UK-based water company and leading supplier of sustainable packaging, Water in a Box, has today been announced as the Official Water Supplier for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24.
Taking place at the Emirates Arena from 1-3 March 2024, the World Athletics Indoor Championships will attract more than 700 athletes and thousands of spectators to Glasgow for the premier indoor athletics event of the season, and event organisers are delighted to welcome Water in a Box as its latest event supplier.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 has set an ambitious target to achieve the highest ever level of recognition for sustainability through the World Athletics&rsquo; &lsquo;Athletics for a Better World&rsquo; strategy and is committed to embedding sustainability into its plans to deliver a world-class event, without compromising the needs of future generations.
With unwavering commitment to sustainability, Water in a Box produces great tasting British water in packaging, made solely of responsibly-sourced, renewable or recycled materials, which is fully recyclable and carbon-neutral.
Sourcing their water from underground springs in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, the company is committed to offering &lsquo;better water for a better world&rsquo;, a motto that complements World Athletics&rsquo; &lsquo;Athletics For A Better World&rsquo; strategy, as the organisation aims to inspire lasting change across all segments of the sport.
In particular, the reduction of single use plastics is a key aspect of sustainability that the World Athletics Indoor Championships is committed to delivering in Glasgow, with an environmentally conscious water supplier important to achieving this goal.&nbsp;
With water playing such an important part in the athletes&rsquo; preparation and performance, the decision to appoint Water in a Box marks an important step in the event&rsquo;s journey towards sustainability, with 15,000 units of water being supplied for athletes and other key client groups.
Water in a Box will also be the water brand exclusively available for purchase by spectators at the Arena&rsquo;s catering concessions.
David Grannell, Managing Director of Water in a Box, said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to be the Official Water Supplier for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24. At Water in a Box, we're not just providing great-tasting British spring water to athletes and spectators; we're also on a mission to revolutionise the water-on-the-go market with a truly sustainable product.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our packaging, made from responsibly sourced, renewable or recycled materials, and is fully recyclable.&rdquo;
&ldquo;As we proudly join the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, we're convinced that our dedication to sustainability is shared. &lsquo;Better water for a better world&rsquo; is our message &mdash; we can&rsquo;t wait to share it with the world of athletics in March.&rdquo;
Billy Garrett, Director of Tourism, Culture and Events at Glasgow Life and joint Chair of the Local Organising Committee said: &ldquo;We are proud to be working with Water in a Box to deliver sustainable drinking water for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next March.
&ldquo;As part of the event&rsquo;s social impact strategy, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact through sustainable practices, so working with the team at Water in a Box is a perfect fit for us. Together we can ensure quality hydration solutions for the athletes whilst minimising the overall amount of plastic waste created by the event.
&ldquo;We are also delighted to be able to offer Water in a Box products to spectators for purchase at our concessions in the Arena, giving them a taste of the action as they watch the competition unfold on the track.&nbsp;
&ldquo;In line with the city&rsquo;s commitment to becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030, we&rsquo;re on the starting blocks in the race to make Glasgow the most sustainable World Athletics Indoor Championships ever.&rdquo;
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World Athletics Indoor Championships

Water in a Box announced as official water supplier for WICGlasgow24.

Water in a Box announced as official water supplier

Leading symbol group SPAR Scotland has been announced today as an Official Event Supporter of the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships when the event takes place in Glasgow for the first time from 1 - 3 March 2024.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Glasgow has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events and 10 years on from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 19th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships is coming to the city continuing its sporting legacy.
As the biggest indoor athletics championships in the world, there will be six sessions of action-packed sport over three days of intense competition in the Emirates Arena, with many of the best athletes in the world competing for prestigious World Indoor titles. More than 700 competitors from around 130 countries are expected to take part, competing in 26 events - 13 for men and 13 for women.&nbsp;
The Championships fall within the qualification period for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with athletes competing for one of the 78 medals being awarded and the opportunity to hone their preparations for the Games.
Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland, said: &ldquo;As one of the biggest and highest profile events in the sporting calendar to be held in Scotland next year, SPAR Scotland is thrilled to be announced as one of the Official Event Supporters of the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.&nbsp;
&ldquo;SPAR is already synonymous with athletics across the globe and through our support locally as SPAR Scotland, we hope millions of consumers will watch the televised broadcasts and see our global brand supporting this high-profile sporting event.
&ldquo;We are delighted to support this event and we look forward to seeing some exciting athletics and perhaps discover new, home-grown athletic talent from the communities our stores serve across Scotland.&rdquo;
SPAR Scotland will provide additional support for the event. The symbol group will provide products, including sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, and nutrition bars, to help fuel the hundreds of volunteers and staff who will be working at the event over the three days. In addition, drinks for other client groups will be provided by the convenience retailer and wholesaler.&nbsp;
SPAR Scotland has also invested heavily to support the promotion of the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships with instore POS, SPAR instore radio advertising, social media, digital activity, and PR.&nbsp;
The company is also introducing a bespoke new livery design to promote the event on vehicles delivering goods to SPAR stores the length and breadth of Scotland.&nbsp;
Billy Garrett, Director of Tourism, Culture and Events at Glasgow Life and joint Chair of the Local Organising Committee added: &ldquo;We are delighted to welcome SPAR Scotland as our first Official Event Supporter for this prestigious event. Their strong links to athletics internationally, complemented by their extensive network of stores in Scotland, makes them an ideal partner.
&ldquo;We are excited about their ambition to help promote the Championships across the country, and the strong community values we share, and we look forward to working closely with them.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Glasgow will stage the World Athletics Indoor Championships five years on from hosting the hugely successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019. A projected global audience of more than 100 million viewers in 154 territories will watch the Championships.
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Leading symbol group SPAR Scotland has been announced today as an Official Event Supporter of the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

