Runners’ guide
Welcome!
The
long-awaited moment is finally here!
The 2025 European Running Championships take place on Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13 April. This guide will give you all the important info for your participation. Read the information carefully, it will help you to a carefree start.
This guide contains lots of information, here are the 8 top facts to remember:
Avoid the crowds and collect your bib number on the morning of the event on Thursday 10 April between 12 noon and 7 pm and Friday 11 April between 10 am and 7 pm.
Check the information about how to reach the event beforehand. Choose to come by public transport, bike or on foot. Those are the fastest options.
No name changes or new entries possible in Brussels on Sunday.
If you do come to Leuven by car, be sure to buy your parking ticket beforehand on the website!
Come to the event on time on Saturday or Sunday and familiarise yourself beforehand with where the toilets, bag drop area and start are.
Hold onto empty packaging whilst running or throw them in the bins at the waste zones.
The course is only for runners. Accompanying cyclists are NOT allowed on the course.
You trained really hard for this, smile as you cross the finish line and enjoy your moment to the fullest!
Welcome!
European Athletics President’s Welcome Message Brussels-Leuven 2025
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the European Running Championships the game changer – the latest and most transformative addition to our portfolio of major events.
The inspiration behind this championship is simple yet powerful: to unite elite competition with mass participation, creating an event where everyone can experience the pride of representing their nation.
Young and old, male and female, fast and slow, elite and amateur and let’s not use any labels at the European Running Championships, we all stand together on the start line. Whether in the marathon, half marathon, or 10km race, this is an event where barriers vanish, and inclusivity takes center stage.
For too long, athletics has sometimes been perceived as an exclusive pursuit, reserved for the super-fit or the naturally gifted. Yet, across our continent, millions of people, from children to seniors, lace up their running shoes every day. Running is the heartbeat of our sport, and this championship celebrates that universal passion. Athletics is for All. Here, every runner is a champion. Whether you are chasing a new personal best, better ranking position, releasing stress and testing your mental strength, or running for a cause greater than yourself—this is your moment.
So, to every participant: I know you can do it.
To conclude, I would like to offer my sincere thanks on behalf of European Athletics to Belgian Athletics and Golazo, our trusted hosts and partners on this amazing new Championships, our host cities and host region, especially the City of Leuven and Region of Flanders and all the public services in Brussels and Leuven, Commercial Partners and all the officials and volunteers for all their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment in historic staging this event.
Dobromir Karamarinov European Athletics President
Thank you!
Thanks to our institutional partners for their support in bringing the European Running Championships to life!
Leuven is a city where major sporting events belong. After the World Cycling Championships in 2021, the World Breaking Championships in 2023 and the World Gravel Championships in 2024, with the European Running Championships 2025, we are once again showing ourselves as a European sports city. Very happy that we can organize this top event together with many partners and Leuven organizations. It will undoubtedly be a sporting high mass and, as far as I am concerned, the beginning of a marathon tradition in Leuven.
Mohamed Ridouani – Mayor of Leuven
With the European Running Championships 2025, we are once again proud to welcome a prestigious international sporting event to Flanders. Hosting events like this has been a central focus in recent years, as they not only raise Flanders' profile abroad but also inspire local communities to embrace a more active lifestyle. The enthusiasm of supporters lining the course has a contagious effect it brings people together and encourages them to get moving.
Annick De Ridder – Flemish minister of sports
Download de app!
Stay up to date about the European Running Championships 2025 on the app!
The app is a must-have both for runners and spectators! Follow your favourite runner, friend or relative live during the race and don’t miss a single moment.
Live tracking – Follow real-time performances and split times. Results & ranking – Check out the results immediately after the race.
Important updates – Keep up to date with all important information.
Download the app now and enjoy the perfect experience of the European Running Championships!
Please note: the official results will appear on the website
Programme
Programme
Thursday 10 april 2025
12 noon – 7 pm: Collection bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)
Friday 11 april 2025
10 am – 7 pm: Collection bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)
Saturday 12 april 2025
8 am – 6 pm: Collection bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon
10 am: Start half marathon (Leuven)
2 pm: Closure finish – half marathon (Leuven)
Announcement of country ranking results
Sunday 13 april 2025
7:30 – 9:30 am: Collection bib number 10K (Leuven) (Please note: it will not be possible to collect a bib number for the marathon in Leuven on Sunday 13 April)
8 – 10 am: Collection bib number marathon (Brussels) (Please note:no changes or new registrations are possible in Brussels.)
