10 Reasons you should run the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run

The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is the Midlands’ biggest and best running event for a reason. There’s everything you’d expect from a Great Run – notorious start line hype, top en-route entertainment, and an event village that feels more like an after-party – but the carnival atmosphere and the passion and spirit of the runners is all Birmingham.

As we countdown to event day on 5 May, we spell out 10 reasons why you should get involved and (if you haven’t already!) sign up.

B is for
Broad Street, Bournville, and the brilliant AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run route

Starting on bustling Broad Street at the showpiece Centenary Square and Library of Birmingham, the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run route takes in the best of Birmingham with both distances passing through the historic Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square, while the half marathon stretches through south Birmingham and into chocolate-heaven Bournville and Cannon Hill Park.

New to Birmingham? Sign up for the Great Birmingham Run  – it’s the perfect sightseeing exercise!

I is for
Inspirational runners from across the West Midlands on Sunday, 5 May

14,000 participants will be taking on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday, 5 May, and every one of them is an inspiration. Runners take on Great Run events for charity, personal goals, fitness, or just a fun day out with friends. Why not join them?

R is for
Running for wellbeing and for your health

We believe in the power of running – for mental health, community, fundraising, and physical fitness. Running changes lives in ways big and small every day and taking part in an event is the best way to maintain a running routine.

Our events are more than just races; they are milestones of achievement, empower, and create community – coming together to be a part of something bigger.

M is for
Mailbox – one of the noisy, high-five cheering points from 2023

Participants from 2023 will recall the scenes at the steps of Birmingham’s Mailbox, which became a loud, motivating cheering point as 10k and half marathon runners passed underneath Suffolk Street Queensway and onwards towards Grand Central for high-fives from watching family and friends.

I is for
Individual looks and world record attempts

Do you have a Guinness World Record in you? Tom Bracey does! He ran the 2023 Great Birmingham Run in… wait for it… ski boots!

Tom completed the half marathon in a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes and 11 seconds. Tom’s time set a new Guinness World Record for someone running a half marathon in ski boots!
You don’t need to break any records – why not take on the Great Birmingham Run in your favourite fancy dress costume, and expect the loudest cheers as you cross the finish line?

N is for
Now is the time to sign up and start training

We’re on the countdown to event day! Whether taking to the streets of Birmingham is your first running event or you’re looking to beat your long-standing Brum PB, we’re here to cheer you on and support you all the way!

G is for
Go for it, Birmingham! You got this!

Thousands of Brummies pound the streets every year to rise to the challenge of either the Birmingham half marathon or the 10K, with plenty of participants raising cash for good causes. The Broad Street start-line atmosphere is incredible, before you high-five your way along the course, to experience your finish line moment and bask in the glory of your achievement.

H is for
Heroes – every one of our anticipated 14,000 runners is a superstar!

One of the loveliest sights at the Great Birmingham Run is the multitude of colourful charity running vests with logos and messages for good causes large and small, local and national, displayed with pride. For many charities this fundraising support is vital and runners complete the course with a warm glow, knowing just how much their efforts have helped.

Thinking of supporting a charity? Take a look at a list of charity partners here.

A is for
Advice and tips for your first or fastest half marathon

Our training section has hundreds of articles filled with the best tips on everything from training schedules, motivation, nutrition, footwear, and breathing techniques, to crafting your best running playlist and best practices for before, during, and after your run.

M is for
Magical finish line feeling at Smithfield!

In the heart of the Southside District and a short stroll from the sights of St Martin’s, Selfridges and Bullring, the Great Birmingham Run finish line and event village at Smithfield awaits our thousands of finishers. Collect your medal – you’ve earned it – catch up with friends and family and celebrate your achievements on Sunday, 5 May.

We’ll see you there!

There’s still time to sign up for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run. Click here to find out more.