Spar Scotland announced as official event supporter.

Mondo Duplantis already has a good feeling about Glasgow, where he plans to defend his pole vault title at the World Indoor Championships that will run from 1-3 March in the Commonwealth Arena.
Speaking in Monaco during the recent World Athletics Awards &ndash; where Duplantis won the newly instituted honour for men&rsquo;s field events in 2023 &ndash; the 24-year-old Swede recalled the experience of setting his second world record of 6.18m in the Scottish city on 15 February 2020, just six days after he had earned his first with a 6.17m clearance in Torun.
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After levering himself insouciantly over the bar at his first attempt, he stood triumphantly beside the landing area pit with his arms theatrically crossed. It looked like a statement.
&ldquo;It was very important to me to show that the first world record wasn&rsquo;t a fluke,&rdquo; he recalled.
&ldquo;It was like &lsquo;This is what&rsquo;s to come, this is what I am, this is the level I am competing at. I didn&rsquo;t just happen to get over the 6.17m.&rsquo;
&ldquo;I wanted to show that I could do the next one, and do it even easier than the first one, so it was one of the competitions where I was most motivated coming into it. It was a different type of pressure of the first competition after just having broken the world record.&rdquo;
So something like a &ldquo;second album syndrome&rdquo;?
&ldquo;Yeah, kind of,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s like you just had a huge, huge commercial hit on the first one so you need to come up with something else.&rdquo;
As for the arm-folding, he recalled: &ldquo;I remember doing it. I think the way I felt, it was more just a natural thing that happened, and it was a bit more showboat-y than the first world record.
&ldquo;Mentally I think the first world record was more like &lsquo;Oh my God I can&rsquo;t believe this is happening. I just broke the world record. This is like I&rsquo;m dreaming.&rsquo;
&ldquo;Next time was more like &lsquo;Yeah. This what I do. This is who I am. This is what&rsquo;s to come. I&rsquo;m that level.&rsquo;
&ldquo;And I think that was kind of the mentality. It was very confident, comfortable. That was more the feeling in me.&rdquo;
He later donated his spikes from that world record performance to the <a href="https://worldathletics.org/heritage/news/mowa-indoor-athletics-out-of-stadia-collections-duplantis-keitany-tsegay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Museum of World Athletics</a>. The shoes will return to Glasgow in the new year and will be displayed for one month in an exhibition ahead of the World Indoor Championships.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/658325245653c90d626da93f.jpg" alt="The spikes that Mondo Duplantis wore when setting his 6.18m world record in Glasgow" />
The spikes that Mondo Duplantis wore when setting his 6.18m world record in Glasgow (&copy; MOWA)
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Since that moment in Glasgow, Duplantis &ndash; who turned 24 on 10 November &ndash; has set five more world records, most recently at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene, where he cleared 6.23m.
So is it the case that it is easier to reach the heights indoors because of the obvious absence of fitful wind and weather?
&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; he confirmed. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a simple as that. It&rsquo;s definitely easier indoors. The wind is really detrimental. When you are pole vaulting outside it makes everything complicated.
&ldquo;Indoors it&rsquo;s different &ndash; the approach in general, being able to grip as high as you want to, just the way you carry the pole.
&ldquo;If you have any type of wind, either at the side or in your face, you kind of have to lower the tip of the pole a little bit and just kind of fight through the wind.
&ldquo;Then I&rsquo;m not able to grip as high because if I grip high then it&rsquo;s heavier, so I can&rsquo;t really keep my posture.
&ldquo;I know that, for the most part, most of the competition outdoors I don&rsquo;t really have as much of a chance to break the world record, because conditions-wise there&rsquo;s always going to be a little bit of wind or a little bit of something going on that&rsquo;s going to prevent me from being able to completely relax and let the run do itself.
&ldquo;So indoors is definitely easier. It&rsquo;s no secret. If you just watch me indoors I am a lot more consistent too, for the most part.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s at the beginning of the season, but if it was outdoors followed by indoors I would definitely jump even higher indoors because then I would be more into the season.&rdquo;
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/650772c9806a05952c4ba945.jpg" alt="Mondo Duplantis celebrates his world pole vault record of 6.23m in Eugene" />
Mondo Duplantis celebrates his world pole vault record of 6.23m in Eugene (&copy; Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)
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He smiles at the idea that his two outdoor records had, effectively, a higher degree of difficulty tariff.
&ldquo;Yeah,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;But the weather in Eugene was really good both times.&rdquo;
He added that vaulting indoors involves an additional, intangible element.
&ldquo;The bigger competitions are outdoors but I think intimate is the word for indoor competitions. And for me, just knowing I have better chances at the indoor competitions to break a world record, that gives me an extra kind of kick going into them.&rdquo;
As he ticks off the world records around the world, of course, it means he has more places to return with encouraging memories. So will he have a good feeling when he goes back to Glasgow?
&ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;And I haven&rsquo;t been there since that record. Yes, I have really good memories of it. I know that it&rsquo;s a really good place to jump and I know that it&rsquo;s a place that I can jump high. So I&rsquo;m excited about it.&rdquo;
Mike Rowbottom for World Athletics