9:30 am: Start 10K (Leuven)
10:15 am: Start marathon (Brussels)
11:30 am: Closure finish – 10K (Leuven)
4:30 pm: Closure finish – marathon (Leuven)
Announcement of country ranking results
Avoid the crowds!
Come on Thursday 10 April between 12 noon and 7pm or Friday 11 April between 10 am and 7 pm.
and collect your bib number or make a change in Leuven. -------
No substitutions or new entries will be possible in Brussels on Sunday, April 13.
Overview event sites
Event site: Leuven (Start & finish)
Event site: Leuven
Event site: Brussels (Start marathon)
How to get there
How to get there Leuven
Collection bib numbers
Thursday 10 april en friday 11 april.
On foot or by bike
The event site at Sportoase is easily accessible on foot or by bike. There are plenty of public bicycle parkings in the erea of the stratzone.
Public Transport
Leuven station can easily be reached by train from all over Belgium. Use the NMBS and the Lijn route planners to efficiently plan your trip and get to Leuven without a care in the world.
By car
If you collect your bib number by car, please be aware of roadblocks during the build up of the event.
Parking Sportoase is not accessible during the event. We recommend traveling by train and walking from Leuven Station to the Sportoase (about 15 minutes walk).
These days it is best to park at a Park & Ride or opt for carpooling. Another option is to park at Leuven Station and walk to the site.
How to get there
Race days
Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April.
Leuven
Come and collect your bib number on foot, by bike or public transport. Car Park Sportoase will not be accessible by car. You should follow the directions below to easily reach your destination.
On foot or by bike
The event site by Sportoase in Leuven is easily reachable on foot or by bike. On both race days, there will be plenty of BICYCLE PARKING provided at OHL on Tervuursevest, and from there you can easily walk to the event site.
Public transport
If you are coming by tram, bus or train, then Leuven Station is the place to be! Consult the NMBS and De Lijn route planners and plan your journey to Leuven station. Leuven Station is at walking distance from the Sportoase event site.
Please note that parking Sportoase will not be accessible by car.
How to get there Leuven
Race days
Saturday 12 april and sunday 13 april.
By car
If you cannot travel to the event by public transport, on foot or by bike, you should follow the directions below to easily get to the paying event car parks. Runners and supporters of the event can park in the Brabanthal event car park for €10.
Free shuttle buses will run between the event car parks and the start and finish between 7 am and 4 pm, allowing you to easily get to and back from the Sportoase event site.
Kiss & Ride
If you would like to drop off or pick up people, you can use the Kiss & Ride from Car Park 1 Leuven Station. They can then walk to Sportoase from there.
Parking Brabanthal (Google Maps)
Parking Brabanthal (Waze) Kiss & Ride Leuven (Google Maps) Kiss & Ride Leuven (Waze)
Buy your parking ticket here!
Fietsactie in Leuven
Kom met de fiets, zet je fiets aan de OHL-site en maak kans op een gratis deelname aan een volgend event!
Kom je met de fiets naar het event? Parkeer je fiets aan de fietsenstalling aan de OHL-site en scan de QR-code op het heraszeil. Maak kans op een gratis deelname aan een van de volgende events:
Athora Bruges Marathon 2025
Antwerp Marathon 2025
Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon 2025
Mis deze kans niet en draag zo je steentje bij aan een duurzamer evenement!
How to get there Brussels
Race day
Sunday 13 april.
On foot or by bike?
The Parc de Bruxelles can easily be reached on foot or by bike. There are several public bike parking areas close to the start zone.
Public transport?
If you are coming by bus or train, then Brussels-Central Station is the place to be! Please note, many bus routes will be affected by the course. Consult the NMBS and the Lijn route planners and plan your journey to Brussels.
By car?
You can use a car park around Brussels or a central car park but be aware of busy traffic and possible road closures as a result of the course. Check if your chosen car park is accessible beforehand and try to carpool as much as possible.
CARPOOLING? CLICK HERE!
Eventsite: Brussels (Start marathon)
Bereikbaarheid Brussel
Commute Leuven - Brussels
Marathon Runners arrange how to get to the start themselves!
The start and finish areas are within walking distance of the station:
Brussels: Brussels-Central Station
Leuven: Leuven Station
There will be no shuttle service for marathon runners between Brussels and Leuven. We recommend taking the train. The train is the fastest and most efficient way of travelling to the start and finish areas.
