Practical info

Please find below all practical info about the European Running Championships.

Competition info

Thursday 10th of April

  • 12 pm – 7 pm: Pick up bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon

Friday 11 April 2025

  • 10 am – 7 pm: Pick up bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon

Saturday, April 12, 2025

  • 8 am – 6 pm: Pick up bib number 10K, half marathon and marathon
  • 10 am: Start half marathon (Leuven)
  • 2 pm: Closing of the finish – half marathon

Sunday, April 13

  • 7:30 am – 9:30 am: Pick up bib number 10K (Leuven) (note: in Leuven, picking up a bib number for the marathon is no longer possible on Sunday, April 13)
  • 8 am – 10 am: Pick up bib number marathon (Brussels)
  • 9:30 am: Start 10K (Leuven)
  • 10:15 am: Start marathon (Brussels)
  • 11:30 am: Closing of the finish – 10K (Leuven)
  • 4:30 pm: Closing of the finish – marathon (Leuven)
  • 📍Start Half Marathon & 10K: Naamsevest, Leuven, Located 100 meters from the Sportoase.
  • 📍Start Marathon: Paleizenplein – Brussels
  • 📍Finish: Geldenaaksevest, Leuven. By the Sportoase
  • 📍Collection of participation package: Sportoase Leuven, Philipssite 6, 3001 Leuven

    We advise everyone to pick up the participant pack one or more days before your race in Leuven. This is possible as of Thursday, April 10 at noon.
    You really can’t make it to Leuven beforehand? Then you can still pick up your bib number the day of your race.
    Note: for marathon participants, this is only possible on Sunday in Brussels (Warande Park) between 8 am and 10 am. T-shirts will only be available in Leuven from Thursday to Sunday.
  • Bag drop Area

    Before your race be sure to read the information about the bag drop area

    📍Half Marathon & 10K: Sportoase, Philipssite 6, 3001 Leuven
    📍Marathon:
    • Dropping off your luggage prior to the race can be done at the trucks near Wetstraat 4, 1000 Brussels
    • Pick up your bag after the race at the Sportoase site, Philipssite 6, 3001 Leuven

The right starting grid
For both your own running comfort and that of your fellow runners, it is best to be in the starting area of your target finish time and corresponding pacer. This should ensure ideal running comfort for everyone. There is no control (except for start box 1), as fair play of the runners allows everyone to start smoothly.

Start box entrance
You can only enter the starting boxes from the left side (see white arrows). It is not possible to enter the starting area from behind.
Start box 1 is reserved for runners with “start box 1” on their bib number.

How it works?
At each distance, elite and recreational runners start together. The elite runners start with a starting gun. Then the start is opened for the recreational runners. The start boxes are divided according to your finishing time. This way we ensure a pleasant and smooth start of your race.

Important!
Your time is recorded using a chip that is in your bib number. Your time starts running as soon as you cross the starting line and stops when you reach the finish line.
So don’t worry if you must make your way to the starting line. Your race really starts when you cross the start line.

M_Startvakken

Supply
Both for the 10K, half marathon and marathon, the course will have sufficient supply zones (for all distances at least every 5km a supply zone). Depending on which supply zone, water, isotonic drinks, savoury and/or sweet snacks will be available.
Specific location and supplies per zone can be found per distance on the maps below.

Do not leave any rubbish on the course!
Use the provided waste zones to dispose of your gels, bottles and other trash. At the end of each supply zone there will be a clear indication of where you can dispose of your waste. Taking a gel in between two supply zones? Then put the trash away until the next waste zone and contribute to a clean and safe course!

Use of tap water
During the European Running Championships, we are putting extra effort into sustainability by using tap water and a self-service option at various drinking stations.
How does it work?

  • We are working with De Watergroep and Kraanwater to fill cups with tap water at supply stations where possible.
  • Want to hydrate more sustainably? Then you can refill your own cup, bottle or camel bag at the self-service water stand, at the end of the supply zones (except the first two).

So be sure to bring your cup/bottle/camel bag. Together we are committed to the sustainability of the event!

A number of very experienced, mainly Belgian, ultra runners led by Marnix Callewaert & Ivan Hostens, have committed themselves as pace makers for the European Running Championships.