Mondo Duplantis already has a good feeling about Glasgow

Duplantis already ‘excited’ about defending world indoor title in Glasgow, scene of his second world record

World Athletics today opened its accreditation portal for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 (1-3 March 2024), via international Member Federations.&nbsp;
For the first time, accreditation includes a "content creators" category. This unique category is aimed at providing an appropriate level of access for those looking to produce entertaining and innovative content for social media and website audiences.&nbsp;
"The media landscape is ever changing and World Athletics needs to keep up, providing suitable working areas for all involved," commented Jamie Fox, World Athletics&rsquo; Director of Communications.
"Social media content creators are generating original and exciting content that attracts millions of views across the world, bringing a new generation of fans to athletics. So, we wanted to provide these innovators and entertainers with a space where they can embrace their creativity and develop content outside the confines of traditional media mixed zones. As we go forward, we will continue to develop and evolve this concept, delivering a best-in-class media operation for all involved."
Content creators can apply for accreditation to the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 <a href="https://eu.research.net/r/contentcreatorapplicationglasgow24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directly through World Athletics</a>.
To be eligible for this category, content creators must demonstrate a consistent and high standard of sports related content.

The new category is aimed at providing an appropriate level of access for those looking to produce entertaining and innovative content for social media and website audiences

World Athletics introduces a content creator space for WIC Glasgow 24

With today (22) marking just 100 days to go until the start of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, the Local Organising Committee has confirmed that the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA) will bring an exhibition to Glasgow to enable the local community and visitors alike to engage fully with the event and learn more about the history of the number one Olympic sport.
The announcement was made during a visit of World Athletics key staff, in Glasgow as part of the event planning process and to see the progress being made for themselves.
The MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 will celebrate more than 170 years of indoor track and field athletics, featuring the museum&rsquo;s indoor athletics collection of competition artefacts dating from the 1880s to 2023.
The magnificent displays contain clothing, shoes, equipment, trophies and medals donated by more than 30 world champions and record breakers, with supporting video, photographs and text. During the championships themselves, 1 to 3 March, visitors to the exhibition can even step into the metaverse using Virtual Reality Headsets to explore the MOWA&rsquo;s online 3D museum platform.
Located on the ground floor at the St Enoch Centre in the centre of Glasgow, an opening ceremony will take place on the evening of Friday 2 February. The exhibition will be free to attend and open throughout the day from Saturday 3 February to Sunday 3 March inclusive, with exact opening times to be confirmed closer to the event.
Bringing a Scottish twist to proceedings, joining the MOWA in the centre will be Commonwealth Games Scotland who on the first floor will stage The Team Scotland Exhibition celebrating 10 years on since the incredible success of the team at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.&nbsp;
Focusing on the stories of the Scottish athletes who competed in track and field, the spotlight will also shine on the memories of the officials, volunteers and spectators who were there. The atmosphere of the Games will be brought back to life through audio, visuals and items representing iconic moments of the Games which had such a profound impact on the city and Scotland as a whole.
Plans are also being developed for a programme of activities and a fan activation area.
Announcing the exhibition, Championships Director Stuart Campbell said: &ldquo;We are delighted to be working with MOWA to bring this exciting exhibition to Glasgow as part of our World Athletics Indoor Championships city activation plans.
&ldquo;Glasgow has a proven track record in hosting major international events and is committed to using them to encourage participation in sport and physical activity, ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The exhibitions are centrally located just a short walk from official hotels and key transport hubs, and we aim to create a real buzz in the city for everyone to get involved regardless of whether they have a ticket for the event or not.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Proud to be involved, Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Team Scotland Chef de Mission at Glasgow 2014, added: &ldquo;The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was not only a fabulous Games and a successful one for Team Scotland, but it engaged the country like nothing else I have ever experienced.
&ldquo;It also laid the foundation for the many other major international sports events that Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, has hosted since and it will be wonderful to celebrate and mark 10 years on as part of this exhibition.
&ldquo;Scottish athletes have contributed some of the greatest moments to both the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships, so we see this as a fitting opportunity to be working alongside MOWA.&rdquo;
Christina McKelvie, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re very excited about the fact there is now only 100 days to go until the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships starts in Glasgow.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Following on from successfully hosting the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019, this is the first time this event has been held in Scotland.
&ldquo;It also comes soon after the recent successful delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. This event will be the perfect platform for the world&rsquo;s greatest athletes to showcase their supreme talents right on our doorstep.
&ldquo;So the countdown continues to the start of this eagerly awaited event and I&rsquo;m certain it will reinforce Scotland&rsquo;s reputation as a suitable stage to host major events.&rdquo;

