The first edition of the European Running Championships will take place in Brussels and Leuven on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. Arrival city Leuven invites residents and associations to organize an activity in the run-up to or during the European Championships.
The very first edition of the European Running Championships is just around the corner. During the open running competitions on April 12 and 13, everyone can participate in the marathon, half marathon or 10 km. Recreational enthusiasts are standing together with the European top at the start of a unique sporting event that is taking place for the first time.
The marathon starts at the Royal Palace in Brussels. Then an undulating course leads the runners in a straight line to Leuven. After a city loop of 10 km, a heroic finish follows at the Parkpoort. The half marathon and 10 km are run almost entirely on Leuven soil.
Loopfeest
Just like the Cycling World Championships in 2021 and the Gravel World Championships in 2024, the city hopes to make a big party of the upcoming running championship. “We are really looking forward to this sporting high mass in April. A marathon that arrives in Leuven is unique. And with the half marathon and the 10 km, there is something for everyone. This is also evident from the registrations, because more than 3,000 of our residents registered for the European Championships. The people of Leuven are clearly looking forward to it,” says Christophe Stockman.
A big party
But those who do not want to take on the sporting challenge are also welcome along the course. To support, but also to create an extra experience for the participants and spectators.
“We invite residents, associations and organizations to set up peripheral activities together with the city. All initiatives are welcome. A sporting activity in the run-up to the European Championships, a large screen in a park to watch the European Championships together with the school or neighborhood, a food or drink stand of a youth movement next to the course to feed the cash… The city is watching would like to work with residents to see what is possible. You can apply for permission to organize something on the periphery of the European Championship until Sunday, February 2, 2025 via the city of Leuven’s website,” said Stockman.
