“Never give up”, that truly defines the Spanish marathon runner’s never-dying attitude. Known for her prowess in long-distance events, she has a decorated resume, with a personal best of 2:24:05 in the marathon event and 1:09:09 in the half-marathon event. After clinching the gold medal at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven, Belgium, Fatima Ouhaddou Nafie etched her name into the history books on April 13, 2025. For fans of the sport, her victory wasn’t just a win—it was a defining moment that showcased the heart of a champion in one of Europe’s most anticipated new running events. But what made this triumph so unforgettable? Let’s dive into the drama that unfolded on the course.

Despite her experience, Ouhaddou Nafie faced a heart-stopping challenge during the race when she suffered a heavy fall, a moment that could have ended her championship dreams. The image shared by European Athletics captures the intensity: One male athlete, going to grab his water bottle, tripped over and fell to the ground. Fatima, running just close behind him, collided with him and went down on top of him. In the next frame, we see Fatima on her knees, surrounded by fellow runners, her face a mix of pain and determination. Meanwhile, commentators are describing the mishap and calling Fatima “a brilliant story of resilience” while she crosses the finishing line.

Yet, in true track star fashion, she didn’t stay down for long. She staged a stunning recovery, getting back on her feet and pushing forward with a resolve that left fans in awe. The marathon itself was no easy feat; the 42.195 km course, where runners were greeted by cheering crowds and a ceremonial send-off, before tackling an undulating route that tested their endurance with rolling hills and urban stretches.

She crossed the finish line in a blistering 2:27:14, securing the top spot in the women’s marathon and beating her closest competitor, Maayouf Majida, by 27 seconds. European Athletics summed it up perfectly on X, saying, “Never give up! 🫶 Fatima Ouhaddou Nafie 🇪🇸 recovers from a heavy fall to win marathon gold at the European Running Championships! 🙌 “. She won the marathon. Her resilience turned a potential disaster into a story of triumph, but how did the race itself set the stage for such a dramatic comeback?

A Historic First European Running Championships 2025 Kicks Off with a Bang

The European Running Championships 2025, held on April 12-13, wasn’t just another race—it was a historic first that had fans buzzing with excitement. This inaugural event, the first-ever official championship of its kind, threw open its doors to both elite and recreational runners, creating a one-of-a-kind vibe where amateurs could chase glory alongside the best in the sport. According to the event’s official site, “it was a celebration of running that turned Belgium into a hub of athletic energy, with Brussels and Leuven hosting thousands of participants and spectators”, according to the event’s official site. For track fans, this was the kind of event that makes you feel the pulse of the sport up close. But what made the marathon itself so special?

The marathon course from Brussels to Leuven was the crown jewel of the championships, offering a unique experience that runners won’t get anywhere else. Starting at the iconic Royal Palace in Brussels and finishing in the vibrant city center of Leuven, the 42.195 km route was a challenging, undulating journey that tested every ounce of grit and stamina.

This biennial event, set to rotate across European cities every two years, ensured this particular course was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as future editions will bring new routes and challenges. For participants, competing alongside champions in such a historic setting was a dream come true, making the European Running Championships 2025 a landmark moment in the sport’s history.