Unity Challenge

Unity Challenge

The Unity Challenge is a 5K mass participation run through the heart of Birmingham, taking place on Sunday 16 August 2026, the final day of the European Athletics Championships. Thousands of runners will take on a 5K route through the city centre, using the same roads as the championship marathon earlier that day.

It is a rare chance to run through Birmingham city centre on a closed-road championship route and cross the line with a proper medal moment of your own. The race starts on Broad Street and finishes in Victoria Square.

Alongside the 5K, a 1K fun run is available for ages three and up. Children aged 12 and under can enter the 1K for free and receive a free adult companion bib for someone aged 18 or over to run with them.