On the eve of the 27th edition of the European 10,000m Cup, athletes across the continent are entering their final preparations. Held in Pacé, France on Saturday 24 May, the event promises quick times and competitive racing.
What is the European 10,000m Cup?
With the first iteration of the cup being held in 1997 in Barakaldo Spain – formerly known as the European 10,000m Challenge until 2005 - Pacé 2025 remains one of the significant dates within the continent’s distance running calendar.
Unlike other individual track races, Pacé 2025 also places a strong emphasis on team performance. While athletes compete for individual titles in both the men's and women's races, it’s the pursuit of the national team title that adds a unique layer to the competition.
Countries enter multiple athletes into each 25-lap race, with team scores calculated by adding the total time of each nation’s top three athletes.
The team with the lowest total time winning the competition. For example, in 2023, Germany were crowned champions in the women's competition with a total time of 1:37:40.69 beating Spain by almost exactly 10 seconds (1:38:50.68).
Why Pacé?
The small town of Pacé in Brittany is rapidly building a reputation in distance running. The Stade Chasseboeuf arena has hosted the previous two editions (2022, 2023), cementing its status as a trusted venue for top-tier competition.
The track is renowned for producing fast times, and many athletes target this event to chase personal bests, national records and qualifying times. A strong performance at Pacé 2025 will be crucial in earning selection for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships in September, offering a rare, dedicated opportunity for 10,000m specialists to impress.
Athletes to watch
- Efrem Gidey (Ireland)
Gidey spearheads the line-up for the men’s individual race after breaking the Irish national record earlier this year with a stunning 27:26.95. He arrives in Pacé 2025 determined to claim his first senior title.
After narrowly missing the podium at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven 2025 where he was fourth in the half marathon, the Irish star will be eager to deliver a big performance and continue his impressive run of form.
- Valentin Gondouin (France)
Leading the French team is Valentin Gondouin, who recently edged out Gidey to claim bronze in the half marathon at Brussels-Leuven 2025. The Frenchman has not run a 10,000m this season but with a personal best of 27:41.37 he certainly holds the potential to cause an upset this Saturday.
- Chloe Herbiet (Belgium)
Belgium’s Chloé Herbiet returns to Pacé 2025 looking to build on her strong season. A standout performer at Brussels-Leuven 2025 having claimed the gold medal in the half marathon, with a time of 1:10:43 on home soil. It marked her first major international title and contributed to Belgium's team gold. With a 10,000m personal best of 32:17.18 secured at Rome 2024, Herbiet is shooting for a personal best and a podium finish in Pacé 2025.
- Eva Dieterich (Germany)
Germany’s Eva Dieterich lines up in Pacé 2025 following a strong performance at the German national Championships in 2025, where she placed second in 31:45.18. She also secured silver in the 10km at the Brussels-Leuven 2025, finishing just behind Italy’s superstar Nadia Battocletti. With confidence at an all-time high, Dieterich will be one to watch as she targets a podium finish in Pacé 2025.
Legends of the European 10,000m Cup
A unique element of the event is its potential to breed some of the sport's biggest names; over its 27 editions many athletes have gone on to become Olympic champions, world record holders and icons within the athletics world.
- Mo Farah (Great Britain)
Before becoming one of the most decorated distance runners in history, Mo Farah honed his craft at the European 10,000m Cup. He claimed individual gold in Marseille 2010, clocking 27:28.86 — the first time a British athlete had won the men’s competition.
That victory not only underlined his growing status but also served as a major confidence boost ahead of his breakout summer. Just one year later, he claimed his first global title at the Daegu 2011 World Athletics Championships, followed by historic back-to-back Olympic doubles over 5000m and 10,000m at London 2012 and Rio 2016. Farah’s win in the European 10,000m Cup remains a key milestone on his path to global stardom.
- Paula Radcliffe (Great Britain)
A towering figure in women’s distance running, Paula Radcliffe stormed to victory at Barakaldo 1999, clocking a dominant 30:40.70 to secure the title. She returned to Barakaldo 2001 and repeated the feat, winning her second crown with a time of 30:55.80.
The two-time champion used the competition as a springboard to global acclaim. Radcliffe went on to win the European 10,000m title at Munich 2002 and famously rewrote the marathon record books with her legendary 2:15:25 in London 2003 — a world record that stood for over 16 years.
She was also crowned marathon world champion in Helsinki in 2005, solidifying her status as one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
- Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy)
Yemaneberhan Crippa has firmly established himself as a standout figure, showcasing consistent excellence over multiple editions. His journey in the competition began in 2018, where he secured a bronze medal with a personal best of 27:44.21 at Parliament Hill Athletics Track in London.
Building on this success, Crippa returned to London 2019 and claimed individual gold, clocking 27:49.79 and leading Italy to the team title. After a hiatus, Crippa made a triumphant return to Pace 2023. He clinched his second individual gold with a time of 28:08.83.
Beyond the Cup, Crippa's accolades include a gold medal in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5000m in Munich 2022 as well as victory in the half marathon at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships.
- Dieter Baumann (Germany)
The 1992 Olympic 5000m champion, played a pivotal role in the early years of the European 10,000m Cup. He secured victory in the inaugural edition Barakaldo 1997, with a time of 27:21.53.
Baumann continued to showcase his prowess by earning a bronze medal in Lisbon 1998, clocking 27:32.31. He reclaimed the title in Camaiore 2002, with a winning time of 27:38.51.
Baumann's illustrious career includes a silver medal in the 5000m at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and a gold medal in the same event at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He also secured European silver medals in the 10,000m at Budapest 1998 and Munich 2002 respectively.
Where to watch Pacé 2025
The event is going to be live streamed via the European Athletics YouTube channel, where fans can expect full coverage of all races, live results and expert English-language commentary to keep you up to speed with the action. The livestream will begin at 6:55pm (CEST)
European Athletics will also be posting updates across the day via the European Athletics website and on the European Athletics social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.
Tom Hanson for European Athletics