Dafne Schippers, Tournament Director of the 2025 European Indoor Athletics Championships, kicks off Night Run in Apeldoorn

Sprint legend Dafne Schippers fired the starting shot for the Centraal Beheer Night Run on Friday evening, January 31. This event is part of the Midwinter Marathon in Apeldoorn and is included in the Social Activation Program for the 2025 European Indoor Athletics Championships.

Dafne Schippers, just after firing the starting shot from the podium (photo: organization)

Dafne Schippers as Tournament Director

Dafne Schippers, former two-time world champion in the 200 meters and one of the most successful Dutch athletes of all time, is the tournament director for the 2025 European Indoor Athletics Championships, taking place in Apeldoorn from March 6 to March 9, 2025. With her experience and passion for the sport, she plays a key role in organizing and promoting the event.

One of the main objectives is to inspire a new generation of athletes, and many young runners showed up for the Centraal Beheer Night Run. Schippers’ presence at the Midwinter Marathon highlights the significance of this event within the broader activation program of the European Indoor Athletics Championships 2025.

A radiant Schippers sent off the mostly young runners, dressed in orange, for the four-kilometer run. She felt right at home among the sea of orange shirts. “This is one of the bigger events where I get to be involved as Tournament Director,” Schippers said. “It’s amazing to see all these kids jumping and moving, eager to start.”

How are the preparations for the European Indoor Athletics Championships 2025 coming along? “Things are moving along quite quickly now. Before you know it, we’ll all be in Omnisport together. It’s going to be special to see all my former competitors again. I’m really looking forward to it.”

What is the Centraal Beheer Night Run?

The Centraal Beheer Night Run is a unique running event in the heart of Apeldoorn. Participants of all ages complete a scenic four-kilometer route through the city center, passing illuminated streets, hidden alleyways, and special locations. Musical performances and artists provide extra entertainment along the way, while a DJ on Marktplein keeps the beats going. Many families join in, and the focus is on fun rather than speed—the Night Run is all about the experience.

Two Start Times and an Orange Theme

To give everyone the chance to participate, this year’s event features two start times: 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Participants are encouraged to wear orange in honor of the European Indoor Athletics Championships, which will take place from March 6 to March 9, 2025, in Omnisport Apeldoorn. The best-dressed participant will win a special prize.

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