Museum of World Athletics exhibition confirmed for Glasgow with 100 days to go to World Athletics Indoor Championships

Local track star Jemma Reekie has confirmed her desire to compete in Glasgow next year after bouncing back from illness to record a fantastic season in 2023.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 will be a home event for the GB &amp; NI athlete, who competes for her local athletics club in Kilbarchan, only a short drive away from the arena.
Ending a strong season with victory at the 2023 Fifth Avenue Mile, Reekie also secured a win in the 800m at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in London and a fifth place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. She now hopes to continue her momentum into a new year, aiming to win a medal in Glasgow as she steps up her preparations for the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to WIC Glasgow 24 event ambassador Eilidh Doyle, Reekie reiterated her desire to compete at the event next March.
&ldquo;I would really love to medal at Glasgow Indoors, that would be amazing in front of a home crowd,&rdquo; said Reekie.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s my two big things, medalling at Glasgow Indoors and medalling at Paris, that&rsquo;s the goal.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s been a tough couple of years for Reekie after her 2022 season was interrupted by glandular fever, and she is determined to make up for lost time.
Now working under new coach Jon Bigg, Reekie believes she has a lot to improve on and is now in the right mindset to further raise her game and win medals at the top level.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got so much to work on, and I think we&rsquo;re quite fortunate that I am the age I am,&rdquo; said Reekie.
&ldquo;We still have so much that we can do to push forward.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to take a lot of work and staying injury free, but I think we can do it.&rdquo;
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 will take place on 1-3 March 2024. Watch Reekie&rsquo;s full interview with Doyle below.
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Jemma Reekie aims to compete at World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 and hopes to win a medal at the World Indoor Championships.

Watch: Local track star Jemma Reekie sets medal target for Glasgow

The Scottish star plans to race the 3000m final on home turf on March 2 at the Emirates Arena, set to be one of the headline acts at the last major championships before Paris 2024.
With the Games in mind Muir has eschewed her trademark 1500m, in which she holds British records indoors and out, because it would require her to run a heat.
&ldquo;Obviously it is an Olympic year and there will be a huge focus on Paris in terms of our training camps and race plans,&rdquo; said Muir.
&ldquo;But after thinking it through, me and my coach felt that Glasgow 2024 was too good an opportunity to miss.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Looking at the schedules for the week and linking in with wider plans around that point of the year (prior to Paris) we&rsquo;ve decided the 3000m (straight final) will work best for me. I&rsquo;m looking forward to it and hopefully a few top Scots can make the GB and NI team.&rdquo;
Muir joins former training partner Jemma Reekie in committing to the event along with fellow Scottish middle-distance star Neil Gourley, who won the Men&rsquo;s 1500m silver at the European Indoors last March, and automatically qualified via his performances in the 2023 World Indoor Series.
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<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/653a40b2ab1b3d05277d3974.jpg" alt="Laura Muir World Indoors 2018" />
Laura Muir competing at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham (&copy; Getty Images)
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The 30-year-old, now coached by British Athletics head of endurance Steve Vernon, has a formidable indoor record.&nbsp;
She is one of the most successful athletes in the recent history of the European Indoor Championships, winning five gold medals including a 1500-3000 double when it was staged in Glasgow in 2019.
A world indoor title has eluded her so far, making her debut in Sopot, Poland in 2014 and winning 1500m silver and 3000m bronze at Birmingham 2018.&nbsp;
Muir will go for gold at the third attempt at a packed Emirates Arena - while an initial allocation of tickets has sold out, more may become available closer to the event.
&ldquo;I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to compete at a Commonwealth and European level championship in Scotland before so cannot wait to add a global competition to the list,&rdquo; said Muir.
&ldquo;It is a home championships once again and I like nothing better than racing in front of a packed Scottish crowd at the Emirates Arena.
&ldquo;Glasgow 2019 and winning both the 1500m and the 3000m titles that weekend remains one of the best memories in my career. I&rsquo;m excited at the thought of racing there again in front of family and friends.&rdquo;

Laura Muir says the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow is ‘too good to miss’ despite its proximity to the Olympics.