Plan your journey and purchase your ticket on the NMBS website. The NMBS weekend ticket gives you a 50% discount.
6:55 am 7:19 am
Blankenberge
7:05 am 7:42 am IC Knokke
7:34 am 7:55 am
7:55 am 8:19 am
IC Knokke
IC Blankenberge
8:05 am 8:42 am IC Knokke
8:24 am 8:49 am
8:33 am 8:55 am
IC Blankenberge
IC Oostende
8:37 am 8:59 am IC Oostende
8:55 am 9:19 am IC Blankenberge
9:05 am 9:42 am
Before the race
Collection bib number
Appear relaxed at the start and collect your bib number in Leuven beforehand.
▪ On Thursday 10 April between 12 noon and 7 pm
o 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)
▪ On Friday 11 April between 10 am and 7 pm
o 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)
▪ On Saturday 12 April between 8 am and 6 pm
o 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)
▪ On Sunday 13 April between
o 10K: 7:30 and 9:30 am (Leuven)
o Marathon: 8 and 10 am (Brussels)
We strongly recommend collecting your bib number from Sportoase on Thursday 10 April or Friday 11 April. We expect it to be much busier in Brussels and Leuven on Saturday and Sunday. If you want to avoid stress and possible disappointment, make sure you collect your number beforehand!
If you really can’t manage to collect your bib number beforehand, you can also collect it on the day itself in Leuven for the 10K (between 7:30 and 9:30 am) and in Brussels for the marathon (between 8 and 10 am). The bib number for marathon runners will only be available in Brussels on Sunday. No substitutions or new entries possible in Brussels on Sunday, April 13.
PLEASE NOTE! Very limited availability on the race days.
Locatie: Sportoase Leuven, Philipssite 6, 3001 Leuven
Check-in Pass
You can collect your bib number using your personal Check-in Pass. You can download / print or save it in your e-wallet.
Registered before 28 February? Then you receive a named bib number from us, and you can take your Check-In Pass to queue in the line that corresponds with the BIB number allocated to you. You can find the number on your Check-In Pass.
Registered later? Then you can take your Check-in Pass (without named BIB number) to the e-ticket desk, we will link your details to a BIB number for your race there.
Your personal Check-In Pass:
- You received it from us in an email
- You can find it at all times in your personal Haku profile:
o Log in to your personal Haku account
o Go to your registration for the European Running Championships
o Click on Check-in Pass
Also do not forget to bring proof of ID / nationality.
FAQ
I have not received the confirmation email containing my Check-in Pass?
Be sure to check your SPAM folder. Can't find your confirmation e-mail with Check-in Pass there either? You can always find your Checkin Pass in your profile on the Haku registration platform.
Can someone else collect my bib number?
Yes, they can. The person collecting does have to bring your confirmation email containing your Check-in Pass and proof of identity to confirm your nationality to the pre-registration desk (this can also be a photo of the proof of ID).
Can I still change my entry?
If you would like to change your distance or name, you can only do this at the registration desk on site in Leuven for € 10. Be sure to bring your ID card so that we can quickly and easily enter your details.
Can I still sign up on site?
Yes, you can do so online until Wednesday 9 April 11:59 pm. From Thursday 10 April, you can still sign up on site at Sportoase in Leuven.
Eventsite: Leuven
Bag drop area 10K and half marathon Leuven
How does it work:
1) You will get two stickers at the bag drop area.
2) Attach one sticker to your bag and hand it in at the bag drop area.
3) Attach the other sticker to your bib number so that you don’t lose it.
4) You can ONLY collect your bag upon presentation of your bib number with sticker.
5) Make sure that you have a (sports) bag that closes well (40x20x25cm) to hold all your belongings, loose items of clothing will not be accepted.
6) Half marathon runners can collect until 2:30 pm on Saturday and 10K and marathon runners until 4:30 pm on Sunday.
*The organization will take the necessary safety measures to guard the premises as well as possible, but use of the premises is at your own risk. The organization is not responsible for any damage, loss and/or theft of personal items.
Bag drop area marathon
Brussels
We transfer your bag from Brussels to Leuven
How does it work:
1. Go to the bag drop area on Wetstraat.
2. Hand in your bag and receive a unique wristband.
3. That wristband is also attached to your backpack.
4. Take good care of your band! You will need it to get your bag back.
5. Use a (sports) bag that closes well (max: 40x20x25cm). Loose items of clothing will not be accepted.
6. Be on time! The bag drop area closes at 9:45 am.
7. You can collect from Leuven until 4:30 pm.
*The organization will take the necessary safety measures to guard the premises as well as possible, but use of the premises is at your own risk. The organization is not responsible for any damage, loss and/or theft of personal items.
