Alachua County Selected to Host Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships
2025 event will be at track venue in Gainesville
Posted On: January 11, 2024 By :World Masters Athletics, Alachua County and USA Track & Field have announced the 2025 WMA Indoor Championships will be held in Gainesville, Florida, at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center.
The event is held every two years and features 24 events, including competition in indoor track & field, cross country, road race and outdoor throwing events over eight days. The 2025 meet in Florida will be the 10th edition of the championship for the international governing body for track & field, cross country, road race and racewalk for athletes 35 and over.
“I am delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alachua County and the Gainesville Sports Commission on securing the honor of hosting the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, making its inaugural debut in the United States,” said USA Track & Field Chief Executive Officer Max Siegel. “This historic achievement speaks volumes about Gainesville’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence on a global stage and we look forward to an extraordinary championship showcasing the pinnacle of Masters athletics that will inspire athletes and spectators alike.”
The bid committee was an effort between Alachua County, Viking Companies, Celebration Pointe, RADDSports, Visit Gainesville/Alachua County and Gainesville Sports Commission. In 2024, over 4,000 athletes participated in the championships in Torun, Poland. The event is estimated to bring over 10,000 visitors to Alachua County in March 2025, with 60% coming from international destinations.
“We are excited to welcome the world in 2025 and will provide a wonderful experience for all our regional, national and international visitors,” said Mary Alford, chair of the Alachua County Commission. “Alachua County’s experience hosting major events, our world-class facilities and amenities, rich sports history and cultural, natural, and entertainment offerings make it the ideal location for the World Masters Indoor Championships.”
The Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe opened in early 2023. The announcement comes ahead of the 2024 indoor track & field series at the ACSEC, featuring 16 meets, with four collegiate conference championships and a national championship.
“WMA Council thanks Alachua County, Gainesville Sports Commission and RADD Sports for hosting our 2025 Indoor Championships,” said WMA President Margit Jungmann. “We are confident their team is exceptionally qualified and capable of organizing a World Championship as they support over seventy sporting events annually.”
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