Birmingham marks 100 days to go until Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championship with official mascot unveiling

'Bab the Bull' was unveiled to cheers when making a last-minute appearance in the Mascot Dash at the Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run on Saturday 2 May, at Alexander Stadium - Bab’s home ground. 

Bab the Bull represents determination, strength, and tenacity – qualities that served Bab well in the mascot dash, placing first. These traits will be on full display as some of the world’s best athletes compete this summer at Birmingham 2026, with Bab cheering them on. 

In just 100 days, 1,600 athletes from 48 nations will compete for glory at Alexander Stadium. With 44 gold medals to be won across seven evening sessions, fans will see history made under the floodlights. Many of Europe’s biggest names are expected to set their 2026 summer ambitions in Birmingham, making this a superb opportunity to witness world-class performances on home soil.

With the Junior and Mini Great Birmingham run taking place on the 100 days to go marker, organisers of the event worked closely with the Birmingham 2026 team.  As well as unveiling the official mascot at the youth events, Bab also joined Iwan Thomas as an official starter for the Great Birmingham Run 10K and Half Marathon on Sunday 3 May alongside the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE. 

The two teams also worked together to ensure under-represented young people from across the city were given the chance to run on the same track that will see Europe’s greatest athletes chase world records and gold medals this summer, by offering free-of-charge entry to pupils from local Perry Barr schools as part of the Beyond programme.

Iwan Thomas, European, Commonwealth and World Championships medallist, knows what hosting the European Athletics Championships means for Birmingham and the UK. He said: "Throughout my career, I’ve had to face some big rivals. No one, however, has really challenged me in quite the way pesky mascots have. 

"Don’t let the friendly face fool you – Bab’s got a mischievous streak. I’m looking forward to going toe to toe with Bab this summer, and if he thinks I’m going to put up with any shenanigans, he’s got another thing coming."

To book and find out more, visit  tickets.birmingham26.com.