Since its 2019 launch as a novel team competition format for elite showcase events at the 2nd European Games in Minsk, the Dynamic New Athletics concept has been successfully tested at other performance levels and, thanks largely to its inherent flexibility, it has positively impacted our sport in ways that were perhaps unforeseen by its original designers.
To date, teams from no less than 29 European countries have participated in one or more DNA competition, either at the domestic or international levels, and surveys have shown these events to be very popular with those who experienced them, especially younger athletes.
In addition, DNA has proven to be particularly suited for use in indoor arenas, become a feature of European Athletics’ club competition calendar and encouraged grassroots athletes to produce social media content promoting the sport.
Interestingly, a number of innovative meeting organisers around the globe have unconsciously confirmed European Athletics’ leadership by adopting some of DNA’s key elements for their own efforts to bring athletics to 21st century audiences.
The Next Phase
Keeping these and other important developments in mind, the DNA story continues with the focus shifting to a two-pillar promotion strategy.
The first pillar is the European DNA U20 Clubs, known as the Clash of the Clubs, which is already firmly established as an aspirational end-of-season fixture for teams that in 2026 will comprise more than 200 athletes.
This year’s Clash will be staged within the framework of the recently created European Clubs Foundation, the establishment of which by European Athletics signals a new level of support for club-level athletics.
Reflecting the experience of the first four editions and feedback from participants, the Foundation will implement adjustments to the disciples on the programme and other aspects of the event.
The second pillar is about engaging and retaining an even younger generation of athletes.
Several European Athletics Member Federations, including Estonia, Gibraltar, Great Britain & Northern Ireland and Spain, report they will introduce modified versions of DNA or enhance its role in their national grassroots programmes through either clubs or schools events.
As has been the case since the start of the DNA project, the main objective for both pillars is to offer young people a team-oriented competition format that gives them an alternative, complimentary choice for enjoying athletics that remains true to the essence of the sport . . . and helps to strengthen it by increasing overall participation.
Excited by this? Have a look at the rest of the DNA.run website, visit the FAQs and check back for updates as we continue to develop athletics for the 21st Century.
