It will be the first time in history that the UK will host the event as it takes place in August 2026
In 500 days, the UK will host the European Athletics Championships for the first time ever, and to mark the occasion, organisers gathered in Birmingham today to reveal the event’s official branding and open registration for priority ticket access.
Taking place at Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium from August 10-16, 2026, the Championships will bring together some of the world’s best athletes, all fighting for medals in front of UK athletics fans.
Birmingham’s electric crowds played a crucial role in the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and fans will once again have the chance to watch their favourite athletes in the West Midlands.
This will be the UK’s first time playing host to the European Championships, which took place in Rome in 2024. The decision marks a milestone for a country that has long been the most successful nation in European athletics.
At European level, Britain’s world champion sprinter Dina Asher-Smith has racked up eight medals, while local hero and Olympic 400m silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith has seven to his name. Some of Britain’s biggest track performers – Roger Black (400m), Linford Christie (100m and 200m), and Martyn Rooney (400m) – have each claimed six medals, while Colin Jackson (110m hurdles) and Steve Backley (javelin) are the most successful in one individual event, winning four golds each.
Dina Asher-Smith (Getty)
It will also be the first time the UK has staged a major outdoor athletics championship since the record-breaking World Championships in London in 2017.
Jack Buckner, UK Athletics Chief Executive and European gold medallist, said: “Birmingham has a proven track record of delivering world-class sporting events, with Birmingham 2022 drawing sell-out crowds to the Alexander Stadium – Birmingham 2026 will be no exception.
“With Great Britain and Northern Ireland going into the Championships as the most successful nation in history, we’re ready to put on a show.”
The 2026 Championships will be delivered by Athletic Ventures – a joint venture comprising UK Athletics, The Great Run Company and London Marathon Events. Athletic Ventures was formed with the aim of transforming the future and growth of athletics in the UK and has already seen great success in delivering the sell-out London Diamond League events in 2023 and 2024.
Cherry Alexander OBE, Vice President of European Athletics and Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said “It’s certainly taken a long time for these Championships to come to the UK, but they have always been a favourite of mine. This prestigious event not only showcases the best of European athletics but also highlights the importance of sport in uniting communities and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
“With Birmingham’s passion for athletics and the rich history of the Alexander Stadium showcasing world class events, we will have the perfect stage for these Championships. Athletic Ventures working in partnership with European Athletics, will provide a platform for standout performances and unforgettable moments, we look forward to putting on a show for fans and athletes alike next year.”
Amber Anning and Jeremiah Azu (UKA)
Two British athletes, world indoor champions Amber Anning and Jeremiah Azu, are eagerly anticipating the chance to race in front of a home crowd with their sights set on standing atop the European podium.
Anning is still riding the wave of excitement after her historic world indoor 400m victory in Nanjing, where she became the first British woman to claim the world indoor 400m title. Today, she joined the celebrations in Birmingham, sharing her enthusiasm at the prospect of winning a medal there in 2026.
In 2024, Anning made it to the Olympic final in Paris, where she broke Christine Ohuruogu’s longstanding British record and finished fifth. She also earned two bronze medals in the relay events.
Amber Anning (Getty)
“I’m so excited,” she said. “This the first time ever the European Championships have been in the UK which is crazy, I can’t actually believe that. The British fans are the best fans in the world and I think everyone can agree with that based on the London Diamond League and how many people we get to come out and support.
“I think this is going to be amazing. It’s at a great time of year, it’s a fast track and the Commonwealth Games were so successful and I think this one will be even bigger and better.”
Joining Anning in the excitement is Azu, who is celebrating being crowned both the European indoor 60m champion and the world indoor 60m champion.
Jeremiah Azu (Getty)
Azu has experienced the electric atmosphere of Birmingham’s athletics fans firsthand, having competed for Wales in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he placed fifth in the 100m and won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay.
“Even just being in Birmingham is getting me excited, I want to put my spikes on and get on the track,” he said. “I can’t wait to compete here, we have the British Championships and World Championship trials here in a couple months so to come back in 500 days, hopefully I’ll be competing for some more medals.
“The British fans are the best fans in the world, they’re so knowledgeable and so engaging which is massively important so to know we are going to be representing them and putting the flag on our chest for them is going to be special. It’s going to be one of our lifetime moments.”
Fans who register for priority access via Birmingham26.com will be the first to know when tickets go on sale this summer. Sports enthusiasts and volunteers can also sign up for updates on how to get involved in the Championships.
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