Next summer, the streets of Birmingham will host not only Europe's finest track and field stars but thousands of everyday runners too, as part of a groundbreaking initiative for the European Athletics Championships.
Unity Runs Open Championships to All
The prestigious event, taking place from 10-16 August 2026 at Alexander Stadium, will conclude with a unique celebration of mass participation. On the final day, 16 August, the Unity 5km race and a 1km fun run will wind through the city centre, finishing at Victoria Square, just before the evening's elite finals.
UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner, himself a European 5000m gold medallist from 1986, passionately believes the move will help inspire a new generation. "We want everyone to be part of the buzz," Buckner stated. "These are not events for the few, they are events for everyone."
He emphasised that the governing body cares as much about public health and activity as it does about winning medals, calling running the "most accessible, diverse and inclusive physical activity you can do."
Inspiring the Next Generation on the Elite Stage
Entries for the event opened on New Year's Day, offering runners the rare chance to experience a route similar to the elite marathon course. The 1km fun run is open to everyone aged three and above, encouraging schools, clubs, and families to take their first steps in the sport.
"Getting kids and young people active is so important," Buckner added, citing role models like Innes FitzGerald and Georgia Hunter-Bell, who began or returned to the sport through grassroots events like parkrun. "The great thing about running is you can do it on the same course as your heroes."
The event will feature closed roads and large crowds, harnessing the championship energy ahead of the final session. British stars such as Keely Hodgkinson, Matt Hudson-Smith, and Amy Hunt are expected to compete in the championships, where Great Britain & Northern Ireland will aim to extend their record as the most successful nation in the event's history.
A City Embraces Its Moment
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, hailed the opportunity for local residents. "Hosting a world-class event like this is a huge honour, and the addition of the Unity 5K and 1K on the final day makes it even more exciting," she said.
"These events give our residents the unique opportunity to not just witness elite sport but experience the race for themselves, right here on the streets of Birmingham. It is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get active, celebrate our city, and be part of something truly inspiring."
The initiative marks a significant step in making major athletics championships more inclusive, directly linking the spectacle of elite performance with a tangible, participatory experience for the public in the heart of the UK's second city.
