European Athletics Championships: Tight contest in women’s 5000m

The second day of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham is underway, featuring key events including the men's 100m and women's 100m hurdles. Guardian Sport is providing live coverage of the proceedings. In the women's 5000m, as the race entered the final two kilometres, Coster attempted to bridge the gap to the lead group, with 20-year-old British runner and Exeter University student Innes Fitzgerald tracking her move. Garcia also joined the main contenders, accompanied by her compatriot Idaira Ferrero at the front of the pack. This shift prompted Nadia Battocletti, widely regarded as the strongest finisher in the field, to move up from the back of the group. With three kilometres remaining, Bakirci maintained the lead, though the gap between her and the rest of the field had closed. Hayley remained well-positioned, running on Coster's shoulder near the front. Battocletti continued to bide her time at the back, preparing for a final surge. The event continues amidst ongoing discussions regarding ticket sales, which have become a focal point of the second day's coverage.