With less than three months to go until race weekend, organisers have revealed the 2026 route for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, with a brand-new city-centre finish at Aston University set to add extra excitement to this year’s event.

More than 17,000 runners are expected to take part across the weekend, with the Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run returning on Super Saturday (2 May) at the world-famous Alexander Stadium, which will host the European Athletics Championships later in the summer. The 10K and half marathon follow on Sunday 3 May.

Sunday’s 10K and half marathon courses once again showcase the very best of Birmingham with runners starting at Centenary Square before winding their way past some of the city’s most loved landmarks, including the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, the Mailbox, Grand Central at New Street Station, St Martin’s Church, Southside and Digbeth. Half marathon participants then head out into south Birmingham, taking in the green spaces of Cannon Hill Park and Selly Park, offering a scenic contrast to the city-centre buzz.

Speaking about the new course, organisers told us: "The 2026 course introduces one of the most exciting changes in recent years late in the race as participants pass the instantly recognisable Selfridges Building. Its iconic curves signal the start of the home straight along Jennens Road before runners enter a festival-style finish village hosted on the Aston University campus.

"The new finish area is designed to be a vibrant celebration for runners, supporters and charity partners, with street food, charity partner activations and plenty of space for participants to relax and share stories of their race-day achievements with family and friends."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Great Run website.

Image: Great Run Company