In less than 10 weeks’ time – on 12 and 13 April – Leuven and Brussels will get the premiere of hosting the very first European Running Championships. Top runners and a mass of recreational runners will stand shoulder to shoulder at the start of the marathon, half marathon and 10 km. Michael Somers is resolutely going for gold in the marathon, but the European Championships are above all for everyone.
The first European Running Championships lift the marathon and half marathon from the European (track) Athletics Championships and bundle the road races into a new two-year championship. Elite runners compete for the European titles, but it simultaneously doubles as an ‘open’ championship which any recreational runner can enter. Leuven is the beating heart of the European Championships on 12 and 13 April where all the races finish. The marathon starts in Brussels on Sunday.
Jessica Mayon (LBFA): “We are delighted to welcome this exceptional competition. Sport is a vector of many values, including inclusion. In addition to our top athletes, we will encourage athletes with disabilities, refugees and many other athletics enthusiasts. We will be able to enjoy a beautiful celebration for all in April.”
Gery Follens (Atletiek Vlaanderen): “Atletiek Vlaanderen wants to seize this unique international running festival as an opportunity to build bridges with schools and disadvantaged groups, whilst also connecting elite sport and grassroots sport with athletics clubs.”