Across 4 days of action in front of sold-out crowds, the 38th edition of the European Athletics Indoor Championships delivered spectacular performances from athletes across Europe. The Dutch team impressed in front of the home crowd, securing seven gold medals.

Showcasing the elite of athletics from across the continent

More than 600 athletes from 46 member federations competed at this year’s event in the Omnisport Arena in Apeldoorn, where spectators saw historic performances from Europe’s athletic stars. The Dutch team took home gold in both the mixed and women’s 4×400 relays. Lieke Klaver, who ran in the women’s 4×400 relay, also took home gold in the women’s individual 400m. The enthusiastic home crowd was delighted their team won nine medals in total, five of which were won on a Super Sunday.

Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji broke the 17-year-old European 60m hurdles record to win a sensational gold medal in a time of 7,67. Norway’s impressive Jakob Ingebrigtsen completed his third successive double at the European Athletics Indoor Championships, taking home the gold in the 1,500m on Friday and then the 3,000m on the final day.

Huge interest backed by extensive coverage

The substantial interest in this year’s Championships was evident in Apeldoorn. Tickets for each session were snapped up, resulting in fully sold out evening sessions, providing an electric atmosphere each day. The accessible location of the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships enabled fans across Europe to travel and support their athletes. There were 35 broadcasters onsite to cover the Championships on national channels. This extensive media interest extended to print, digital and on-demand services, bringing all of the action to fans.

SPAR’s long-term support for European Athletics

As a principal sponsor since 1996, SPAR continues to support European Athletics and promote healthy lifestyles from the grassroots up. SPAR had a strong brand presence with athletes’ number bibs branding and dedicated signage in the stadium, providing great exposure for the brand.

SPAR country organisations continue to utilise this partnership to engage with shoppers at a local level. SPAR Netherlands created a great atmosphere and fan experience with its pop-up store in the fan zone of the Omnisport Arena, featuring product giveaways and a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with prizes to be won. Local SPAR Netherlands retail entrepreneurs had the chance to attend the Championships, experiencing this remarkable event live. SPAR Ireland ran a nationwide campaign in stores, partnering with Irish sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley, offering the winner an opportunity to experience the championships. Following the success of the European Athletics Championships in Rome last summer, DESPAR Italia had a dedicated social media team in Apeldoorn to bring the experience to audiences at home.

Future events

The next exciting event on the calendar is the super league of the European Athletics Team Championships which will be held in Madrid in June.

The U23 European Athletics Championships being held in Bergen in July will also bring together athletes from across Europe.