As the European Running Championships head to Brussels-Leuven on April 12–13, the Flemish Athletics Federation has been hard at work ensuring the event leaves a lasting legacy beyond the elite competition.
A wide range of development activities have been rolled out across the region, bringing the joy and benefits of running to communities of all backgrounds and ages.
Schools collaboration
One of the flagship initiatives has been a close collaboration with schools across three Belgian regions. Students aged 14–18 have been given the unique opportunity to participate directly in the 10km race on April 13.
Engagement events have taken place in Brussels (15 February), Ghent (12 March) and Mechelen (16 March) encouraging young people to lace up their shoes and experience the thrill of racing alongside Europe’s best.
For younger students under the age of 14, a major youth event in Brussels (15 February) welcomed over 1,000 participants. Though too young to take part in the main competition, these budding runners were still included in the championship spirit, setting the stage for future involvement in athletics.
Inclusivity and diversity
Inclusivity has been a major theme of this year’s development work. The 10km race is open to para athletes, with support from G-sport Vlaanderen enabling around 60 participants - including visually impaired runners, athletes with intellectual disabilities, and those using prosthetics - to take part.
Unfortunately, due to logistical constraints, the course cannot currently accommodate wheelchair athletes.
The Federation has also teamed up with Les Gazelles de Bruxelles to offer race access to refugees and people living in poverty. This partnership will bring around 30 participants from diverse backgrounds - including Ukraine and Morocco - to the starting line, highlighting the power of sport to unite and uplift.
Dynamic event experience
In a further boost to accessibility and innovation, the championship weekend will feature Urban Tracks’ mobile athletics facility—previously seen at the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships—offering a dynamic and interactive experience for spectators and families.
With these initiatives, the Flemish Athletics Federation is not only delivering a world-class sporting event but also building a more active, inclusive, and inspired running community for the future.
Chris Broadbent for European Athletics