Muller British Champs set for August 8/9 – IF Euros go ahead

Monday 6th April 2020

Neil Gourley leads home a Scottish 1-2-3 at the Muller British Champs in 2019

British Athletics website

Scottish athletes aiming to feature at the European Athletics Champs in August have been told the British trials will take place earlier that month in Manchester.

The proposed schedule us very much a provisional programme, of course, with the effects of the coronavirus crisis on the 2020 track and field season not yet clear.

But with European Athletics still making plans for Paris and their event on August 25-30, British Athletics have announced August 8-9 as the pencilled in date for the Muller British Champs.

As usual, that would double up as the trials event for the forthcoming global/continental championships – in this case, the Europeans which are still being mooted for Paris.

Scottish athletes revelled in last year’s Muller British Champs, held in August as the trials for the World Champs in Doha, as they claimed no fewer than 15 medals – with golds for Neil Gourley, Nick Percy, Eilish McColgan, Allan Smith, Andy Butchart and Kirsty Law.

Three more golds – Scots sweep to medals in Birmingham

Here is the full statement from British Athletics:

‘Since the current coronavirus pandemic resulted in significant changes to the competition calendar, British Athletics have been in constant communication with our partners at European Athletics, World Athletics and the Wanda Diamond League to coordinate the remaining schedule of athletics events in 2020, prioritising the safety and health of our sport and spectators at all times.

‘At this moment in time, we are still working on the basis that all British Athletics events – Müller British Athletics Championships Manchester, Müller Anniversary Games London and the Müller Grand Prix Gateshead – will be going ahead although we will continue to adhere to all government advice and guidelines to ensure the safety of those involved.

Eilish McColgan took the Women’s 5000m title in Birmingham at the 2019 Muller British Champs 

‘In co-ordination with the World Athletics Global Calendar Unit, we have now finalised discussions for a new National Championships weekend alongside other federations.

‘As a result, should there be an opportunity to recommence competition during this outdoor season, the Muller British Athletics Championships will be rescheduled from its original date (June 20/21) to August 8/9, with the venue remaining as the Manchester Regional Arena.

‘We will continue to provide updates concerning the competition calendar as and when we have further information.

‘In the meantime, we urge individuals within our sport to continue to adhere to the government guidelines

*Only leave your home when travelling for food, health and medical reasons or essential work (if it cannot be done at home).

*No gatherings in public.

*One form of exercise a day outside such as a run, walk, or cycle. This should be done alone or only with people you live with.

*Stay 2m (6ft) away from other people, ensuring you maintain this distance when overtaking and passing others whilst out running.’

Nick Percy won Men’s discus gold in Birmingham last year with the 2020 event scheduled for Manchester

Tags: Allan Smith, Andy Butchart, British Champs, British Champs and World Trials, Eilish McColgan, Kirsty Law, Manchester, Muller British Champs, Neil Gourley, Nick Percy