World Athletics Label

🏷️ A label that offers valuable credibility

In 2024, over 170 running events around the world have obtained this certification 🌍. Races in various formats (5 km, 10 km, 20 km, half-marathon, marathon) 🏃‍♀️, often organized by a city, club, or association, share a common goal: to professionalize the organization to offer spectacular, well-managed races that meet current running challenges 🔄. For many organizers, this label is a concrete recognition of their work 💪. It signifies their entry into the World Athletics calendar 📅: performances become internationally recognized, elite athletes take notice 👀, and the race's image gains legitimacy.

It's also the most widely awarded label by World Athletics, with 178 races worldwide 🗺️. It offers a guarantee of seriousness and quality 🏅 while remaining accessible. Among the most renowned labeled events, you can find the 20 km of Paris, the Paris Half-marathon, the Venice Marathon, and the New York Half-marathon 🗽. Beyond prestige ✨, this label primarily commits organizers to adhere to international standards and a rigorous organization, directly aligned with the values of World Athletics.

📏 High standards in race organization

To be labeled World Athletics, a race must meet several essential technical criteria ✅:

➡️ Course officially measured,

➡️ Smooth and structured organization,

➡️ Presence of a certified referee,

➡️ Adherence to World Athletics rules,

➡️ Prompt publication of results.

Unlike higher labels (Elite, Gold, Platinum) 🥇🏆💎, media coverage is not mandatory, but many organizers choose to implement a careful and innovative communication to enhance the runner's experience. The world institution's anti-doping program is also a priority 💉. Coordinating with World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit, a minimum of 6 tests is required (3 men and 3 women), to ensure the integrity of the performances achieved.

👷‍♂️ Organizers who are professionalizing

This label represents a professionalization opportunity for organizers. It encourages them to develop their structure: management tools, qualified staff, safety protocols, communication, evaluation. Many local races use it as a springboard to attract more runners, clubs, and partners 🎯. It is also a showcase for communities: a labeled race elevates a territory, opening it up to a wider audience, even an international audience 🌐.

🏃‍♀️ A reliable framework for elite runners

For professional athletes, running a labeled World Athletics race guarantees a serious environment: certified course, reliable timing, controlled logistics. Whether aiming for a qualifying time, an official ranking, or simply a new personal record, these races offer optimal conditions 🌟.

The flexibility of the label allows organizers to tailor an event to their image 🎨. No elite athletes are required, no prize money is imposed. But some still choose to invite high-level runners, with a dedicated logistics: refreshment zones, weekend accommodation, specific supervision. For these organizers, focusing on performance remains a lever for enhancing their event 🎯 while maintaining control over the format and ambitions of their race.

😊 Quality races, even for amateur runners

This label is also a promise of quality for all runners 🎽:

➡️ Closed course to traffic and secure,

➡️ Warm atmosphere,

➡️ Well-thought-out logistics,

➡️ Smooth runner check-in,

➡️ Verified times.

And then, there is that little extra thrill: running through the most beautiful cities in the world 🏙️. For spectators, it's the assurance of experiencing a festive event and supporting thousands of runners from front-row seats 👏.

♻️ An environmental commitment for more responsible events

In terms of sustainable development, World Athletics is committed to more responsible running events 🏃 that are mindful of their environmental impact. The organization provides organizers with a guide of best practices, through its Sustainable Events Management System (SEMS) 🛠️ and a new dedicated program: Athletics for a Better World (ABW). This program offers 55 concrete actions 📌 covering all aspects of event organization: waste management, transport, food, inclusion, safety, etc. The goal 🎯: supporting races, both large and small, towards a more responsible organization. A point system allows events to be recognized 🏅 according to five levels:

Athletics for a Better World Platinum Event 💎: 108 points (90%)

Athletics for a Better World Gold Event 🥇: 96 points (80%)

Athletics for a Better World Silver Event 🥈: 84 points (70%)

Athletics for a Better World Bronze Event 🥉: 72 points (60%)

Athletics for a Better World Certified Event ✅: the organizer has demonstrated a clear commitment to the main sustainable development issues 🌿: 40 points

Although not mandatory, these scores promote environmental initiatives 🌎 undertaken in organizing road races worldwide. With this encouraging and progressive approach, World Athletics allows organizers to embrace environmental issues at their own pace while relying on concrete tools 🧰.

📝 In summary

The World Athletics Label is much more than just a passport 🎫. It's a first step towards professional organization, a recognized event, a respected race. Accessible yet demanding, it opens the way to new ambitions without imposing a single format.

🎯 For organizers, it's a springboard.

👟 For runners, a promise kept.

🎉 For all, a wonderful way to celebrate sport and offer the best in running.

💡 Want to know more about other label levels? Also, check out the articles on the Platinum Label, the Gold Label, and the Elite Label.