Runners And Rhythms At The Great Birmingham 10K

Runners are in for a treat as eight very different musical genres are set to take their places on the 10k route of the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k on Sunday 6 May.

With music as the focus of the event it’s only right that once you’ve run, jogged, walked or danced your way across the start line to hits from the 70’s through to today’s top playlists, the entertainment continues as you make your way around the city centre course.

First up as runners approach the 1k point will be the Dhol Drummers, brought along by Services for Education who work in partnership with Birmingham schools to support and enhance music education for all pupils. You will be able to hear the drummers again as you pass the 8.5k mark.

Approaching 2k, and again as you pass 7k, you’ll hear swing and jazz tunes from Jonathan, Flo, Zoe and Felicity who make up the Second City Sax Quartet.

Following hot on the heels of the saxophonists at 2.5k will be Calvert Lawson with his drumming trio, Kalillo Drumming, recreating genuine Caribbean and African based rhythms that will be heard for a second time as runners reach 6.5k.

Phase One Steel Orchestra, founded in 1977 by Victor Phillip, will be entertaining runners and spectators at the event for the first time this year at 3.5k, using their steel pans to play a selection of modern hits.

Community band Someone at the Door, which is made up of 30 musicians, will have the 4.5k mark at Canon Hill Park jumping to the sounds of Brazilian Samba with influences from reggae, hip hop, Bhangra and more.

Passing the 5k mark, it’s the turn of the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k’s official radio partner, Free Radio, to motivate the runners and entertain the crowds with their Powersong section outside the stunning Selfridges building.

Rev Lorraine Dixon is a fully ordained Church of England vicar, but where conventional vicars have a church with a pulpit to deliver their sermons, Lorraine – otherwise known as DJ Ayo – uses parties, bars and clubs to reach people through the power of house music. You’ll hear her loud and proud past the 5k mark.

Last but not least out on the course is another Powersong section as runners approach 7.5k. Playing hits to match whichever wave of runners is currently passing, you’ll be sure you hear the top tracks from your chosen era once again.

And with music blasting out as you hit 10k, you’ll be crossing the finish line in musical style!