Please note!
Not all bags have trained as hard as you have for the European Championships! If you arrive in Leuven before your bags, don’t worry, enjoy a bite to eat or a drink in the fan zone. The transfer will follow as quickly as possible. If you want to make sure that you have your belongings immediately after the finish, give them to supporters to bring.
The race
Start boxes
The correct start box
For your own running comfort and that of your fellow runners, it is advised to stand in the start box of your anticipated finish time and corresponding pacer. This should allow everyone to run in their ideal running comfort. There will be no checks (except for start box elite and start box 1), thanks to the fair play of all runners, everyone can make a smooth start.
You can only access the start boxes from the left (see white arrows). It is not possible to enter the start box from the back. Start box 1 is reserved for runners that have “start box 1” on their bib number.
Entry into the starting area
You can only enter the starting area along the left side (see white arrows on next page). It is not possible to enter the start zone from the front.
How does it work?
Elite and recreational runners start together for all distances. The elite runners start at the sound of a starting shot. The start for recreational runners opens after that. The start boxes are divided based on your finish time. That is how we ensure a pleasant and smooth start of your race.
Please keep in mind that depending on the distance you are running, the start will be over a certain period of time and not everyone will leave exactly at the starting hour (depending on your starting box). The time that everyone has to be in the starting box at the latest can be found on the visuals below.
Important!
Your time is registered through a chip in your bib number. Your time starts running as soon as you cross the start line and stops when you reach the finish line. So, there is no need to worry if you need to shuffle to the start. Your time doesn’t start running until you cross the start line.
Half marathon course
Saturday 12/04 it’s time!
• Start and finish in Leuven
• A combination of the same unique city loop of 10K through the historic heart of Leuven including a fast and flat stretch just outside the city centre.
Please see below for a link to the course to help you prepare optimally!
10K course
Sunday 13/04 it’s time!
• Start and finish in Leuven
• A unique city loop of 10 km through the historic heart of Leuven
Please see below for a link to the course to help you prepare optimally!
Link to course.
Marathon course*
Sunday 13/04 it’s time!
• Start: Brussels
• Finish: Leuven
• A combination of a beautiful route from Brussels to Leuven including the same unique city loop of 10K through the historic heart of Leuven
Please see below for a link to the course to help you prepare optimally!
Link to course.
Bevoorradingszones
General
Both for the 10K, half marathon and marathon, the course will have sufficient provisioning zones (for all distances at least every 5km a provisioning). Depending on which fueling zone, water, isotonic drinks, salty and/or sweet snacks will be available.
Please note that we work with cardboard cups at each distance and at each supply zone.
The isotonic drink per distance and supply zone:
Marathon:
sup 1,2,5,6,7,8,9 en 11 → Lemon lime
sup 3 en 4 → Blueberry
sup 10 → Agrum
Halve marathon:
sup 1,2,3 en 4 → Lemon lime
10K:
sup 1 → GEEN isotone drank
sup 2 → Agrum
sup 3 → Lemon lime
Specific location and further supplies for each zone can be found for each distance on the folders below.
Refreshment zones
Waste Zones
Do not leave any rubbish on the course
Use the provided waste zones to throw away your gels, bottles and other waste. There will be clear signs towards the end of every supply station showing where you can dispose of your waste.
Use the waste zones and contribute to a clean and safe course!
Tap water
Use of tap water
During the European Running Championships, we are making extra efforts to be sustainable by using tap water and an additional self-service option at the various supply stations. How does it work?
- We are working together with de Watergroep to provide taps at the supply stations where you can fill your cups with tap water.
- Want to hydrate more sustainably? Then you can refill your own cup, bottle or camel bag at the self-service water station at the end of the supply stations (except the first two).
So, be sure to bring your own cup/bottle/camel bag. Together we are committed to the sustainability of the event!
Lotto pacing team
You can count on pacers in the marathon and half marathon! A number of very experienced, predominantly Belgian, ultra runners have committed to act as pacers for the European Running Championships. The pacers are easy to spot in the start box thanks to their Lotto flag showing the finish time for both the marathon and half marathon (there are no pacers for the 10K).
