European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov has paid tribute to the event organisers following the conclusion of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa on Sunday (14).
“The Lagoa 2025 SPAR European Cross Country Championships will go down as one of the greatest in the event’s 31-year-history,” he said. “It can also be celebrated as the biggest ever, with a record number of participants.
Record participants
“560 athletes competed in Lagoa, beating the previous record by one, set in Šamorín 2017, We also had a record amount of media coverage with 18 national broadcasters sharing all of the action from Lagoa 2025 with millions of viewers across Europe.
“We all enjoyed some magnificent races. Both Nadia Battocletti and Innes FitzGerald proved what incredible talents they both are as they retained their titles.
“The senior men’s race was also really exciting, with a thrilling sprint finish between Jimmy Gressier and Thierry Ndikumwenayo, proving the depth of European distance running.
“Congratulations to Spain for finishing on top of the medal table, also to Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, France, Germany, Finland, Portugal and Sweden for their medal successes.
Lagoa legacy
“Most of all, congratulations to the LOC, the Portuguese Athletics Federation and the Municipality for delivering one of the best ever SPAR European Cross Country Championships.
“Not only will be event live long in all of our memories, but the development of the host site and park as a leisure facility to be enjoyed by the community, ensures the legacy of Lagoa 2025 will live long into the future.”
