Today (2) marks 100 days to go until the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, which come to the UK for the first time from 10-16 August and to mark the occasion, the official mascot of Birmingham 2026 was unveiled.
'Bab the Bull' was unveiled to cheers when making a last-minute appearance in the Mascot Dash at the Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run at Alexander Stadium - Bab’s home ground.
Bab the Bull represents determination, strength, and tenacity – qualities that served Bab well in the mascot dash, placing first. These traits will be on full display as some of the world’s best athletes compete this summer at Birmingham 2026, with Bab cheering them on.
Jim Gilbert, Head of Creative at Birmingham 2026, said: “Birmingham’s culture, energy, creativity, and sporting heritage provide a solid foundation to build on, and we had the creative licence to develop something bold and memorable – something that is rooted locally yet resonates globally.
“The bull is synonymous with Birmingham and takes centre stage in the vibrant logo. A powerful symbol of the city, the bull has been woven into Birmingham’s identity since the 16th century. Bab the Bull draws on this rich history, but with a modern attitude and energy.”
Iwan Thomas helps to introduce championship mascot
Iwan Thomas, European, Commonwealth and World Championships medallist, knows what hosting the European Athletics Championships means for Birmingham and the UK. He said: "Throughout my career, I’ve had to face some big rivals. No one, however, has really challenged me in quite the way pesky mascots have.
"Don’t let the friendly face fool you – Bab’s got a mischievous streak. I’m looking forward to going toe to toe with Bab this summer, and if he thinks I’m going to put up with any shenanigans, he’s got another thing coming."
With the Junior and Mini Great Birmingham run taking place on the 100 days to go marker, organisers of the event worked closely with the Birmingham 2026 team. As well as unveiling the official mascot at the youth events, Bab will join Iwan Thomas as an official starter for the Great Birmingham Run 10K and Half Marathon tomorrow (3), alongside the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE.
The two teams also worked together to ensure under-represented young people from across the city were given the chance to run on the same track that will see Europe’s greatest athletes chase world records and gold medals this summer, by offering free-of-charge entry to pupils from local Perry Barr schools as part of the Beyond programme.
Making sure athletics is for everyone
Birmingham 2026’s impact programme, Beyond, supports the Championships as a platform for positive, lasting change across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Providing community benefit through athletics and running is central to this, and today’s Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run welcomed over 1,000 children from the West Midlands, with more than 100 pupils from local schools around Perry Barr participating for the first time as a result of the Beyond programme.
The countdown is on
In just 100 days, 1,600 athletes from 48 nations will compete for glory at Alexander Stadium. With 44 gold medals to be won across seven evening sessions, fans will see history made under the floodlights. Many of Europe’s biggest names are expected to set their 2026 summer ambitions in Birmingham, making this a superb opportunity to witness world-class performances on home soil.
To book and find out more, visit tickets.birmingham26.com.
Unity Challenge
Bab’s performance at the Mascot Dash was the perfect warm-up ahead of this summer, when Bab plans to take on the Unity Challenge on Sunday 16 August, the final day of the Birmingham 2026.
The Unity Challenge offers 5K and 1K distances on the same route the elite marathon will take place on earlier that morning, giving everyone the chance to experience the Championship atmosphere and earn their own medal.
To enter and find out more, visit https://go.birmingham26.com/unity5k