World Athletics Gold Label

💫 A strong recognition for ambitious races

The Gold Label is the distinction for races aiming to shine on the international stage 🌐. More accessible than the Platinum 💎, it allows more organizers to reach excellence while maintaining some flexibility. Among the 42 holders of this coveted label, there are major international races 🌍 like the Barcelona Marathon 🇪🇸, the Rotterdam Marathon 🇳🇱, or the Copenhagen Half Marathon 🇩🇰. The criteria remain demanding and numerous: traffic-free course, coordination with local authorities, safety, media coverage, sustainability, elite field... everything must live up to an international race 🌍. Organizers must also demonstrate their ability to manage a large number of runners while ensuring a smooth and high-quality ✅ experience for everyone.

👑 A top-notch elite field

To obtain the Gold Label 🥇, organizers must invite at least 4 Gold-level athletes 🏃‍♂️ (or 2 Gold and 2 Elite). This ensures a competitive, often fast race, which can break records and become a reference in the running calendar 🗓️. It's also an opportunity for young talents to perform alongside more established athletes 💪 and gain experience. In February 2025, during the Barcelona Half Marathon 🇪🇸, a Gold-labeled race 🏅, Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo 🇺🇬 shattered the half marathon world record ⏱️ (56'42). Top athletes choose these races also because they benefit from optimal conditions to perform 💪:

➡️ Victory and record bonuses

➡️ Covered logistics (transport, hotel)

➡️ Refreshment zones reserved for elites

➡️ Pre-race briefing: pacemakers, course presentation, etc.

➡️ Check of competition attire and shoes

➡️ Anti-doping program (a minimum of 10 athletes are tested)

💰 Prizes worthy of the event

World Athletics imposes a minimum prize amount 💸 for the top 8 marathon athletes with Gold label and the top 5 athletes on other distances 🏃‍♀️.

Minimum prize (per gender ♂️♀️)

Gold Label (Marathon)

1st: $50,000 💵

2nd: $20,000 💰

3rd: $10,000 💰

4th: $5,000 💰

5th: $4,000 💰

6th: $3,000 💰

7th: $2,000 💰

8th: $1,000 💰

Gold Label (other distances)

1st: $10,000 💵

2nd: $5,000 💰

3rd: $4,000 💰

4th: $3,000 💰

5th: $2,000 💰

🧭 A carefully measured and safe course

As with the Platinum Label 💎, the course must be officially measured by two certified measurers, including at least one of Grade A level (the highest level of certification in course measurement). This is essential for the ratification of performances and the approval of world records 🌍. Runner safety, refreshment management, medical setup, or compliance with technical rules are thoroughly examined 🔍. World Athletics does not issue a label without the guarantee that all these points are strictly followed.

To pave the way for elite athletes, a lead vehicle ahead of the pack is present throughout the route. World Athletics also encourages organizers to draw a line on the ground indicating the fastest trajectory and to install a timer ⏱️ on the lead vehicle to display the time elapsed since the start of the race 🏁.

🌍 An environmental commitment for greener races

On the environmental side 🌱, World Athletics continues its sustainability strategy ♻️ and encourages organizers to create more responsible events. The Gold Label 🥇 requires a minimum score of 45 points in the Athletics for a Better World 🌍 program, which covers various topics such as climate, responsible consumption, equality, diversity, carbon footprint, etc. This translates into concrete actions by race organizers: reducing plastic at refreshment stations, recycling, sustainable local partnerships, limiting unnecessary travel, a strong and essential commitment today 📆.

📺 International visibility

To be Gold-labeled 🥇, an event must plan for significant media coverage 📡. Although live TV broadcasting is not mandatory, Gold races must ensure strong digital presence and regular performance tracking. The visibility of these events attracts sponsors, media, and athlete representatives 🎽. As part of the label awarding process, World Athletics also analyzes the organizer's communication strategy: post-race interviews, social media presence, rapid publication of results, or relay by media partners.

🏃‍♀️ An unforgettable experience for all runners

Gold races 🥇 often gather thousands of participants. The course is rigorously marked, times are officially approved, and infrastructures are set up to accommodate both elite runners and the general public. From the moment runners arrive in town, everything is planned for a successful runner experience ✅: smooth bib pickup, activities in the race village, partner activations, festive atmosphere... And on race day, every detail counts to allow all runners to surpass themselves 💥 in the best conditions:

➡️ Car-free course 🚧

➡️ Festive atmosphere 🥳

➡️ Well-organized logistics ⚙️

➡️ Suitable space for runner reception 🧳 (instructions, start zones)

➡️ Reliable individual electronic timing ⏱️

✨ The Gold label is a strong recognition

The Gold Label 🥇 is a strong recognition in the running world 🏃‍♂️. For organizers as well as runners, it's a guarantee of seriousness, quality, and often, an unforgettable running experience 🌟.

👉 Want to learn more about the other label levels? Also check out the articles on the Platinum Label, the Elite Label, and the World Athletics Label.