The pace makers can be easily recognized in the starting area by their Lotto flag with the finishing time on it.

Marathon

The time limit for runners of the marathon is 6 hours. By police order, the roads will reopen to traffic based on a 6-hour pace. Those who run slower will be eliminated from the race, but can continue on the course at their own risk and must strictly follow the traffic rules.

Half Marathon

The time limit for the half marathon is 3 hours. By police order, the roads will reopen to traffic based on a 3-hour pace. Those who run slower will be eliminated from the race, but can continue on the course at their own risk and must strictly follow traffic rules.

10K

The time limit for the half marathon is 2 hours. By police order, the roads will reopen to traffic based on a 2-hour pace. Those running slower will be eliminated from the race, but can continue on the course at their own risk and must adhere strictly to the traffic rules.

Timing is done via an electronic chip. This chip, on the back of the bib number, measures the net time between start and finish. This means that your time does not start running until you cross the starting line. This extra service ensures more accurate timekeeping.

This chip is included in the registration fee and should not be recovered after the race.

Do not fold the bib number or remove the stickers on the chip.

During the European Running Championships, you will always find rankings by distance and gender in the official results for:

  • Elite individual runners
  • Elite country teams
  • Age categories
  • Per country


There will also be a country ranking that both elite and recreational runners can contribute to!
An exciting country battle in which every runner counts:

  • The net times of the fastest 25 runners per country (elite and recreational) will be added together.
  • The country with the lowest total time per race and gender wins.
  • Is your country in the top 3? Then the first 25 teammates will receive an exclusive medal for the country ranking!


More info about the race rules? Click on the button below!

Competition Rules

Saturday, April 12, 2025

  • 11:45 am: Half Marathon Men individual
  • 11:50 am: Half Marathon Women individual
  • 12:00 pm: Half Marathon Men Team
  • 12:08 pm: Half Marathon Women Team

Sunday, April 13

  • 10:50 am: 10K Men individual
  • 10:55 am: 10K Men Team
  • 11:02 am: 10K Women individual
  • 11:07 am: 10K Women Team
  • 1:15 pm: Marathon Men individual
  • 1:20 pm: Marathon Men Team
  • 1:30 pm: Marathon Women individual
  • 1:35 pm: Marathon Women Team

Registration & participation

Register here

Not registered yet? No worries, it’s still possible!

  • Online registration is possible until Wednesday, April 9.
  • From Thursday, April 10, you can only register at the event site in the Sportoase.

Don’t hesitate, register and experience this unique event!

Changing your name and/or distance can only be done on site.

Distance change (on site)

  • Pick up the bib number with the confirmation email from the person from whom you took the starting number.
  • Have your information changed at the ‘changes’ booth and receive a new bib number.

Name change (on site)

  • Pick up the bib number with the confirmation email from the person from whom you took the starting number.
  • Have your information changed at the ‘changes’ booth and receive a new bib number.

Don’t forget to bring your ID. For a name change there is a € 10 administration fee on the spot.

Avoid the crowds and come pick up your bib number one or more days before your race!

Do you want to avoid stress and possible disappointment? Then make sure you pick up your number in advance. We strongly recommend picking up your bib number on Thursday April 10 or Friday April 11 at the Sportoase (Leuven).

Opening hours

On Thursday, April 10 between 12 pm and 7 pm

  • 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)

On Friday, April 11 between 10 am and 7 pm

  • 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)

On Saturday, April 12, between 8 am and 6 pm

  • 10K, half marathon and marathon (Leuven)

On Sunday, April 13

  • 10K: between 7:30 am and 9:30 am (Leuven)
  • Marathon: between 8 am and 10 am (Brussels)


Marathon runners, take note! If you really can’t manage to pick up your bib number in advance, you can also do it yourself on Sunday in Brussels before the marathon (between 8 am and 10 am). The bib number for marathon runners will only be available at the start in Brussels on Sunday.

Check-in Pass

You can collect your starting number using your personal Check-in Pass. You can download/print it or save it in your e-wallet.

