UK Athletics has confirmed that the Novuna UK Athletics Outdoor Championships will return to Birmingham in 2026, with the nation’s best athletes set to compete at the Alexander Stadium on 20–21 June.
Across two action-packed days, national champions will be crowned in front of passionate home crowds, as Birmingham once again plays host to one of the biggest dates in the domestic athletics calendar.
The Alexander Stadium welcomed the Championships back to the West Midlands in 2025, attracting more than 12,000 fans who created a brilliant atmosphere as Britain’s top track and field stars took to the track. That energy is set return this summer, as the city gears up for a standout summer of athletics.
The Championships will be the first of two major track and field events at the Alexander Stadium this summer, with Birmingham also set to host the European Athletics Championships from 10–16 August. The European Athletics Championships will be a landmark moment for the sport, being the only major global outdoor track and field championships never to have been staged in the UK.
As well as deciding national titles, the Novuna UK Athletics Championships will play a crucial role in selections for the Novuna Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the European Championships, giving athletes a key opportunity to perform on the same track where they will look to shine later in the summer.
Cherry Alexander, Head of Events at UK Athletics and part of Athletics Ventures, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the Novuna UK Athletics Outdoor Championships back to Birmingham in 2026. The Alexander Stadium has proven to be a fantastic home for our sport, and the atmosphere there last summer was brilliant.
“With the European Athletics Championships also taking place in Birmingham later in the summer, this creates a special moment for athletes and fans alike, and a great opportunity to showcase the very best of athletics on home soil.”
Theresa Lindsay, Chief Marketing Officer at Novuna, the Official Finance partner for British Athletics said: “Birmingham absolutely delivered last summer and we’re proud to be bringing the Novuna UK Athletics Championships back to the Alexander Stadium in 2026. There’s something special about seeing the nation’s best athletes compete for national titles in front of a proper home crowd, and that energy makes a real difference.
“As Official Finance Partner of British Athletics, we’re backing the GB & NI team every step of the way, and we can’t wait for a massive summer of athletics in Birmingham.”
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Outdoor Athletics Championships back to Birmingham and the Alexander Stadium this June.
“The Stadium continues to shine as a world‑class venue, and Birmingham remains a proud host city for major sporting events. With the European Athletics Championships also coming to the Stadium and the city in August, we are gearing up for a spectacular summer of sport.
“We can’t wait to give everyone a warm Brummie welcome at the Alexander Stadium for a fantastic weekend of athletics.”
The Novuna UK Athletics Championships promise another memorable weekend of top-class competition, as Birmingham takes centre stage in a huge summer for athletics in the UK.
