From Thursday, March 6 to Sunday, March 9, Apeldoorn will be fully immersed in athletics. During these days, the 38th edition of the European Athletics Indoor Championships will take place at the Omnisport venue. This championship is not only for top athletes competing for medals: with a broad program, the event aims to inspire everyone to get moving.
During the European Athletics Indoor Championships, you can admire top athletes from across Europe as they compete on the newly renovated track at Omnisport. From the 4×400 mixed relay to the 60meter sprint, from long jump to pole vault: from March 6 to 9, you’ll have the chance to see Europe’s best athletes face off in the Netherlands for the first time since 2016. Dafne Schippers, who was present as an athlete the last time in Amsterdam, is now the tournament director.
“The power of athletics lies in movement, both physically and emotionally. During these European Athletics Indoor Championships, we want to showcase not only great performances but also inspire people, bring them together, and get them to take action and start moving,” says Dafne Schippers. “Sport touches us, brings people together, and makes a difference. It’s wonderful to see how this event not only motivates athletes but also has a lasting impact on society.”
Slogan put into practice: Moving People
The European Athletics Indoor Championships have shown in recent months that it is much more than just a four-day sports event. Together with the municipality of Apeldoorn and the province of Gelderland, a program of activities has been organized to get as many people as possible moving. “Of course, we look forward to welcoming the best athletes from Europe to our province during the Championships. But a large international sports event is so much more than just the performances of top athletes,” says Helga Witjes, the Deputy for Sports of the province of Gelderland.
With a wide range of sports and educational activities, the program has managed to get the entire province of Gelderland moving. “Athletes visiting primary schools, activities at clubs, and mobile athletics tracks in villages and cities—everyone can participate,” Helga adds. You can read more about the community activation program in this article.
Sports for everyone
For the first time at a European Athletics Indoor Championship, para-athletics events have been added to the program. On the morning of Saturday, March 8, top European para-athletes will compete in the 60-meter sprint and long jump. One of the participants is 20-year-old Zara Temmink from Doetinchem, The Netherlands. Her preparation? “We’re now focusing on quality training—not too heavy, but focusing on speed and explosiveness. So that I can really perform at my best at the championships!” Through her participation in Apeldoorn, Zara aims to introduce more people to para-sport.
Be part of it
Although the names of the participating athletes have not yet been announced (as the qualification period is still ongoing), most of the tickets for the European Athletics Indoor Championships have already sold out. Curious if your idol will be there? Keep an eye on the Apeldoorn2025 website for updates and announcements of all the names.
Want to get in the mood? You can listen to the specially produced anthem for these European Championships here. While most sessions are sold out, a few tickets are still available for the morning sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During these sessions, you’ll be able to see many top athletes in action, and the mascot, Champ, will also be present. Additionally, there will be plenty of activities for kids. Want an active start to the day? Grab your ticket for the Moving Morning Sessions and experience the sporting magic.