Tempo’s marathon:
Tempo’s half marathon:
Exercise wisely!
Run safely and responsibly at the
European Running Championships
Your health and safety come first at the European Running Championships! Whether you're an experienced runner or participating for the first time, it's important to be well-prepared at the start line.
• Stay hydrated – Make sure to drink enough water, especially in warm weather. Use the water stations along the course and listen to your body.
• Listen to your body – Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or extremely fatigued? Stop immediately and seek help from the medical stations or volunteers along the route.
• Adjust your pace – In high temperatures or during intense exertion, it's wise to slow down. The most important thing is to finish safely and feel good doing it.
And most importantly: enjoy the race!
NO accompanying bikes!
Accompanying cyclists are not allowed. For safety reasons, it is not allowed to accompany participants by bike, not on the course, nor alongside the course. This offers all participants a smooth and safe running experience.
We are counting on your understanding and cooperation to make this a fantastic event together!
Fanzones
The 2025 European Running Championships are also for supporters!
The event is not just a party for runners, but also for you as a supporter! Come to loudly cheer on runners from one of two fan zones, where you can follow the race up close in a wonderful atmosphere!
Big screen – Follow the race live
DJ & entertainment – Atmosphere guaranteed
Food & drinks – Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink
Fan zone Sportoase – Encourage the runners over the finish line!
Fan zone Ladeuzeplein – Cheer on your favourites in the heart of the city! Spectators can run along too!
Urban Tracks will transform the Ladeuzeplein fan zone into an athletics stadium. Bring your friends and family and show them who is the fastest!
After the Race
Engrave your medal
Have your finish time engraved on your medal.
Did you order your medal engraving when you registered? Then your bib number will have a medal pictogram. With your bib number and medal pictogram, you can go to the medal engraving stand at the Sportoase event site.
If you did not order beforehand, don’t worry, you can still have your medal engraved on site for €16.
Merchandise
Did you purchase the exclusive event T-shirt when you registered?
If you bought the event T-shirt when you registered, you can collect it with the envelope of your bib number from the registration area at Sportoase on:
Thursday 10 April between 12 noon and 7 pm (in Sportoase)
Friday 11 April between 10 am and 7 pm (in Sportoase)
Saturday 12 April between 8 am and 6 pm (outside the Sportoase in the merchandise shop)
Sunday 13 April between 7:30 am and 9:30 am (outside the Sportoase in the merchandise shop)
The merchandise shop on site in Leuven will also sell the T-shirts for €30 (while stocks last).
Merchandise
Fancy taking home a nice souvenir? Our partner Scimitar offers a beautiful range of fun gadgets, merchandising and goodies.
SAY CHEESE!
Your personal action shots!
SPORTOGRAF.COM is the official photo service of the 2025 European Running Championships. These photographers have built up a good reputation over the last years through their fully digital service and reasonable fees.
Consult the Sportograf website and find your 2025 European Running Championships photos. Register now and receive a reminder as soon as the photos appear online. Register here!
Search Results
Check your results immediately after the race!
After the race, you can simply find your results in the European Running Championships app or online on the European Running Championships website. Discover your finish time, ranking and statistics!
Keep up to date and relive the race!
The official results?
As soon as the official results are available, they will appear online on the European Running Championships 2025 website.
Relive your finish!
Shortly after your arrival, we will send you a personalized video of your arrival. Don't hesitate to share it!
de European Running Championships app. Volg je vrienden, familie, favoriete atleet en je eigen prestatie live tijdens de European Running Championships!
ceremonies
Country rankings
Run for your country!
This is more than just your personal race. Will you get your country a medal?
The net finish times of the top 25 runners per country (including elite runners) are aggregated into the country rankings by race and gender.
The country with the lowest total time wins
If your country makes the top 3, you and your 24 teammates will get an exclusive medal for the country ranking
You can pick up the country ranking medals at the podium at the event site at the Sportoase. Want to know if you're there? Then be sure to keep an eye on the LED screens at the event site. The results will also be posted online on the website.
Your next challenge
Sunday 04.05.2025
Sunday 12.10.2025
Sunday 19.10.2025
Sunday 02.11.2025 Brussels Airport Marathon (& Half Marathon)
Great Breweries Marathon (25K & 17K)
Athora Bruges Marathon (& Half Marathon)
Antwerp Marathon (& Half Marathon)
Thank you, partners!
Main Partners
Media Partners
Institutional Partners
Official Suppliers
