[5] A separate 10,000 metres qualification event was held on 5 April in Birmingham, as part of the 2021 European 10,000m Cup.

[7] After Mo Farah failed to reach the Olympic qualifying standard at the 10,000 metres trial event, UK Athletics decided to organise a one-off event at the 2021 British Athletics Championships, to give Farah a final chance to qualify for the Olympics.

A total of 36 athletes competed, some of whom had been included in the British squad for the delayed 2020 Summer Paralympics the previous week.

Including the marathon and 20 km walk competitors, it meant that 72 Britons were chosen to compete in athletics at the Games.

[12] Mo Farah finished the 10,000 metres race in a time of 27:47.04, 19 seconds slower than the Olympic qualification standard.

[14] The women's 800 metres race featured five athletes who had previously attained the Olympic qualifying standard: Jemma Reekie, Laura Muir, Alexandra Bell, Keely Hodgkinson and Adelle Tracey.

[16] Pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw was aiming for her ninth British title, and seventh in a row.

[11] In addition, Adam Gemili, Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Reece Prescod and CJ Ujah were selected for the men's 4 x 100 metres relay.

Niclas Baker, Cameron Chalmers, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Michael Ohioze and Lee Thompson were chosen for the men's 4 x 400 metres relay.

[11] In addition, Dina Asher-Smith, Beth Dobbin, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Daryll Neita, Ashleigh Nelson and Asha Philip were selected for the women's 4 x 100 metres relay.

[11] The two remaining places for the marathon were awarded to Jess Piasecki and Stephanie Twell, neither of whom participated at the trial event.