  • Registered before February 28? Then we will give you a personal starting number and you can use your Check-In Pass to join the queue that corresponds with your assigned BIB number. You can find this number on your Check-In Pass.
  • Registered later? Then you can take your Check-In Pass (without BIB number) to the e-ticket desk. Here we link your details to a BIB number for your match.

My personal Check-In Pass:

  • Received from us via email.
  • You can always find it on your personal Haku profile:
    • Log in to your personal Haku account
    • Go to your registration for the European Running Championships
    • Click on Check-in Pass

ID-check
Don’t forget your identity card! You will have to show it when collecting your bib number.

Is someone else coming to pick up your participant pack?
They can! Make sure this person has your ID at hand (or on photo). This is also possible with larger groups.

Participant pack:

  • Personalized bib number with your first name* with chip
    – Unique medal at the finish
  • Supply stations along the way and at the finish line
  • Free storage space for your sports bag
  • Correct mileage and time indication on the course and at the finish line
  • Complete results available on the website
  • Course description online with indication of the supplies
  • Sportinez insurance during the races

*Personalized bib number is only possible for participants who registered online before Friday, February 28, 2025.

The European Running Championships are “open” competitions. This means that both elite runners and recreational runners can compete for the European title.

To participate, you must be at least 18 years old for the marathon, 16 years old for the half marathon or 14 years old for the 10 kilometres.

Non-Europeans can also register. Their finishing time will be reflected in the results, but will not count for the official individual, team or country rankings. In accordance with European Athletics competition rules, if you are a non-European, you will take your place in the last starting box.

Participants in elite competitions are selected by their national federation.

Competition Rules

Unfortunately, cancellation is no longer possible as the cancellation policy has expired as of January 12. This applies both to registration and to any extras such as the T-shirt, medal engraving and other additional options.

Do you have questions about your registration? If so, please contact us at info@europeanrunningchampionships.com.

Spectators & Extra Services

The European Running Championships 2025 is also here for supporters!

The European Championships are not only a celebration for the runners, but also for you as a supporter! Come and cheer on the runners loudly in our two fan zones, where you will experience the race up close in a great atmosphere!

  • Big screen – Follow the race live
  • DJ & entertainment – Atmosphere guaranteed
  • Food & drinks – Enjoy a snack and a drink

📍Fanzone Sportoase – Cheer on the runners across the finish line!
📍Fanzone Ladeuzeplein – Cheer on your favorites in the heart of the city!

Spectators can also run with you!

Urban Tracks will transform the Ladeuze Square fan zone into an athletics stadium. Grab your friends and family and show who is the fastest!

Curious? Be sure to check out the Ladeuze Square for an unforgettable experience!

During the event weekend, storage space for sports bags is provided in Leuven for 10K and half marathon runners and from Brussels to Leuven for the marathon runners.

10K and half marathon – Leuven

How it works:

  • Before the start you can drop off your sports bag at the bag drop area at the Sportoase in Leuven (on Saturday from 8:30am, on Sunday from 8am).
  • At the bag drop area you will receive two stickers.
  • Stick one sticker on your bag and drop it off at the bag drop area.
  • The other sticker you stick on your bib number so it will not get lost.
  • You can pick up your bag ONLY when you show your bib number and sticker.
  • Make sure your sports bag (maximum: 40x20x25cm) closes tightly, loose items of clothing will not be accepted. The organization is not responsible for loss or damage.
  • Pick-up is possible for the half marathon on Saturday until 2:30 pm and for the 10K and marathon on Sunday until 4:30 pm.

Marathon – Brussels to Leuven

How it works:

  • Marathon runners can leave their sports bag at the bag drop area in Brussels (Wetstraat) from 8:30 am to 9:45 am.
  • Hand in your bag and receive a unique wristband.
  • This wristband will also be put around your backpack.
  • Keep your wristband! You will need it to get your bag back.
  • Use a (sports) bag (maximum: 40x20x25cm) that closes tightly. Loose articles of clothing and larger bags will not be accepted. The organization is not responsible for loss or damage.
  • Be on time! At 9:45 am the bag drop area closes.
  • Pick up is possible until 16h30 in Leuven. Be on time!

Not every baggage has trained as hard as you have! Arriving in Leuven faster than your luggage? No worries, in the meantime enjoy a snack or drink in the fanzone. Transport will follow as soon as possible.

