Wavelight, the innovative pacing and spectator engagement technology, is set to make its debut at a major championship when it is deployed at the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. However, as co-creator and operational director Bram Som is keen to emphasise, its role here will be markedly different from its more familiar applications in training and on the Diamond League circuit.
A Technology Designed for Both Athletes and Spectators
Wavelight technology consists of a series of LED lights installed along the inside of the track – 400 lights for an outdoor 400m circuit, 200 for an indoor 200m track. Initially conceived as a tool to assist athletes with pacing in training and competition, it has also evolved into a system that enhances the experience for spectators, providing a clearer understanding of race dynamics, particularly in middle- and long-distance events.
“In a typical race, you only get a sense of what’s happening in the final stages, when the winning move is made,” Som explains. “Wavelight allows spectators to stay engaged throughout, making it easier to follow whether an athlete is on pace, ahead, or falling behind.” In all track and field finals the lights will be used to present the athletes and encourage clapping, and the arena will turn red when there is a false start.
The system is split into two main operations: permanent installations for training venues and rental systems for event organisers. While its role as a pacemaker in high-performance settings is well established, the European Athletics Indoor Championships marks a new phase – one in which its primary purpose is to serve the audience rather than the athletes.
A Different Approach for the Championships
Unlike in Diamond League meetings, where Wavelight is used to set and maintain pace for runners, it will not be used as a direct aid to athletes in Apeldoorn. Instead, it will serve three key functions:
- Event Presentation Tool – Wavelight will be used to highlight key moments in the programme, such as the introduction of star athletes and medal ceremonies. “We can use it for things like flag displays, colour changes and other visual effects that draw attention to important parts of the event,” says Som.
- Guide Light in Heats – In the 1500m and 3000m heats, Wavelight will act as a guide, providing a reference pace that remains the same across all heats. The system will switch on after the first third of the race and switch off before the final lap, offering spectators a clearer comparison of how different races unfold. “It’s about giving context,” Som explains. “The guide light helps viewers see if one heat is faster than another.”
- ‘Invisible’ Record Light – For the finals, Wavelight will display European, world and championship records – but only when an athlete is within five metres of surpassing one. “We don’t want to distract from the competition itself, but we do want to highlight when something extraordinary is happening,” Som says. “When you see that light appear, you know a record is within reach.”
Maximising the Spectator Experience
While Wavelight is expected to enhance the experience for both in-stadium and television audiences, Som believes its impact will be most strongly felt by those watching live. “In the stadium, you see the lights moving around the track in real time, and that gives a real sense of engagement,” he notes. “For TV, it depends on how the broadcasters integrate it into their coverage.”
Efforts have been made to ensure Wavelight’s presence is effectively communicated to broadcasters, who will receive guidance on how best to incorporate the technology into their race presentations. “We’ve sent out information explaining the system and how it works,” says Som. “We hope they’ll take advantage of it to bring more insight to the audience at home.”
Bringing Clarity to a Complex Sport
Athletics is a deceptively simple sport – whoever runs fastest, jumps highest or throws furthest wins. Yet, for spectators in a stadium, multiple events happening simultaneously can make it challenging to follow the action. Wavelight helps cut through this complexity, providing a visual focal point that makes middle- and long-distance races easier to understand.
This is especially valuable indoors, where competition takes place in a more compact space. “In an indoor arena, you’re much closer to the track, which enhances the experience,” says Som. “But at the same time, there’s a lot happening all at once. Wavelight can help direct attention and provide clarity.”
A Step Forward for Championship Racing
The European Athletics Indoor Championships will be a landmark event for Wavelight, demonstrating its potential beyond pace-setting duties. Som is optimistic about how the technology will be received, though he acknowledges that its redefined purpose will take some getting used to.
“People know us from the Diamond League as a tool for pacemakers,” he says. “Now, we’re asking them to see it differently – as something that enriches the entire viewing experience.”
With its debut on the championship stage, Wavelight is poised to add a new dimension to athletics, making races more engaging, informative, and thrilling for spectators – whether in the arena or watching from home.