The LED pacing system will be used for the first time in a major championship setting
Wavelight technology will be used at the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships (March 6-9).
The LED pacing system, which sees lights on the inside of an athletics track help athletes target a specific time, will make its debut in a major championship setting in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
“Unlike in Diamond League meetings, where Wavelight technology is used to set and maintain pace for runners, it will not be used as a direct aid to athletes in Apeldoorn,” said European Athletics.
The governing body say that it will instead serve three functions:
European Indoor Championships (Getty)
Event Presentation Tool – Wavelight technology will be used to highlight key moments in the programme, such as the introduction of star athletes and medal ceremonies. This can include flag displays, colour changes and other visual effects that draw attention to important parts of the event.
Guide Light in Heats – In the 1500m and 3000m heats, Wavelight technology will act as a guide, providing a reference pace that remains the same across all heats. The system will switch on after the first third of the race and switch off before the final lap, offering spectators a clearer comparison of how different races unfold.
‘Invisible’ Record Light – For the finals, Wavelight technology will display European, world and championship records – but only when an athlete is within five metres of surpassing one.
Wavelight technology (Getty)
“We’re the first championship to use wavelight in a competitive setting,” said TIG Sports & Events director Noor Van der Lugt. “European Athletics approved its use, and now it’s set to be a game-changer.”
Wavelight technology was allowed for use in competition by World Athletics five years ago and has been the benchmark for athletes to break specific records.
Joshua Cheptegei was one of the first athletes who used the technology to break world records, with the Ugandan running 12:35.36 and 26:11.00 over 5000m and 10,000m in 2020 respectively.
Joshua Cheptegei (Getty)
However the LED pacing system, which can also run more than one set of pacing lights simultaneously by using different colours, has never been used at a major championship until now.
“Wavelight will be used for event presentation and spectator purposes only and we will not be on pacing duties for this event,” Wavelight Running said.
Other innovations at the upcoming European Indoors include a 4x400m mixed relay – following on from World Athletics’ implementation of the discipline to its championships – and an integrated para-athletics event.
There will also be a unique shot put structure, with safety nets suspended from the ceiling rather than traditional ground-based barriers.
European Indoor Championships (Getty)
“Most events are focused on one sport but this is different,” Van der Lugt added. “Athletics has many mini events happening simultaneously.
“Planning the logistics, entertainment and audience experience across so many different disciplines makes this one of the most complex events we’ve ever organised.”
READ MORE: European Indoor Champs form guide
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