UK, German and Dutch National Athletic Championships run on Rekortan

Polytan’s Rekortan tracks host final Paris qualifiers weekend for powerhouse European nations

For many athletes across Europe, the final weekend of June marked the culmination of four years of exceptional focus and effort with the chance to secure their places in this summer’s Games in Paris. The Eintracht-Stadion, Braunschweig in Germany, the Manchester Regional Arena, home of UK Athletics, and the FBK Stadium in Hengelo, Netherlands provided the penultimate destinations for Paris hopefuls in three of Europe’s biggest athletics nations.

The Eintracht-Stadion’s Rekortan M track records the first German to break the 10 second 100m barrier

Braunschweig’s 24,000-capacity stadium witnessed an historic first on Saturday 29 June when Owen ANSAH crossed the line in 9.99. In doing so, he became the first German sprinter to run a sub-10 second 100m.

Talking to Leichtathletik.de he took his time to let the moment sink in and showed his appreciation of the track;

"It had to happen at some point… and I'm super happy that I'm first. But it hasn't sunk in yet. I have to sit down and see the time in black and white. I felt great and I love blue tracks like this one."

A coaching double for Sebastian Bayer as Ricarda LOBE hurdles to victory

Ricarda LOBE, who is trained by ANSAH’s coach, Sebastian Bayer, took gold in the 100m hurdles in a lifetime best of 12.89 marking an exceptional day for both athletes and their coach who holds the European indoor Long Jump title.

2022 European champions shine in the women’s 100m and men’s Javelin

Day two highlights from the German Championships include stellar performances from 2022 European champions Gina LUCKENKEMPER in the women’s 100m (11.04) and Julian WEBBER in the Javelin with a throw of 86.63m.

Klein clinches 5000m title

European indoor 3000m champion Hanna Klein demonstrated her continuing dominance over 5000m, taking the title in 15:11.83

Manchester Regional Arena and its World Athletics certified Class 1 Rekortan track set the scene for the UK’s best athletes

A huge weekend of athletics action at the 6500-capacity Manchester Regional Arena on June 29 and 30 saw the UK’s best athletes competing for 40 national titles and a spot at this summer’s Olympic Games. With the top two athletes in each event at the trials selected if qualifying standards are reached, the pressure was well and truly on for those looking to reach Paris 2024.

Phoebe Gill’s stunning win in the women’s 800m

Tokyo 2020 800m winner Athing MU’s fall in the US trials at Eugene, Oregon earlier in the week, added a touch of drama to the women’s 800m show at Manchester, with 17-year-old emerging talent, Phoebe GILL, delivering a scene-stealing run and claiming gold and her place in Paris in a stunning 1:58.66, ahead of Jemma Reekie (1:59.28). Her win saw Gill became the youngest winner in any event at the British Championships since 1974.

Ben PATTISON took gold in the men’s event in 1:45.49 with heartbreak for world 1500m champion Josh KERR who fell in the home straight.

Lucky lane 6 for Louie HINCHLIFFE and Daryl NEITA in 100m finals

Saturday’s day-long programme was capped with the men’s and women’s 100m finals, and there was plenty to appreciate on the Rekortan M Gel track, with lane 6 proving lucky for both 21-year-old Louie HINCHLIFFE (10.18), who is coached by Olympic legend Carl LEWIS (USA), and Daryl NEITA (11.24), respectively.

“Her win [in the 800m] saw [Pheobe] Gill became the youngest winner in any event at the British Championships since 1974.”

Asher-Smith maintains dominance and Matt Hudson-Smith secures first British title in 200m

Dina ASHER-SMITH and Daryll NEITA looking to book spots in their third Olympics, went head-to-head in the women’s 200m. Asher-Smith, Britain’s fastest women, could not be caught after rounding the bend in lane 5 and winning in a CR time of 22.18. Neita won silver in an SB time of 22.46.

British and European record-holder over 400m, Matt HUDSON-SMITH, aiming to represent Team GB after an eight-year absence from the Olympic track, ran a PB time of 20.34 over 200m for gold and his first-ever British title in that distance on Sunday.

Records for both Men and Women in the 400m

Keely HODGKINSON, who will be going to Paris to compete in the 800m, tested her speed over 400m against convincing winner Amber ANNING, who set a championship record of 50.47 to win. The men’s 400m final saw Charlie DOBSON set a season record of 44.56 to win, with Ben JEFFRIES needing a PB of 45.63 for silver.

Championship Records in the 400m Hurdles and Steeplechase

Alastair CHALMERS commanded in the men’s 400m hurdles in a championship record of 48.54, and Lina NIELSEN set a season record (54.81) for her win in the women’s race of the same distance. The weekend’s racing also delivered championship records in both the men’s and women’s 3000m steeplechase, with Phil NORMAN (8:18.65) and Elizabeth BIRD (9:29.67) winning respectively.

FBK Stadium witnesses more world-class action on World Athletics’ most certified track

The Dutch Championships were held at the FBK Stadium, named after the legendary Dutch athlete Fanny Blankers-Koen who won four gold medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. A pure athletics venue, resurfaced by Polytan in 2018 with a Rekortan M track system, it is one of the two biggest stadiums in the Netherlands. With a capacity of 15,200, the fans remain close to the action through a purpose-built design that ensures optimal visibility for spectators. And treated to world-class action they were once again on 29-30 June 2024.

Lifetime bests in the 200m for Tasa JIYA and Onyema ADIGIDA

Tasa JIYA clocked a lifetime best of 22.62 in the 200m ahead of Lieke KLAVER (22.72) and Femke BOL (22.80) who had the fastest qualifying time in the heats. In the men’s event, former European U20 champion Onyema ADIGIDA secured gold with another lifetime best of 20.35. Veteran, Liemarvin BONEVACIA took silver with a PB of 20.43 at the age of 35.

Menno VLOON goes high and Diane VAN ES goes far

Menno VLOON cleared a championship record of 5.84m in the pole vault and European 10,000m silver medallist Diane VAN ES took the 5000m title in 15:15.70

15 National Championships on Rekortan in 2024

The UK, Dutch and German Championships round off 15 National Championships run on Rekortan this year. From Oceana to Asia, Europe to the Middle East, Rekortan tracks provided the stage for National Championships across four continents.

In an Olympic year, these storied events took on even greater meaning for athletes with their sights on Paris. Congratulations to all the athletes who booked their Olympic slots over the course of these events and best of luck to all of those competing in Paris as they enter the final stretch of their preparations.

Rekortan is part of the world’s biggest installation network. Rekortan is available in North America and globally through our network of expert installation partners, and via Polytan in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Credit: Getty Images for UK Athletics

EventsMatt Herivel5 July 2024Trusted & Chosen, National Championships, England Athletics