It feels like only yesterday when Birmingham last caught sporting fever. From sports-themed drinks to a mechanical bull crashing into the city centre, the whole city went mad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. We couldn’t’ve come away prouder of this city we love and live in. Proving how well we can host a sports event of such magnitude.
Well we’ll be doing it again soon before we know it. Birmingham has officially been chosen to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026. And we’re raring to go and show off this wonderful city to the world once again.
This will be the first time the European Athletics Championships have ever taken place in the UK since starting in 1934. It will take place in the recently renovated Alexander Stadium – where much of the Commonwealth Games action took place earlier this year.
“The British public has a huge appreciation for world class athletics and the British crowds are among the most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic anywhere in the world. We saw this recently at the Commonwealth Games where the stands were at full capacity, even for the morning sessions,” said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.
Great Britain & NI is the most successful nation at the European Athletics Championships, with 124 gold medals. Previous sporting highlights include Mo Farah winning five titles in the 5000m and 10,000m between 2010 and 2014, and Colin Jackson winning four successive titles in the 110m hurdles between 1990 and 2002.
To celebrate, Birmingham City Council also host a half marathon through the city on the same day as the marathon event. Meaning that the people of Birmingham can run in the footsteps of world-class athletes on the same day.