British Athletics can confirm that the University of Birmingham Athletics Track has been chosen to host the 2021 Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships and the European 10,000m Cup on Saturday 5 June.

This follows the announcement in January that the Night of 10,000m PBs in Highgate – the original host of the European 10,000m Cup and British Championships for the 10,000m – was cancelled so an alternative venue and event was explored.

Following an agreement between British Athletics, European Athletics and the University of Birmingham, the venue will host the 2021 edition of the European 10,000m Cup.

It will also host the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships which will act as the Trial for the Olympic Games.

British Athletics continues to follow all Government advice and guidelines to ensure the safety of all those involved in delivering and competing at events currently being staged under elite exemption rules.

Therefore, entries for the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships will be via invite only, and further information will be communicated on this in due course.

Katie Brazier, Competitions and Events Director at British Athletics, said:

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the University of Birmingham to bring the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships and the European 10,000m Cup to Birmingham. Following consultation with athletes and coaches, as well as other key stakeholders, it is fantastic news that we can host a Covid-19 secure environment for this summer’s event. So, our thanks to the University of Birmingham for their cooperation during conversations over the last few weeks.”

European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov said:

“We are pleased we have been able to work with British Athletics to find an alternative venue for the 2021 European 10,000m Cup and we want to thank the University of Birmingham for stepping forward at this late stage.

“The European 10,000m Cup is one of the most prestigious and long-running fixtures on the European calendar. This year’s event will have an even greater significance as it also serves as an excellent opportunity for athletes aiming to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics later this summer.

“The fact the European 10,000m Cup also incorporates the British Championships and Olympic Trials will only help to raise the profile of the event. I am sure the whole distance running fraternity is greatly looking forward to this year’s event on 5 June.”

Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham, Andy Alford, said:

“We thank British Athletics and European Athletics for selecting us to host this event in testing times, and to our colleagues across the campus who have already begun preparations to deliver a safe, yet exciting, event for the athletes involved.

“With the University of Birmingham already set to host two sport events and the main athlete village for next year’s Commonwealth Games it is great to have been selected for another world class event this summer.”