With just over a year to go before the starting gun fires at the European Athletics Championships, Birmingham 2026 is already sprinting out of the blocks – not with medals in sight, but with a mission.
The Championships team launched ‘Beyond’, a bold and ambitious community impact programme designed to make the European Athletics Championships more than just a seven-day spectacle.
Hosted at the iconic Alexander Stadium, the launch outlined how sport will power a wave of social change long before and long after the championships take place from 10th-16th August 2026.
The UK will host the European Athletics Championships for the first time in its history, but organisers are determined that history-making won’t stop at the track.
From Track to Community Transformation
‘Beyond’ isn’t a slogan, it’s a blueprint. With three core pillars (community benefit, environmental responsibility, and inclusion), the programme is already gathering momentum.
Backed by a £90,000 investment from UK Sport and the London Marathon Foundation, early projects include partnerships with Access Sport and StreetGames to deliver new opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to get active and stay engaged.
“These Championships are much more than a week of elite performance,” said Royston Hoggarth, Chair of the Birmingham 2026 Stakeholder Board.
“With the right focus, we can build momentum around a legacy that lives on.”
The plan includes everything from Daily Mile school events and inclusive junior park-runs to sustainable travel initiatives and apprenticeships.
Organisers have pledged to draw on local feedback from Birmingham communities, particularly those who engaged with the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and translate that into practical impact.
Sport That Sticks “This is about community first,” said Chris Moss, Birmingham 2026’s Project Lead for Impact
“Beyond is a framework that amplifies what’s already working and inspires new action. Major events should fuel lasting change.”
Esther Britten, Head of Events at UK Sport, agrees: “Events like this can power positive change. Our collaboration with London Marathon Foundation and community sport groups will help create real, lasting impact.”
Echoing those sentiments, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker called Beyond “the real win” of Birmingham 2026. “When the cameras leave and the noise fades, what matters is the change we’ve created. This programme will improve health and wellbeing across the region.”
Access Sport’s Helen Rowbotham added: “This is a unique opportunity. We’re supporting clubs to deliver accessible, inclusive offers in athletics, running and wheeling. We can’t wait to get started.”
Deputy Council Leader Cllr Sharon Thompson highlighted the importance of community voices: “We’ve made sure the lessons from 2022 have shaped this plan. Beyond is about building an inclusive, welcoming city experience—for residents and visitors alike.”
Birmingham 2026 is setting out to be more than just staging a sporting event – it’s building a movement. With Athletic Ventures (a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company) leading delivery, and programmes now rolling out in schools, clubs and neighbourhoods across the West Midlands, the Beyond programme is laying the groundwork for a legacy that could redefine how major events serve their host cities.
Want to get involved? Community webinars begin 8th September. More information at www.birmingham26.com.
