UK Athletics Championships 2025: A Gateway to the World Championships

This weekend, Birmingham becomes the epicenter of British athletics as the nation's top athletes compete for coveted spots at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. The UK Athletics Championships, held on August 2nd and 3rd, 2025, will determine who will represent Great Britain on the global stage.

Qualification Criteria

For most athletes, the path to Tokyo is clear: secure a top-two finish in their respective events at the Birmingham trials and meet the World Athletics entry standard achieved since August 1st, 2024. However, Olympic and World Championship medallists from 2024 and 2023, along with wildcard recipients, are already assured of their places, provided they demonstrate current form.

Notable Absences and Comebacks

One of the most talked-about absences is Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m champion, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in February. Hodgkinson, who last competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is racing against time to prove her fitness before the British squad is announced on August 27th. She is scheduled to compete at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 20th.

Other notable absentees include Matthew Hudson-Smith and George Mills, who are either injured or ill.

Key Events and Athletes to Watch

In Hodgkinson's absence, her training partner, Georgia Hunter Bell, is entered in both the 800m and 1500m, as she decides which event to focus on for Tokyo. Bell, an Olympic 1500m bronze medallist, will face stiff competition from Jemma Reekie in the 800m and Laura Muir, Revee Walcott-Nolan, and Katie Snowden in the 1500m.

The men's middle-distance events are equally competitive, with Max Burgin and Ben Pattison leading the 800m, and Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley among the top contenders in the 1500m. World 1500m champion Josh Kerr is taking the opportunity to race over 5,000m, while teenage sensation Innes FitzGerald is one to watch in the women's 5,000m.

In the sprints, Dina Asher-Smith will contest the women's 200m, with Daryll Neita and Amy Hunt doubling up in the 100m. On the men's side, Jeremiah Azu and Zharnel Hughes are aiming for glory, while Louie Hinchliffe focuses on retaining his 100m crown. Charlie Dobson is the favorite to retain his 400m title in the absence of Hudson-Smith, and world indoor champion Amber Anning is expected to dominate the women's 400m.

Field Events and Para Athletics

In the field events, high jumper Morgan Lake will look to continue her strong form following her victory at the London Diamond League. Molly Caudery will be in action in the pole vault, while Katarina Johnson-Thompson is entered in the 100m hurdles, javelin, and shot put as she builds towards her bid for a third world title.

With the World Para Athletics Championships taking place in New Delhi, India, from September 26th, British stars like Kare Adenegan, Zachary Shaw, and Sophie Hahn will also be in action.

How to Watch

Fans can catch all the action live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app, with additional coverage on the Red Button. The full entry lists are available here.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of athletics as Britain's best battle for their chance to shine on the world stage.