World Athletics Platinum Label

🌟 The highest level of recognition for a road race

The Platinum Label is the ultimate goal for a race organizer. It rewards events that reach an exceptional level of excellence on all fronts: sports, logistics, media, and environment. ✨ Among the labeled events in 2024, are notably the 7 major marathons of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit: Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Sydney. 🏙️ The number of marathons holding the Platinum label is capped at 12. 🔒 This highlights the level of excellence of this very exclusive circle. However, there is no cap for marathons with exclusively female or male participation. To attain this label, a race must meet rigorous and numerous criteria, whether technical, media, or sports-related. It’s the ultimate certification delivered by World Athletics. As you can imagine, the Platinum Label must be earned. 💪

🏃‍♀️ An elite lineup with the best runners in the world

The strength of these races lies primarily in the quality of the elite lineup. To obtain the Platinum Label, organizers must invite high-level runners (3 athletes per gender with Platinum status or 4 with Gold status). Everything is meticulously prepared to host them well:

➡️ Prizes for victory and record 💰

➡️ Covered logistics (transportation, hotel) ✈️

➡️ Dedicated refreshment areas 🥤

➡️ Pre-race meeting: pacemakers, dedicated refreshment zones, etc. 🤝

➡️ Competition attire and shoe check ✅

➡️ Anti-doping program (a minimum of 12 athletes tested) 💉

Everything is optimized for performance, which is evident in the times. ⏱️ Every year, the best international runners, like Eliud Kipchoge, Ruth Chepngetich, or Tigist Assefa, choose these races to showcase their talent and set new records. 🚀

💸 Rewards fitting for the event

Unlike Elite and Gold label races, no minimum amount is imposed for prizes. The organizers determine these freely, making these rewards a powerful strategic lever to attract the world’s top runners. Some organizers, particularly the Majors, offer particularly high prizes. Such is the case of the Boston Marathon which offers $150,000 for the winner. 🤑 A total of up to $1,137,500 in prizes is distributed annually across all race categories.

📏 A precisely measured race

Like all World Athletics labels, the course of a Platinum race must be precisely certified to guarantee the actual distance (42.195 km for a marathon). Two measurers, one with Grade A certification (the highest certification level), are required by the organization to measure the course. Thanks to this measurement, signage will be placed at each mile or kilometer to guide participants in their effort. ➡️ Whenever possible, the organizer may also trace the famous blue line on the road to indicate the shortest trajectory. This is an expert job with no compromise possible on distance. For the athlete, it’s the guarantee that their time can be recognized and counted in world rankings. 📈

🌍 Global media coverage

Another essential criterion: visibility. A Platinum race must be broadcast on TV (often live) and well relayed online. Organizers must also offer a communication plan with engaging content: presence on social media, videos, interviews, reports… 📱 For running fans, it’s a total immersion in the event, far beyond just the race day. The label guarantees that you will see the results, times, and key images, whether you're in Paris, Tokyo or Los Angeles. 🌐

🤔 What about amateur runners, what changes?

Contrary to what one might imagine, the Platinum Label is not just for the elite. The majority of these races are open to amateurs. For them too, it’s a sign of quality: closed course, 🚧 festive atmosphere, 🎉 well-oiled logistics, ⚙️ adequate space for runner accommodations, reliable timing… ⏱️ Plus, there’s the added thrill of running in the heart of the world's largest cities and following in the footsteps of marathon greats, which is priceless. For spectators, it’s the assurance of witnessing great spectacle, from the front row. 👏

♻️ An ecological commitment for more responsible events

In terms of sustainable development, World Athletics is committed to running events 🏃 that are more responsible and 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 organizing an event: waste management, transportation, food, inclusion, safety, etc. The aim 🎯 is to help races, big or small, towards a more responsible organization. A points system allows events to be recognized 🏅 across 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 on major sustainable development issues 🌿: 40 points

Although not mandatory, these scores acknowledge the environmental efforts 🌎 made in organizing road races worldwide. With this incentive and progressive approach, World Athletics enables organizers to embrace environmental issues at their own pace while relying on concrete tools 🧰.

💰 How much does the Platinum label cost?

To access this coveted label, organizers must participate in funding certain World Athletics missions. Notably, the anti-doping program to make the sport fairer and more equitable. The annual contribution is $50,000. Professional athletes and agents also participate: 2% of the prize is returned to the Athletic Integrity Unit (athlete) 1% of the prize is returned to the Athletic Integrity Unit (athlete representative)

📝 Summary

The World Athletics Platinum Label is the highest level in the world of road racing. It guarantees experiencing an exceptional race where everything is done so that performances meet expectations, from the elite athlete aiming to break a world record to the everyday runner seeking an unforgettable memory.

Want to know more about other label levels? 🤔 Discover also the articles on the Gold Label, the Elite Label, and the World Athletics Label.