Running for All was set up last year to reward and recognise races which can guarantee that participants have the most basic provisions adhered to, as stipulated by the European Athletics Quality and Safety Standards.

Races are measured against a total of 54 categories with those given a one-star endorsement fulfilling the minimum requirements of safety and security for all participants.

Three-star races are those that offer a good level of safety and include a satisfactory level of services to participants, while five-star races are those that offer the highest quality experience and a comprehensive range of services from health and safety to course measurement and timing.

The certification process aims to enable positive partnerships and relationships between everyone involved in running, including runners, clubs, organisers, European Athletics, national athletics federations, local authorities, service providers and the media.

The 20KM de Lausanne, which is held in April of each year, takes in the Olympic Museum and finishes inside the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in the Olympic capital. 

"It is a nice surprise to be exactly the 200th race," said race director Gael Lasserre.

"We really think that this number has to increase so we highly recommend other events to come onto the platform to register their event.

"Indeed, the 20KM de Lausanne recognises the work of European Athletics in developing this tool and we wish it a long and successful life."

Mass participation races remain enduringly popular among a wide demographic and European Athletics is striving to be an active exponent in the development of recreational running across the continent.

Currently, a total of 34 countries play host to a certified road race.

"With 200 certified road races by Running for All, European Athletics can now be considered as a leading partner in mass participation running," said European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen.

"The aim remains to be recognised as an active part of the running movement across the continent and to create a strong link between road running and athletics."

European Athletics vice-president Jean Gracia has reiterated the active stakeholders will continue to cooperate to further expand and increase the visibility of the platform.

"Now that the Running for All identity has been established amongst European race organisers and member federations, we will continue our efforts to increase the number of certified races and offer them greater international visibility," he said.

"We are confident that the European Athletics Quality Road Race standards demonstrate credibility and provide reassurances for runners in choosing their next events."

The European Athletics Quality Road Race standards act as an assurance for road runners throughout Europe.

They distinguish between races that respect the standards and those that haven’t sought certification or assessment, forming the foundation of Running for All.

The seventh edition of the Wizz Air Kyiv Marathon, which has been given a five-star certification by Running for All, is taking place today. 

The event was first staged in Ukraine's capital in 2010.