Residents of the West Midlands are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race through the heart of Birmingham on the same course as Europe's elite athletes next summer.
Your Medal Moment on the Championship Stage
Entries have officially opened for the brand new Unity 5K, a mass participation event that will see thousands of runners take over Birmingham city centre on Sunday 16 August 2026. This date marks the final day of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships.
Participants will run the exact same route as the championships' marathon course, starting on Broad Street and finishing in Victoria Square. The event is designed to create a city-wide running festival, allowing the public to experience the thrill of competing on closed roads with roaring crowds, just moments after the professional marathon winners are crowned.
A Festival of Running for All Ages
Alongside the headline 5K event, organisers have also launched a Unity 1K fun run, open to everyone aged three and above. This initiative aims to get families, schools, clubs, and first-time runners involved in the championship buzz.
Children under the age of 13 can participate in the 1K event for free. Each registered child aged 12 or under will also receive a free adult companion bib, allowing a guardian aged 18 or over to run alongside them at no extra cost.
For the Unity 5K, children aged nine and up can enter. However, children under the age of 11 must remain within arm's reach of a designated, paying adult throughout the race. Both children and adults require a paid entry for the 5K.
Leaders Hail a Chance for Community to Shine
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics and a former European 5000m Champion, emphasised the event's core values. "The Unity 5K is all about joy, togetherness and celebrating this incredible event with the people who make the West Midlands what it is," he said. "How often do you get to run on a European Championship course? This is your moment."
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, expressed her excitement. "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 stated. "These events give our residents the unique opportunity to not just witness elite sport but experience the race for themselves."
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, connected the event to the region's rich sporting heritage, mentioning local legends like Dame Denise Lewis and Matt Hudson-Smith. "The Unity Challenge is a moment for our communities to shine," he said, "whether you're chasing the dream of becoming our next sports star or simply looking for the motivation to live a more active, healthier life."
With Great Britain & Northern Ireland aiming to extend their record as the most successful nation in the championships' history, the Unity runs allow the public to share the spotlight. The action will culminate with the final championship events at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr later that evening.
Demand for places is expected to be high. Full details and registration are available now at www.Birmingham26.com.
