First European Running Championships are a historic success

The inaugural European Running Championships took place in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April and was a record-breaking success, attended by Philippe, King of Belgians, around 28,000 runners, thousands of spectators and the continent’s finest distance runners grabbing gold.

For the first time ever, mass participants could compete in an official European Athletics championship event with elite athletes and they responded in huge numbers.

There were 12,500 entered for the marathon, running from Brussels to Leuven on Sunday, making it the largest marathon ever to have taken place in Belgium. King Philippe was the official race starter for the historic race.

The weekend also saw half marathon and 10km races take place in Leuven on Saturday and Sunday respectively with thousands of supporters lining the streets.

Saturday’s half marathons witness an unprecedented 1-2 for Belgium in the women’s race from Chloe Herbiet and Juliette Thomas and France’s Jimmy Gressier win the men’s race in a super fast time.

Sunday saw Italy’s Nadia Battocletti win her fourth European title in the last 12 months to go with her two track titles and cross country crown. Plus, Yann Schrub won the men’s 10km for France in a high-class contest.

The marathon brought more drama with surprise wins for Italy’s Iliass Aouani and Spain’s Fatima Ouhaddou in the men’s and women’s races.

European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov hailed the event’s success. He said: “The first ever European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven has been an incredible occasion for our sport."

"For the first time ever, mass participants took part in an official European Athletics creating a unique atmosphere that inspired both elite athletes and recreational runners."

“Around 28,000 people took part over the weekend in 10km, half marathon and marathon races. The response from the running community to this new concept has been amazing. There were also thousands of people lining the streets in Brussels and Leuven showing the widespread enthusiasm for our sport."

“Congratulations to the Local Organising Committee, the volunteers and everyone involved in delivering such a successful start, exceeding all expectations for a brand new event. You have set a new standard - and we look towards the next edition of this event in Belgrade in 2027 with huge excitement and optimism.”

(Raul Stiens with European Athletics - Picture: ©European Athletics)