EMA is the governing body for the European Masters Athletics, which encompasses track and field (outdoor and indoor), race walking, cross-country, mountain/trail running, and road running.
EMA athletes are male and female participants aged 35 or older. They compete in age groups separated by five years, with awards for the top three athletes in each event, receiving gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively. There are no pre-requisites or qualifying standards – any athlete meeting the age requirement (based on date of birth) is eligible to compete in any event.
Economic Impact & Tourism Boost
• High Visitor-to-Athlete Ratio: Masters athletes rarely travel alone. They typically bring family members, coaches, or supporters (averaging 1.5 to 2.0 accompanying persons per athlete).
• Extended Stays: Participants (ranging from hundreds to over 6,000 individuals) often extend their trips to explore local culture, historical sites, and regional gastronomy.
• Off-Peak Tourism: Major championships and circuit stages can be scheduled to fill hotel capacities and boost local hospitality during shoulder or low tourism seasons.
Sports Heritage & Legacy
• Facility Upgrades: Hosting an EMA event often serves as leverage to secure public or private funding for modernizing local sports infrastructure (tracks, trails, venues).
• Active Aging Promotion: Inspires the local community by demonstrating that elite athletic competition and healthy living continue long past age 35.
• Global Visibility: Brings broad international representation, positioning the host city on the European athletics map.
Community & Economic Feasibility
• Self-Sustaining Revenue Models: Registration fees, local sponsorships, and regional sports grants combine to cover a significant portion of operational budgets.
• Volunteer Engagement: Activates local clubs, universities, and sports enthusiasts, fostering long-term sports management knowledge in the region.
The EMA Championships are more than just athletic competitions; they are community-building events that unite Masters athletes from across Europe and beyond, offering a chance to compete in a welcoming, peer-focused environment. These events are open to athletes worldwide.
CALL FOR BIDS:
European Masters Athletics is now accepting expressions of interest for the following upcoming championships:
- 2029 Marathon Championship
- 2029 Mountain and Trail Running Championship
- 2030 Mountain and Trail Running Championship
- 2030 Indoor Championship
- 2030 Non-Stadia Championship (Road Running, Race Walk and Nordic Walking)
- 2031 Stadia Championship
This invitation is extended to EMA members, prospective host cities, and organizing committees to submit bids for hosting these events.
Submission Guidelines:
Interested parties must submit their manifestation of interest, along with the completed required documents, no later than 30 November 2026 – 23:59 CET.
For further details about the Bidders’ Guidelines and requirements, and to receive the documentation to fill and attach to the manifestations of interest please contact:
- EMA General Secretary: ema.generalsecretary@gmail.com
- EMA Vice President Competition: giovanni.tracanelli@european-masters-athletics.org
We look forward to receiving expressions of interest for these exciting events.
Walentina Fedjuschina
EMA President
Giovanni Tracanelli
EMA VP Competition