European Athletics and its member federations play an essential role in shaping the integrity and future of our sport. The fight against doping in athletics is a cornerstone of this commitment.
Doping undermines the very essence of fair competition and the fundamental values of honesty, dedication and respect that define our sport. It not only damages the credibility of athletics but also poses serious risks to the health and well-being of athletes.
At European Athletics, we are fully committed to preserving the integrity of our sport by taking a strong and proactive position against doping.
A cornerstone of our efforts in this regard is the I Run Clean programme — an innovative educational initiative aimed at fostering a culture of clean sport.
The programme provides athletes, coaches and key stakeholders with essential knowledge about the dangers of doping, the ethical principles of fair play, and the regulatory framework surrounding anti-doping.
Through interactive and comprehensive training modules, I Run Clean empowers everyone in our athletics community to make informed, responsible and ethical choices.
Three new modules available on the e-learning platform
In line with this ongoing commitment, European Athletics reaches a new milestone and we are pleased to announce launch of three new I Run Clean modules on the E-learning platform, specifically designed for the athletes’ entourage: coaches, leaders and medical.
These new modules represent a significant step forward in strengthening education and awareness across all levels of influence around the athlete, further reinforcing our collective fight against doping.
“Since its launch in 2015, inaugurated at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships, “I Run Clean” has grown from a pioneering initiative into one of the most ambitious and impactful education programmes in international sport, and certainly among those led by a continental federation,” commented European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.
“The launch of these new modules marks an important milestone in that journey. Clean sport is not the responsibility of athletes alone.
“Coaches, leaders, medical professionals, parents, friends and relatives play a crucial role in shaping decisions, behaviours and environments. By extending “I Run Clean” to the entire athletes’ entourage, we are strengthening our collective responsibility to safeguard clean sport, fair competition, and athlete well-being .
"This approach is fully aligned with our wider Race for Respect initiative, which promotes integrity, safe sport, mental health and human rights. There is no true value in performance achieved without respect — respect for the sport, for others, and for oneself.”
40,000 certified athletes
“What began as an English-only platform has evolved into a programme available in 27 languages and used by 40,000 certified athletes across all our member federations,” said European Athletics First Vice President and Chair of Governance and Integrity Commission Jean Gracia.
“These new modules provide practical knowledge, ethical context and a clear understanding of responsibilities, helping those who support athletes to act with integrity and confidence.
"By strengthening education across the entire entourage, we aim to support cleaner sport, stronger moral judgement, and decisions that athletes can stand behind with pride throughout their careers.”
I Run Clean certification remains a mandatory requirement for athlete for taking part in European Athletics events, as stipulated in the competition regulations for each competition.