In a momentous first, Alachua County will host the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in March 2025, marking the event’s debut in the United States. Scheduled from March 23 to 30 at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center, the championships are set to be a grand celebration of athleticism, free for all attendees.
The opening ceremony will witness 3,700 athletes from 99 countries, making this event the most diverse in the history of the championships. Founded by World Masters Athletics, the championships began in 2004 in Sindelfingen, Germany, and require participants to be at least 35 years old. Notably, 23 local athletes will participate, including a remarkable 104-year-old man from Thailand and a 96-year-old woman from New York.
The new Celebration Pointe events centre, a sprawling 144,000-square-foot facility developed at a cost of $35.32 million, significantly influenced the event’s selection. This versatile venue can host various sports, including pickleball and full track events, allowing for a range of competitions.
Stephen Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Radd Sports, shared insights on the county’s talk show, describing how the opportunity arose after members of the World Masters Athletics (WMA) council visited the area and found rich potential. “We identified this opportunity that the World Masters Athletics was reopening a bid for their indoor championship in 2025,” he explained.
Beyond indoor competitions, some events will take place outdoors, including two 10K road races. Runners will navigate a scenic 5K loop from Celebration Pointe Avenue, culminating at Bass Pro Shops Boulevard, ensuring an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike.
Alachua County will host the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships from March 23-30, marking its first occurrence in the U.S. With 3,700 athletes from 99 countries, local representation includes 23 athletes, highlighted by a 104-year-old participant. The new Alachua County Sports and Event Center, a significant factor in the selection, will facilitate various competitions both indoors and outdoors.
In summary, the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships will be a historic event for Alachua County, showcasing the talents of experienced athletes worldwide in an inclusive setting. The combination of state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse participant base heralds a celebration of age-defying athleticism, cementing Gainesville’s place on the world sporting map.
Original Source: www.gainesville.com