Scotland’s Laura Muir aims to race in Glasgow 

With the culmination of the World Athletics outdoor track and field season at the Wanda Diamond League Final last weekend, thoughts are now turning to the indoor format of the sport and preparations for next year&rsquo;s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow.&nbsp;
Now just over five months away, the city is on track to take centre stage once again, and today the event&rsquo;s official Ambassador, Eilidh Doyle, teamed up with Scotland and Great Britain &amp; Northern Ireland 800m star, Jemma Reekie, to launch the volunteer recruitment campaign.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 will be the highest profile sports event to be staged in Scotland next year, attracting more than 650 athletes from 130 countries, as athletes build up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships is held every two years and provides three action-packed days of intense competition in an intimate arena where fans can witness the raw athleticism and talent of many of the world&rsquo;s best athletes at close range. Tickets have already virtually sold out, such is the huge level of interest in this world-class event, coming to Glasgow.
Following the recent success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships over the summer, this is the next exciting opportunity for Scotland&rsquo;s enthusiastic and committed volunteer community, and a chance also for people new to volunteering to get involved.
WIC Glasgow 24 is planning to recruit around 400 volunteers to support its delivery of the Championships across the areas of Event Operations, Sport Operations and Spectator Experience.
Volunteers will be located at Glasgow&rsquo;s Emirates Arena and other key training, spectator, and support locations around the city. They will largely be required between 23 February - 4 March 2024 (dates will vary according to roles) and must be available to undertake a minimum of four shifts during this period and attend a training day.&nbsp;
Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of participants and WIC Glasgow 24 is committed to making the volunteer programme as accessible as possible. We are also pleased to invite applications from across the UK and internationally, reflecting the global reach and appeal of World Athletics events.
Having finished her international career at the Emirates Arena at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019, Event Ambassador, Eilidh Doyle said: &ldquo;Volunteers will be at the heart of this incredible world-class event and will play an integral part in helping us raise the bar and set a new standard for elite athletics competition, enhancing the experience of all involved from athletes and their support teams to technical officials, media and the fans.
&ldquo;Volunteer roles give people a fun and rewarding experience, with the opportunity to broaden their skillset in brand new areas as well as meet different people and make new friends. It is a fantastic way to gain vital employment experience that looks great on your CV and above all it is the sense of pride you feel in representing your country as it welcomes the world to Scotland.&rdquo;
Having enjoyed a successful 2023 season including a Wanda Diamond League win in London and fifth at the World Championships in Budapest, Jemma Reekie added: &ldquo;This is your chance to make your mark and become part of the team delivering the first World Athletics Indoor Championships to be held in Scotland. With tickets already nearly sold out the atmosphere in the Arena will be absolutely amazing.
&ldquo;It means so much to the athletes to have friendly faces at a championship, supporting us in every way, from getting on the right bus to the venue, to making sure we are ready in time to get to the start line. So, on your marks - volunteer and do your personal best!&rdquo;&nbsp;
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said: &ldquo;From the first moment I became a journeying athlete and was making my way through the sport, right through to the point where I was responsible for the delivery of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and then world championships, I recognised one immutable fact, that the difference between a good games and a great games is the work of the volunteers. They are absolutely essential in delivering sport at virtually every level. The events do not run without them.&rdquo;
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: &ldquo;Hosting this exciting event in Scotland for the first time demonstrates that we remain the Perfect Stage for events. We&rsquo;ve got a track record in delivering events of this magnitude with the support of volunteers. We saw this during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, where there were around 4,000 volunteers playing their part, including helping to ensure spectators and competitors enjoyed a warm welcome.
&ldquo;We want major events to continue to provide positive, high quality and meaningful volunteering opportunities that are accessible and inclusive, and which help local communities feel truly engaged with an event and I would encourage people from all backgrounds to consider volunteering for the World Athletics Indoor Championships.&rdquo;
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: &ldquo;Glasgow has a hugely successful track record of hosting major events over the last decade and crucial to that success are the volunteers. Not only do they play a critical role in the delivery of events, but they&rsquo;re also the face of the host, giving the world-renowned warm Scottish welcome to competitors, officials, media, and spectators alike, and leaving a lasting positive impression.
&ldquo;Glasgow is Scotland&rsquo;s largest and most socially diverse city, with the broadest and deepest of global roots. We also look forward to receiving applications from across the UK and internationally, reflecting the global reach and appeal of World Athletics events and the power of sport to bring people together.&rdquo;
Cherry Alexander, UKA&rsquo;s Strategic Lead for Major Events said: "Previous World Championships in the UK have recruited some amazing volunteers who have continued to contribute to athletics and many other sports. Just like the London 2017 'Runners' and the Birmingham 2018 'Gems' we know that the volunteers supporting WICGlasgow24 will do an amazing job and have a fantastic time. They really do make the difference between a good and a great event and we are very excited to work with them to make it a memorable World Indoors."
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: &ldquo;Volunteers play a key role in the successful delivery of all major events and without them an event of this size and scale would not be possible. They have helped ensure Scotland is the perfect stage for events by supporting the successful delivery of our enviable portfolio of world-class events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the recent 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The chance to help deliver the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next March, is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next major event to take place in Scotland for anyone looking to develop new skills and be part of an unforgettable experience.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Volunteer recruitment is open from today (21 September) until 22 October, so on your marks and apply now<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-indoor-championships/glasgow24/volunteers"> here.</a>
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Track stars call out for volunteers as thoughts turn to next year’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. 

