Jakob Ingebrigtsen Criticizes Josh Kerr for Missing European Championships — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen expressed disappointment over Josh Kerr's decision to skip the European Championships. Kerr, who set a new mile record, chose not to compete in Birmingham despite the event's prize pool.
Ingebrigtsen, who won the European 5,000m title, argued that skipping championships undermines the sport. Kerr's absence raised questions about the value of championships versus circuit events. Read more racing coverage.
The European Championships offered a 500,000 euro prize pool, but Kerr opted for other races, including a Diamond League event that paid more. Ingebrigtsen's remarks highlight the tension between championships and circuit events. Related: Karsten Warholm secures fourth European 400m hurdles title.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Jakob Ingebrigtsen Criticizes Josh Kerr for Missing European Championships?
Marathon Handbook reports Ingebrigtsen's disappointment over Kerr's absence from the European Championships. Jakob Ingebrigtsen expressed disappointment over Josh Kerr's decision to skip the European Championships. Kerr, who set a new mile record, chose not to compete in Birmingham despite the event's prize pool.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 16, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 15, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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