Want to make sure you get your stuff right after the finish? Then pass them along with your supporter(s).

All participants can have their medal engraved with name and time immediately after the race. On the registration form you can check ‘medal engraving’ for this for 14 euros.

If you have not checked this box during registration, you can still decide on the spot and pay 16 euros, as long as there are still available places.

Exclusive event T-shirt

If you bought the exclusive event-shirt at registration, you can pick it up with the envelope of your bib number in the registration area in Leuven at the Sportoase on:

  • Thursday, April 10 from 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Friday, April 11 from 10 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday 12th April from 8 am until 6 pm
  • Sunday, April 13 from
    • 7:30 am to 9:30 am inside Sportoase at registration area
    • 9:30 am till the end outside at Sportoase at the merchandise stand

There are still T-shirts for sale at the merchandise stand for €30.

Please note: if you also bought an event-shirt as a marathon runner and you only come to the event on Sunday, you will only be able to pick it up in Leuven (and not at the start in Brussels).

Merchandise

On the event days there is also other merchandise for sale. You can find it on the event site at the Sportoase at the merchandise stand.

SPORTOGRAF.COM is the official photo service of the European Running Championships.

These photographers have built a good reputation over the past years with their fully digital service and their reasonable prices.

Since they are active runners themselves, they also have an excellent feeling from the perspective of the participant.

Find your photos here after the event
Make a hotel reservation

Mobility & Traffic

Here you will find all information about accessibility and parking

Specific traffic and residents information can be found here per municipality.
If you still have questions after reading these letters, you can send an email to Info@europeanrunningchampionships.com. Our employees will help you as best and completely as possible.

Etterbeek – SPW – Oudergem
Bertem
Herent
Leuven Matadi
Rue Ducale (fr)
Rue Ducale (nl)
Tervuren
Leuven Centrum

Accessibility

People with a disability can find more information about the facilities offered here (such as reserved parking spaces, wheelchair platform, adapted sanitary facilities, etc.). However, if you have any additional questions after reading this information, please do not hesitate to contact info@europeanrunningchampionships.com.

Accessibility document

Tourism & experience

Leuven, a vibrant city in the heart of Belgium, is known for its centuries-old university, lively student culture and beautiful historical architecture. The atmospheric streets invite you to explore cozy cafés, boutiques and historical sights, such as the impressive Gothic St. Peter’s Church. With its rich history, lively atmosphere and hospitable inhabitants, Leuven is an irresistible destination for both tourists and locals. For information about sights in Leuven, we would like to refer you to www.visitleuven.be.

Whether you like a charming B&B or prefer to stay in a well-known chain hotel? Leuven has it all. Book your overnight stay in Leuven here.

Brussels has a great historical, architectural, gastronomic and cultural wealth, but has much more to offer! The lively capital is unique, welcoming and warm. There is always something to do. Go on a discovery and get to know the inhabitants and their big hearts. For information about sights in Brussels, we would like to refer you to www.visit.brussels.

Whatever your occasion, desires or budget may be … You can sleep soundly! The capital of Europe has an extremely varied range of accommodation options. Make your choice and book your accommodation via this link.

Flemish Brabant is the ideal destination for beer lovers, because it is the beer province of Belgium, with a wide range of unique brews to taste. In addition to the rich beer culture, the beautiful landscapes offer the perfect setting for hiking and cycling tours. Discover the natural beauty of the National Park “De Brabantse Wouden” for an unforgettable experience. www.visitvlaamsbrabant.be

www.visitvlaamsbrabant.be.

Giving everyone in Flanders the opportunity to participate in high-quality sports and exercise throughout their lives, because it makes us healthier and happier as people, and stronger and closer as a society. That is what Sport Vlaanderen – the sports administration of the Flemish government – believes in, and why it works together with the sports sector every day to create a more attractive and accessible range of sports and exercise, tailored to each athlete. To this end, Sport Vlaanderen invests in sports federations, clubs and events, in sports infrastructure (including fourteen of its own centres), in trainer training, in sports promotion, in knowledge sharing and in top-level sports.

Discover how Sport Vlaanderen wants to get you moving at www.sport.vlaanderen, because #sportersbelevenmeer.