Air Aware Labs measured the air at Birmingham 2026

Alexander Stadium sits close to the M6, but nitrogen dioxide and particulate levels around the venue stayed relatively low for most of the week. Weather, wind direction and time of day proved far more influential than proximity to traffic. Ozone made the point clearly. Friday evening, cooler and cloudier, was the cleanest session of the Championships, while hot and still conditions on Thursday morning produced the highest concentrations of the week.

The road races benefited from early start times and city centre road closures. We estimate those closures reduced nitrogen dioxide exposure for the marathon champions by around 42 to 46%.

Learn more about the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships and read the full air quality report here.