218,000 fans and four European records as Birmingham hosts European Athletics

Birmingham City Council has hailed the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships as a triumph, after seven days of competition watched by more than 218,000 spectators.

It was the first time the United Kingdom had hosted the championships. Ticket sales beat the organisers' targets, with a total attendance of 218,135 at Alexander Stadium and the finishing sessions sold out three nights running.

Records and a sprint clean sweep

The championships produced 16 competition records and four European records, as well as two world record finishes in the women's marathon and half-marathon race walks.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland finished second on the medal table. Its 100m sprinters won gold in every individual and relay event, Amy Hunt went home with four gold medals, and Dina Asher-Smith became the most decorated athlete in the history of the European Championships.

Free to watch in the city centre

Thousands more enjoyed the free Champions Square fan zone in Centenary Square, and the race walks and marathons on the final weekend took place in the city centre, free for anyone to watch.

"The Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships has showcased our city at its very best," said Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture.

The championships were the first of three summers of major events in the city. The Invictus Games come to Birmingham in 2027, followed by four UEFA EURO 2028 matches at Villa Park. A legacy programme called Beyond will help young people get into community sport and offer skills, jobs and volunteering opportunities.