Track stars Doyle and Reekie call out for volunteers to support Scotland's next world-class event

Many athletes would be more than happy after running down Sifan Hassan in the final stretch of a major final to lead their nation to a podium sweep. But when Gudaf Tsegay did so in the 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last month, she thought her job was only partially complete.
Most athletes would be delighted with one medal, especially if it&rsquo;s gold. Tsegay wanted two.
Though she fell short in the 5000m and faded to 13th in Budapest, Tsegay used her frustration to go after the world 5000m record set earlier this year by Faith Kipyegon. At the Prefonatine Classic, which this year doubled at the Wanda Diamond League Final, Tsegay lowered Kipyegon&rsquo;s mark by five seconds, running 14:00.21.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/6508108887023ba9db81bdf3.jpg" alt="Gudaf Tsegay on her way to breaking the world 5000m record in Eugene" />
Gudaf Tsegay on her way to breaking the world 5000m record in Eugene (&copy; Matthew Quine)
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&ldquo;After the 10,000m in Budapest, I had some pain under the bottom of my foot,&rdquo; Tsegay said. &ldquo;I think it had something to do with the hot weather.&rdquo;
After the race she could barely walk for a few days, and she lay awake at night unable to sleep with frustration.
Tsegay was able to get through the first round of the 5000m in Budapest, and in the final she took the race out hard, hoping others would join in making it a fast pace. But the heat got the better of the field, and she faded sharply towards the end of the race.
&ldquo;I was so mad,&rdquo; Tsegay explained of what remains her only defeat in nine races this year. &ldquo;Training had gone so well and I really wanted to bring two medals back to my country, back to my people, so it was really disappointing. But life and sport are like this; sometimes you fall down, sometimes you win.&rdquo;
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/64e13b179072d542501b5669.jpg" alt="Gudaf Tsegay on her way to the world 10,000m title as a fallen Sifan Hassan looks on in Budapest" />
Gudaf Tsegay on her way to the world 10,000m title as a fallen Sifan Hassan looks on in Budapest (&copy; Getty Images)
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When Tsegay returned to Ethiopia after the World Championships, she had a lot of local media obligations and celebrations and didn&rsquo;t have much time to train but knew the training she had done throughout the year could position her for a good result. &ldquo;My coach told me, &lsquo;you can still break the [world] record with the fitness you have&rsquo;.&rdquo;
In fact, her coach and husband, Hilufe Yihdego, told her earlier this year that he thinks she could approach the 14-minute barrier. After Tsegay ran 8:16.69 &ndash; just 0.09 shy of the world indoor record &ndash; for 3000m indoors in Birmingham in February, Yihdego suggested to Tsegay that she was capable of breaking the outdoor world 5000m record, which at that point stood at 14:06.62 to Letesenbet Gidey.
When the pacing requests were announced before the Prefontaine Classic, some observers commented that the conditions were not necessarily ideal; most distance records are run in cooler conditions, in the evening, and earlier in the season. None of this phased Tsegay, who said she had an extra fire and motivation burning after her disappointment at the World Championships. She didn&rsquo;t want to leave 2023 without leaving a mark on the distance.
In addition to two pacemakers, Elise Cranny and Sinclaire Johnson from the US, Tsegay&rsquo;s teammate and training partner Birke Haylom told her she would help her break the record in the women&rsquo;s 5000m. Haylom ran the 1500m the day prior, but she returned to help pace the middle stage of the 5000m.
&ldquo;We do all of our training together, and I really need to thank her for all of her support,&rdquo; Tsegay said afterwards.
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Still, for a while it did not seem like a sure thing. While Haylom stayed on pace until five laps to go, world cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet remained close on Tsegay&rsquo;s heels, clipping her a few times. 17-year-old Haylom led the field through 3000m in 8:26.03, which would have been a two-second improvement on the long-standing world U20 record, had Haylom remained in the race to make her make record-eligible.
The focus, though, was on Tsegay, who was still comfortably inside world record pace. With about 1400 metres to go, and now having to lead the race along while battling a head wind, it seemed like Tsegay was falling off the pace, with Chebet still on her tail.
But with two laps to go, Tsegay closed back on to the pacing lights and pulled away from Chebet. Even as she grimaced through the closing stages, Tsegay continued to pull away from the lights, and by the time she reached the final lap, the question was not whether or not she would break the record, but whether she could finish inside 14 minutes.
Having to navigate her way around lapped runners probably cost Tsegay a sub-14-minute finishing time, but she was nevertheless delighted to emerge with her first senior outdoor world record, crossing the line in 14:00.21.
It was the latest of several landmark performances in Eugene for Tsegay. Hayward Field is where, back in 2014, she earned her first major medal, taking world U20 silver over 1500m. She returned to nearby Portland in 2016, still a teenager, to win her first global senior medal, taking world indoor bronze over 1500m.
<div><img style="max-width: 900px; width: 100%; display: block;" src="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/62308ff7c450449c199a8124.jpg" alt="Gudaf Tsegay in action at the World Indoor Championships" />
Gudaf Tsegay in action at the World Indoor Championships (&copy; Getty Images)
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She made her 5000m debut in Eugene back in 2018 and struck gold over the same distance on the same track at the World Championships last year.
&ldquo;I have a lot of history here, so it&rsquo;s become a special place for me,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Today makes it even more special.&rdquo;
With Tsegay having now wrapped up her outdoor season, she'll soon start to look ahead to 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games. A bronze medallist in 2021, Tsegay will have her eye on taking gold in the French capital.
Before that, though, there's the likelihood of an indoor campaign and a possible appearance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24. She struck gold over 1500m in 2022, so she may decide to defend her title at that distance or, having moved up in distance outdoors, she could target the 3000m. Or perhaps even both.
Outdoors, it's likely that she'll continue to split her focus between the 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m. Now she &ndash; and the world &ndash; knows that it&rsquo;s just a matter of time before a woman breaks 14 minutes for 5000m. Tsegay hopes to be the first to break the barrier, in Oregon or otherwise.
Hannah Borenstein for World Athletics

