them greater international visibility.
We are confident that the European Athletics Quality Road Race standards demonstrate credibility and provide reassurances for runners in choosing their next events,” said Gracia.
The European Athletics Quality Road Race standards act as an assurance for road runners throughout Europe. They distinguish between races that respect the standards and those that haven’t sought certification or assessment. They form the foundation of Running for All, a strong recognisable brand for running activities throughout Europe.
More information on Running for All:
Website: european-running4all.org
Twitter: @runningforall
Contact: running4all@european-athletics.org