With exactly three weeks to go until the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships begin, organisers have revealed the city-centre routes for the marathon and race walk events, giving fans the chance to witness Europe’s best athletes compete on Birmingham's streets.
Taking place from 10–16 August at Alexander Stadium, the Championships mark the first time the UK has hosted the European Athletics Championships, bringing together more than 1,600 athletes from 48 countries in a landmark sporting moment for Birmingham, the West Midlands and British athletics.
Alongside the action inside Alexander Stadium, spectators will be able to enjoy elite road racing free of charge as athletes compete in the race walk events on Saturday 15 August and the marathon on Sunday 16 August.
Race walking course – Saturday 15 August
The race walk events will start on Colmore Row and finish in Victoria Square, taking place on a one-kilometre city-centre loop.
Spectators will be able to watch along Waterloo Street, Temple Row West and Colmore Row, with athletes passing regularly throughout the event. The route will be fully barriered, with managed crossing points in place for pedestrians.
The repeated loop will ensure an exciting experience for athletes and fans alike with a cauldron of noise and support set to drive the best race-walkers on the continent towards fast times.
Marathon route – Sunday 16 August
The men's and women's marathons will provide a spectacular start to the Championships final day, with both races starting and finishing in Victoria Square.
The women's marathon begins at 7.30am, followed by the men's race at 8.10am. Athletes will complete eight laps of a five-kilometre city-centre circuit, offering spectators multiple opportunities to see the action unfold ensuring a wall of noise will accompany the best endurance runners on the continent through those tough later miles.
Recommended viewing locations include:
- Colmore Row and Church Street (for the opening and closing stages of the race)
- Holliday Street
- Granville Street
- Sheepcote Street
- Sand Pits
- Ludgate Hill
- Charlotte Street
- Warstone Lane
As part of the Novuna GB & NI Team line-up, Birmingham athlete Ellis Cross will compete in the men's marathon, giving local fans a home-city athlete to support. The full British marathon team was announced in May and can be found here.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: “In three weeks, Birmingham will host the UK's first-ever European Athletics Championships, creating an unforgettable sporting moment for the city and the nation.
"With the elite race walks and marathon taking place on Birmingham's streets, people can get closer than ever to the action and watch some of the world's best athletes compete in iconic city-centre locations.
"The enthusiasm and support of local communities, visitors and athletics fans from across Europe will create an incredible atmosphere and help make Birmingham 2026 a truly memorable Championships."
Join the Action
Following the elite marathon on Sunday 16 August, the Unity Challenge mass participation event will give the public the opportunity to be part of the Championships and earn their own medal.
Starting on Broad Street and finishing in Victoria Square, participants can choose from a 5K or 1K route. People aged nine and up are able to take part in the 5K and have their own medal moment during the Championships. The 1K fun run is open to anyone aged three and up; and is free to enter for young people aged under 13. Young entrants aged under 13 will be sent a free adult companion bib for the 1K, with children aged eight and under being required to bring an adult with them.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “With the routes for the race walk and marathon events now confirmed, excitement is continuing to build ahead of the European Athletics Championships next month. These events will bring world-class sport into the heart of our city, giving residents and visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience the action up close on the streets of Birmingham as well as their chance to run the route in the Unity Challenge. We are looking forward to giving athletes, spectators and visitors a warm Brummie welcome as the city prepares to host this major sporting event.”
Fans can also enjoy the vibrant Champions Square Fan Zone in Centenary Square from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August . Bringing together sport, culture and community, the free fan zone will offer entertainment, activities and a festival atmosphere in the heart of the city.
