European Athletics will distribute €500,000 in bonuses at the Birmingham 2026 meet. Each of the ten Gold Crowns, awarded in five event groups, comes with a €50,000 prize. The crowns recognize the best performances, not just gold medalists. The initiative began at Roma 2024, rewarding diverse events.

The Gold Crowns are awarded based on World Athletics scoring tables, comparing results across disciplines. This system ensures rewards for the most world-class performances, regardless of event type. Distance runners have a clear path to the bonuses, alongside sprinters and jumpers. Read more racing coverage.

Several athletes with European records are entered, including Duplantis and Hodgkinson. Gressier, van Es, and Lukan are also contenders. The middle and long-distance events are particularly competitive, with Ingebrigtsen, Kerr, Hodgkinson, and Bell among the entrants. Related: European Championships Marathons in Birmingham: Course, Viewing, and Key Athletes.

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