The 2024 SPAR European Cross Country Championships, held on December 8 in Antalya, delivered unforgettable moments of athleticism and achievement in a thrilling event. The Championships saw athletes from 39 member federations compete in seven exhilarating races, where the SPAR brand was showcased as title sponsor.

History made in Antalya

Great Britain & Northern Ireland led the medal table with standout wins from Phoebe Anderson (U23), Will Barnicoat (U20), and Innes Fitzgerald (U20). In the men’s U20 race, Niels Laros built upon last year’s silver with a gold-medal finish.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Nadia Battocletti stole the spotlight with record-breaking performances. Ingebrigtsen secured his third senior men’s title and seventh individual gold, reinforcing his legacy. Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa took silver, while Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo claimed bronze on his championship debut.

Meanwhile, Nadia Battocletti etched her name in history by becoming the first female athlete to win gold in every age group. She triumphed in the senior women’s race with a time of 25:43, ahead of Konstanze Klosterhalfen and Yasemin Can, who thrilled the home crowd with a bronze medal.

Spain dominated the senior men’s team event with an impressive score of just 18 points, led by top performances from Ndikumwenayo and his teammates. Italy also celebrated victory in the mixed relay, with Pietro Arese clinching gold in a nail-biting sprint finish.

The final medal table showcased Great Britain & Northern Ireland’s dominance, leading with 12 points, followed by Italy, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Celebration of excellence and community

The Championships showcased the SPAR brand’s commitment to promoting athletics, with branding prominently featured on the course and athlete bibs. Fans enjoyed comprehensive coverage via live streams, TV broadcasts, and social media updates.

Congratulations to all athletes and teams for their remarkable achievements seen in this thrilling event. The 2025 SPAR European Cross Country Championships will continue our legacy in Lagoa, Portugal, on December 14, 2025.

Source: European Athletics

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