The inaugural European Running Championships commenced today in Brussels and Leuven, marking a major development in European athletics with the launch of a dedicated continental road running event.
Held independently from the traditional European Athletics Championships, the competition is set to run across 12–13 April, with over 28,000 participants competing in the marathon, half marathon, and 10km.
Today’s programme opened with the half marathon, which started at 10:00 from Parkpoort in Leuven. Sunday will see the 10km begin at 09:30 and the marathon at 10:15, the latter departing from Brussels’ Royal Palace, where King Philippe of Belgium will serve as the honorary starter.
The marathon route traces a path from the capital through Wetstraat, the European Quarter, Woluwe, Tervuren, and Bertem, before finishing in Leuven. The closing kilometres of all three races pass through the city centre, concluding at Parkpoort, just outside Sportoase.
This weekend’s turnout makes the event the largest mass-participation running event in Belgian history, with 12,500 runners registered for the marathon, 10,000 for the half marathon, and 5,500 for the 10km. In total, runners from 84 countries are taking part, including approximately 5,000 international participants. Strong domestic engagement is also evident, with 4,500 entrants from Leuven and 2,200 from Brussels.
The Championships feature both elite competition and recreational participation. A total of 339 elite athletes from nearly all European athletics federations are competing for individual and team medals.
Prominent international competitors include Nadia Battocletti (Italy), Diane Van Es (Netherlands), Dominic Lobalu(Switzerland), Narve Nordas (Norway), Jimmy Gressier (France), Carlos Mayo (Spain), Nicolas Navarro (France), and Kaan Kigen Özbilen (Turkey).
While only elite runners are eligible for individual and team medals, a new scoring system means that the top 25 finishers per country will contribute to the overall national rankings, allowing recreational runners to influence the outcome — a first in European Athletics competition.
Spectators can follow the races from dedicated fan zones at Sportoase and Ladeuzeplein, which offer live race broadcasts, music, food and drink stalls, and interactive attractions. A temporary athletics track has also been installed at Ladeuzeplein by Urban Tracks.
All races will be broadcast live on VRT1, VRT Max, and sporza.be, with additional coverage on Belgium Running in Wallonia. A rear-mounted HD camera on the Polestar 4 pacing car is providing continuous footage of the lead pack during each event.
Transport and mobility logistics have been a priority for organisers. Attendees are advised to use public transport, bicycles, or come on foot. Dedicated bicycle parking is available at OHL/Naamsepoort, and shuttle services from the Brabanthal car park are operational throughout the weekend. Leuven’s city centre is closed to car traffic on both days, with race pack collection available at Sportoase Leuven and Brussels Central, depending on the event.
For those not yet registered, limited on-site registration is still available today at the bib collection points. All participants are advised to consult the Runners’ Guide, distributed by email, for detailed information on course logistics and timing.
With full integration of amateur and elite sport, high-level competition, and strong public participation, the European Running Championships mark a significant evolution in the European athletics calendar. The event concludes on Sunday with the 10km and marathon events, with medal ceremonies scheduled throughout the afternoon in Leuven.
