Athletics will present it is for all with metropolis centre enjoyable run, says UK chief
UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner wants everyone to take part next summer
A new city centre race will ensure the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham are for everyone, according to UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner.
The Championships will conclude on 16 August with the Unity 5km race alongside a 1km fun run open to everyone before the final evening session at Alexander Stadium.
The courses will wind through the heart of the city, finishing at Victoria Square and Buckner – who won European gold over 5000m in 1986 – believes the mass participation event will help inspire the next generation in Birmingham and beyond.
“We want everyone to be part of the buzz,” said Buckner. “We care about people’s health, fitness and exercise and young people’s physical health is really important.
“People often talk about ‘how do you get inspired?’ Seeing these amazing events and then knowing you can do it yourself is fantastic.
“We need things that pull us together and inspire us. Sport, and elite sport, can do that and we have a responsibility to make sure that everyone can celebrate. They’re not events for the few, they are events for everyone.
“We care as much about people getting healthy and active as we do about winning medals. It is just as important.
“The great thing about running is it’s a playground to podium sport. Running is the most accessible, diverse and inclusive physical activity you can do – we want everyone to take part in it.”
Entries for the event open on New Years Day, with runners given the opportunity to run the same route as elite marathon course at the European Athletics Championships, which run from 10-16 August.
The Unity 1km fun run will be open for everyone aged three and up, giving schools, clubs and families the chance to take part – and many to take their first steps into the sport.
“Getting kids and young people active is so important,” added Buckner.
“We know what it can mean to people’s lives, how it can improve people’s quality of life. Everyone can have a go.
“The great thing about running is you can do it on the same course as your heroes. Innes FitzGerald started off at parkrun and Georgia Hunter-Bell took time out of the sport and came back to it through parkrun.
“There’s some fantastic role models who celebrate and enjoy the sport.
“We want everyone to be taking part and watching. It’s a really good city centre course that will bring everyone together before the last evening of athletics. It will be closed roads and big crowds with some great championship energy.”
Great Britain & Northern Ireland are the most successful nation in the history of the European Athletics Championships – a record they will look to extend in 2026 in front of a home crowd.
Stars such as Keely Hodgkinson, Matt Hudson-Smith and Amy Hunt could be amongst those competing and Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council hailed the chance for local residents to get involved.
“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. Don’t miss out, sign up and join us in making Birmingham shine on the European stage.”