World 5000m record is the latest in a long line of notable performances for Gudaf Tsegay in Oregon

Eugene the perfect setting for Tsegay’s record-breaking run of redemption

With fewer than eight months to go to the start of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, <a href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/64afc379857ab74634fd5a4d.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/64afc379857ab74634fd5a4d.pdf">the timetable for the event has been released</a>.
The three-day competition, which will be held at the city&rsquo;s Emirates Arena from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March 2024, will get underway with action in the women's pentathlon on the morning of the first day. That first session will also feature the women&rsquo;s shot put final, while the first champions on the track will be crowned later that evening in the men&rsquo;s 60m final.
Both 3000m events will be held as straight finals on Saturday evening, allowing for a potential 1500m/3000m double, should anyone wish to do so. The men&rsquo;s heptathlon begins on Saturday and ends on Sunday evening.
The championships conclude with the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s 1500m on the final evening. Marking a slight break from tradition, the 4x400m relays will be held earlier in the session.
Reflecting the programmes from the past three editions, the championships will feature straight finals in the field events and medallists will be decided during all six sessions.
Inaugurated in 1987, the World Indoor Championships will celebrate its 19th edition in Glasgow.
<a href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-indoor-championships/glasgow24/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-indoor-championships/glasgow24/tickets">Pre-register now</a> for priority access to tickets and be among the first to know when they are available.
World Athletics
- <a href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/64afc379857ab74634fd5a4d.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/64afc379857ab74634fd5a4d.pdf">World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 timetable</a>

The three-day competition will be held at the city’s Emirates Arena from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March 2024

Timetable released for World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

