Birmingham is preparing to welcome the climactic stages of the European Athletics Championships this weekend, as the city centre closes off to accommodate the marathon and race walk events.
The full routes for both competitions, scheduled for Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, have been announced, offering fans the opportunity to witness Europe’s premier athletes competing on Birmingham’s streets.
This marks the first occasion the Championships have been hosted in the UK, featuring over 1,600 athletes representing 48 countries.
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Spectators can enjoy world-class road racing free of charge, with the race walk events set for Saturday 15 August and the marathon on Sunday 16 August, both taking place within the city centre.
The race walk will commence on Colmore Row and finish in Victoria Square, running on a one-kilometre loop through the city centre.
Key vantage points for spectators include Waterloo Street, Temple Row West and Colmore Row, where athletes will pass repeatedly throughout the event.
The course will be fully enclosed with barriers, and carefully managed crossing points will ensure pedestrian safety.
On Sunday, both the men’s and women’s marathons will start and conclude at Victoria Square. The women’s marathon begins at 7.30am, followed by the men’s race at 8.10am.
Competitors will complete eight laps of a five-kilometre circuit winding through the city’s heart.
Recommended viewing locations along the marathon route are Colmore Row and Church Street, ideal for catching the opening and closing stages, as well as Holliday Street, Granville Street, Sheepcote Street, Sand Pits, Ludgate Hill, Charlotte Street and Warstone Lane.
Adding to local excitement, Birmingham athlete Ellis Cross will represent the Novuna GB & NI Team in the men’s marathon, giving fans a hometown favourite to cheer on.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, commented: “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.”