UK Athletics chief Jack Buckner hailed the European Champs in Birmingham as 'epic', citing breakout stars, strong BBC viewership, and a 'world-class' ticketing operation. He highlighted the women's 800m and 4x100m relays as standout moments. BBC viewership reached over four million, excluding iPlayer.

Buckner emphasized the emergence of new stars like Amy Hunt and the positive impact on the sport's visibility. He noted the potential financial gain, comparing the event's budget to recent Commonwealth Games. Despite some ticketing challenges, he defended the overall operation. Read more racing coverage.

The marathon's integration with the event was central to Athletic Ventures' model, aiming to combine athletics and running. Buckner expressed excitement for future events, including the bid for the 2029 World Championships and next year's Diamond League in London. Related: Great Britain Dominates European Athletics Championships.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.