As plans race ahead to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next March, event organisers are calling on Scotland&rsquo;s craft and design community to showcase their creative talent with an exciting opportunity to design the championships&rsquo; medals.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships is held every two years, over three action-packed days of intense competition in an intimate arena, where fans can witness the raw athleticism and talent of many of the world&rsquo;s best athletes at close range.&nbsp;
Glasgow successfully hosted the European Indoor Championships in 2019 at the Emirates Arena, and World Athletics will now bring its 2024 indoor championships to the same venue from 1-3 March, the first time a World Athletics Series event has been held in the city.&nbsp;
Approximately 700 competitors from more than 130 countries are expected to take part across 26 events (13 for men and 13 for women), held over six sessions, with up to 30,000 spectators expected to attend, and up to 108 medals will be presented.&nbsp;
Furthermore the 2024 championships takes on added significance as it falls within the qualification period for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with athletes honing their preparations for this important year ahead.
The pinnacle of every athlete&rsquo;s career is to stand on the podium at a major championship and be presented with a unique medal, one that recognises and reflects the magnitude of their achievement at the highest level.
To mark and celebrate this special moment in Glasgow next year, the Local Organising Committee, led by Glasgow Life and UK Athletics, with support from EventScotland and UK Sport, has released a call-out for an artist/craft maker over the age of 18 and living in Scotland to submit design ideas for the official championships&rsquo; medals.
The design must meet the required specification, whilst incorporating the look and feel of the event brand creative revealed in March this year. This medal should also have an iconic Scottish twist and be something that will create the wow factor for the athletes and spectators alike.&nbsp;
Launching the call-out, Stuart Campbell, World Athletics Indoor Championships Director, said: &ldquo;This is a really exciting opportunity to create a unique design worthy of playing the central part in the special &lsquo;medal moment&rsquo; for the world&rsquo;s best athletes, when they come to Glasgow next year.
&ldquo;Scotland is renowned for its strong craft and design community and this competition is a fantastic way to ensure that the athletes take away a small part of Scotland that they will cherish for years to come.&rdquo;
A full briefing document can be downloaded from <a href="https://bit.ly/3IBgCdB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/3IBgCdB</a> with submissions required by 15 July 2023.
Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel, comprising members of the Local Organising Committee and experts from the creative community.
The winning artist will receive a cash prize/fee and an invitation to the event, as well as involvement in the medal unveiling on 11 January next year marking 50 days to go to the championships.
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As plans race ahead to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next March, event organisers are calling on Scotland’s craft and design community to showcase their creative talent with an exciting opportunity to design the championships’ medals.

Design a medal fit for a champion

The qualification system for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 has been released.
The Scottish city of Glasgow, which hosted the European Indoor Championships in 2019, will now welcome athletes for the three-day World Athletics Indoor Championships taking place from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March 2024 at the Emirates Arena.
Athletes competing in individual events can qualify in a number of ways:
<ul>
<li>by achieving the entry standard</li>
<li>by World Indoor Tour wild card for overall event winners in the 2023 and 2024 World Indoor Tours</li>
<li>by virtue of their position in the world rankings (to complete, where necessary, the target number of athletes in each event).</li>
</ul>
The pentathlon and heptathlon fields (12 athletes in each) will be filled according to the following formula:
<ul>
<li>winners of the 2023 World Athletics Combined Events Tour</li>
<li>the top five athletes from the 2023 world outdoor lists (maximum one per country)</li>
<li>the top five athletes from the 2024 world indoor lists</li>
<li>one additional athlete at the discretion of World Athletics.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://assets.aws.worldathletics.org/document/644279d23b7225ebc10da630.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qualification system and entry standards</a>
The logo for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 was revealed on 1 March, marking one year to go to the global indoor showpiece. Two-time world indoor medallist Eilidh Doyle was also announced as event ambassador.
Inaugurated in 1987, the World Indoor Championships will celebrate its 19th edition in Glasgow.
World Athletics

Athletes competing in individual events can qualify in a number of ways

Qualification system published for World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

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<h1 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24!</h1>
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Welcome or f&aacute;ilte as the Gaelic speakers in Scotland would say, to the digital home of the 19th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships taking place in Glasgow in 2024.
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Glasgow has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events and 10 years on from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, we are excited to continue the sporting legacy as three days of world class action arrives in the city from 1-3 March 2024.
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There will be six sessions of action-packed sport over three days of intense competition in the intimate setting of the Emirates Arena, with many of the best athletes in the world competing for prestigious World Indoor titles. Over 700 competitors from more than 130 countries are expected to take part, competing in 26 events - 13 for men and 13 for women.&nbsp;
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As this is the first time the World Athletics Indoor Championships has been hosted in Scotland, a fresh look has been created for the event, incorporating the saltire flag, elements of Glasgow&rsquo;s skyline and the Scots language in order to evoke a sense of place and promote Scotland&rsquo;s unique cultural identity to the world.
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Using Scots language, the event strapline &lsquo;Where Gallus Meets Greatness&rsquo; signifies Scotland&rsquo;s ambition as the perfect stage for events. The phrase combines &lsquo;Gallus&rsquo; the local vernacular for &lsquo;daring and bold&rsquo; with greatness, a word commonly associated with major sporting champions.
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With athletes and fans hoping to be part of moments of greatness during the three days of intense and thrilling competition, the strapline loosely translates to &lsquo;Who Dares Wins&rsquo; and we hope to witness many iconic sporting moments when the event begins in March.
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It&rsquo;s almost time for the World Athletics Indoor Championships to arrive in Glasgow and we look forward to inviting the world into our city &lsquo;&lsquo;Where Gallus Meets Greatness&rdquo;.
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With 50 days to go, Glasgow set to become the city ‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness’