Month To Go Before Great Birmingham Run

It’s just a month to go before thousands of runners take to the streets of Birmingham for the Midlands’ biggest half marathon.

The Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run takes place on Sunday, October 13 and is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local and national charities. All finishers receive a medal, tee-shirt and finishers’ pack.

This year’s Great Birmingham Run 13.1-mile route showcases the best of the city centre plus popular spectator spots in Bournville and Cannon Hill Park.

Starting on New Street, the half marathon will pass the famous Rotunda, Selfridges and St Martin’s Church before taking thousands of participants along Pershore Road and into south Birmingham.

Following previous years’ 13.1-mile runs, the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run will begin its return to the city centre when it reaches the 6-mile mark at the picture-postcard suburb of Bournville, a favourite spot for spectators to cheer on family and friends.

The new route sees a return to some of the event’s most popular running locations of past years, including Cannon Hill Park at 9 miles; considered one of the most beautiful open spaces in Birmingham, and world-famous Edgbaston Stadium at the 10-mile mark; the scene for some of English cricket’s most memorable matches.

Among the thousands of inspirational runners taking part in the half marathon is Rugeley mum Kate Wrighton, whose son was diagnosed with a rare condition affecting his skull growth.

Kate is taking on her first half marathon to say thank you to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where her baby son, Oliver, was treated for Craniosynostosis, a condition which left untreated can lead to serious complications.

“I’ve never forgotten about the wonderful care provided to all of us during the time we spent at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, so it only seemed right that I raise money to help other children and families who find themselves facing a similarly difficult time,” said Kate.

“I’ve always wanted to run a half marathon, so signing up to the Great Birmingham Run seemed like the perfect challenge.”

The Great Birmingham Run features the ENGIE Business Challenge, which pits work teams against each other for fastest-time trophies and bragging rights in the corporate world. The Business Challenge is the perfect team-building exercise and can help companies raise vital funds for foundations or CSR projects.