Bound for Birmingham: Top Scots prepare for medal bids at Novuna UK Champs

Thursday 31st July 2025

Kirsty Law in action as wins Women’s discus at England Athletics Champs last weekend (photo by Pat Scaasi)

When the Alexander Stadium was redeveloped to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a return to Birmingham for the UK Champs always looked odds-on for future years.

Manchester has played host to this event in recent years but now Scots are being asked to travel a bit further south to compete at this level.

Personal Bests, places in finals or even beating a path to the podium will now be the goal in the Alexander Stadium come Saturday and Sunday.

And we expect a large, strong Scottish cohort to be in the mix for some medals at what is now the Novuna UK Athletics Champs.

There is coverage across BBC platforms and we will be updating on our channels, too, hopefully with news of Scottish success

As the governing body’s event blurb puts it colourfully: ‘The nation’s best athletes will battle for national titles and spots on the team for this year’s World Athletics Championships. Expect world-class performances, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments.’

BBC Sport preview (with details of coverage)

Neil Gourley wins the Men’s 1500m final in Manchester last year (photo by Getty Images for British Athletics)

Timetable

Tokyo places are the big prize, of course, with the World Champs due in Japan from September 13-21.

Josh Kerr, as defending champion in the World Champs Men’s 1500m, is immediately selectable so long as he races in the trials. Josh is listed for the Men’s 5000m and three further Men’s 1500m places are up for grabs.

Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley have standards in that event. *Unfortunately, late on Thursday evening Jake ruled himself out of the Champs through illness.

The other Scottish athletes with standards are: Jemma Reekie (800m/1500m); Laura Muir (800m/1500m); Megan Keith (5000m, 10000m); Nick Percy (Discus).

Nicole Yeargin should be in the mix for the 4x400m Relay events – the Pitreavie AAC athlete is ranked sixth in the Women’s 400m in the UK currently.

It is well worth noting that the closing date for meeting GB and NI selection standards is August 24 (and not this weekend, as is usually the case for major champs). The Tokyo team is due to be announced on August 26.

Steven Bryce won the Para 1500m in Manchester last year (photo Getty Images for British Athletics)

Aside from the Tokyo selection battles, the race for medals should be compelling.

The UK Champs have been a happy hunting ground in recent years and we make it more than 40 medals achieved by Scottish athletes over the last four editions of the event.

Tickets are on sale now from £20 adults / £10 U16s.