The scheme sees races accredited if they adhere to a comprehensive set of quality and safety standards, with the aim of reassuring runners about the events they are entering.

Leading experts in the industry have assisted European Athletics in drawing up the standards, with Federations across the continent also backing the scheme.

Key factors include administration and finance, the course, environmental and social responsibilities, measurement, medical facilities, the results service, safety measures, services and timing equipment.

The Tullamore Harriers Quinlan Cup half marathon had the honour of being the 150th competitive race.

“I am very pleased by the rapid progress of Running for All with more than half of European Athletics’ Member Federations playing host to a certified road race,” said European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen.

“We have worked hard to explain the standards to road race organisers who see the value in having their races promoted across the continent to reach a greater number of runners."

In total, there are 54 categories which races are comprehensively measured against.

Races given a one-star endorsement fulfill minimum requirements of safety and security for all runners, with three-star races offering a "good level of safety" and a "satisfactory level of services to participants".

Five-star races offer the highest quality experience and a comprehensive range of services from health and safety to course measurement and timing.

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe is a known supporter of the scheme.

Britain's Montreal 1976 Olympic 10,000 metres bronze medallist Brendan Foster, the founder of the Great North Run, previously said accreditation should be a goal for every race across Europe.