Download the Brochure
From 14 to 17 May 2026, the IUKL European Championships 2026 will take place in York alongside the Open European Cup, Grand Prix, and European Games, welcoming athletes from across Europe and beyond for four unforgettable days of strength, endurance, discipline, and community.
Hosted proudly by the English Kettlebell Association in partnership with the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL), this event promises world-class lifting, incredible atmosphere, and a true celebration of kettlebell sport in all its forms.
๐ The Venue
The competition takes place at York Stadium Leisure Complex, Kathryn Avenue, Huntington, York, YO32 9AF. The venue is modern, spacious, easy to access, and perfectly designed to host a major international sporting event. Visitors can expect excellent facilities, seating areas, nearby food outlets, on-site refreshments, and plenty of space to soak up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
There is convenient parking available on site and around the Monks Cross retail and leisure area, making the venue easy to reach whether you are travelling locally or visiting from further afield.
And yesโฆ spectators are completely FREE.
That means whether you are a lifelong kettlebell athlete, a curious gym-goer, a family member supporting a competitor, or someone who has never even touched a kettlebell before, you are warmly invited to come and experience the sport up close.
๐ช What exactly is kettlebell sport?
Kettlebell sport, often known internationally as Girevoy Sport, is a unique strength-endurance discipline where athletes perform high-repetition lifts over set time periods using kettlebells of varying weights. It combines power, technique, stamina, grit, breathing control, mental resilience, and incredible athletic discipline.
Unlike traditional weightlifting, kettlebell sport is not about one explosive lift. It is about efficiency, rhythm, endurance, and determination over time. Athletes may compete in disciplines such as:
- Jerk
- Snatch
- Long Cycle
- Biathlon
- Half Marathon events
- Team relays
- Mixed relays
- One arm events
- All round disciplines
There truly is something for everyone.
๐ A Championship for Everyone
One of the most inspiring things about the IUKL is its inclusivity. This championship welcomes youth athletes, juniors, adults, veterans, para athletes, amateur lifters, and elite professionals all onto the same international stage. From teenagers stepping onto the platform for the very first time, to seasoned lifters representing their countries after decades in the sport, the atmosphere is unlike anything else.
๐ฐ New to kettlebell sport?
If you are completely new to kettlebell sport, do not be intimidated.
This community is known worldwide for being welcoming, supportive, and passionate about helping new people discover the sport. If watching the European Championships sparks your interest, your next step should absolutely be grassroots kettlebell sport.
Grassroots competitions are where future champions begin. They are friendly, encouraging, exciting environments where athletes learn technique, build confidence, meet training partners, and experience the thrill of competition for the first time. Every elite lifter once started as a beginner holding their first kettlebell.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England is proud
Hosting the European Championships is a huge achievement for the English kettlebell community and reflects the continued growth of the sport across the UK. Behind the scenes, volunteers, officials, coaches, athletes, referees, and organisers have worked tirelessly to bring this championship to life and create an unforgettable experience for everyone attending.
Expect national pride.
Expect fierce competition.
Expect emotional victories.
Expect personal bests.
Expect unforgettable moments.
Most importantly, expect to witness one of the most exciting and underrated strength sports in the world.
๐ See you in York
So whether you are coming to compete, support, learn, volunteer, or simply experience something new, York is the place to be this May.
The bells are ready.
Europe is coming.
England is waiting. โค๏ธ๐ค
0 comments