Entries remain open for the Unity 5K and 1K mass participation events, which will take place in Birmingham on Sunday 16 August, the final day of the European Athletics Championships (10-16 August).
The events will continue the positive momentum already generated by Birmingham 2026’s impact plan ‘Beyond’, a programme created to inspire positive, lasting change across the region linked to the Championships which are coming to Great Britain for the first time.
The Unity 5k – which starts on Broad Street and finishes in Victoria Square – will give participants the opportunity to run one lap of the same route as the international elite athletes competing in the marathon earlier the same day.
The event is open to those from age nine and above, however, children aged 10 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Alongside the 5K, the 1K fun run – which takes place over the final 1K of the 5K loop – is open to everyone from age three and above and is a great fit for families, schools, clubs and first-timers.
Children age 12 and under can enter the 1K for free and receive a free adult companion bib for anyone aged 18 or above to run with them (everyone aged between 3-8 must be accompanied by an adult). It costs £10 to enter for those aged 13 and above taking part without a younger runner.
The first wave of the 5K will begin at 11:00 and the 1K will begin early afternoon. Exact timings of all the waves will be shared closer to the event.
The Beyond framework has been built to connect partners, create new opportunities and amplify existing initiatives. In addition to the Unity Challenge, activities aligned with Beyond include support for the Daily Mile in schools and the Birmingham 2026 Miles Challenge, as well as a range of other activities and opportunities that use the Championships as a platform to help deliver significant impact before, during and after the event.
Chris Moss, the Birmingham 2026 Impact Lead, said: “Through the Beyond framework we’re committed to providing community benefit through athletics and running. What better way to do that than through The Unity Challenge? It’s a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together, get active and celebrate a summer of sport on the streets of Birmingham.”
Click here for full details and registration.
The Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from 10-16 August. Tickets are on sale via this link.
For more about the Beyond programme, click here.