The European Athletics Championships are coming and it's going to be massive

In this episode of the Runner's World Podcast, hosts Rick Pearson and Ben Hobson welcome Lloyd Kempstam to discuss the European Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Birmingham, UK, marking the first time the event is hosted in the UK. Lloyd outlines the application process for hosting such an event, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and integration beyond just the athletic competitions themselves.

Lloyd highlights the significance of this championships as it’s the first major global athletics event in nearly a decade since London hosted the World Championships in 2017. He shares excitement about Birmingham's vibrant character and how the championships can showcase the city’s uniqueness. The podcast also touches on the preparation for fan engagement through a dedicated fan zone with free access to marathon and race walking events, promoting community involvement.

Specifically, they discuss key events and athletes to anticipate, such as Jake Whiteman in the men's 1500 meters, Keely Hodgkinson in the women's 800 meters, and Mondo Duplantis in the pole vault. Lloyd predicts a competitive atmosphere, expressing confidence that home support will significantly benefit British athletes.

Additionally, the conversation explores the growing popularity of athletics in the UK, with the rise in youth athletics participation post-London 2012. Lloyd encourages parents to engage their children in athletics clubs, promoting the mental and physical health benefits of such involvement. He also discusses the evolving landscape of athletics commentary, emphasizing the need for engaging storytelling to attract new audiences. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to participate in the Unity Challenge and how to get tickets for the event.