Plans are progressing nicely for one of the West Midlands' favourite races as Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon (BBCHM) limbers up for it's return on 1 July but, make sure you get your entry in before the end of May to ensure you get your named bib for '23.

BBCHM is a real favourite on the running calendar not least because of its running on a Saturday morning. Organisers stress that this is not to allow runners to over imbibe at the many pubs and restaurants close to the finish line but..... well it has been known to happen on a warm summer day in July and, for many runners, Sunday can be a lazy day of rest and recovery.

The race format is based on peoples predicted running time (seeded) in a time trial format with runners starting in waves between 08:00 - 12:00. The conditions underfoot vary from gravel tracks and un-kept trails to smooth pavement.

The course itself is mainly flat with only a few locks and bridges presenting any sort of incline along the route. BBCHM has been the sight of many a PB but the race, whilst competitive at the front of proceedings, is also a fun and community centric event that runners across the West Midlands have really embraced and you can expect wonderful scenery and wildlife along the route.

You can also look forward to a well organised event with floating water stations every 3 miles as you run along the canal as well as all the other elements that you would expect of an event of this size like chip timing, a bespoke medal and goody bag memento.

The finish line is a great hive of activity with spectators and early finishers cheering runners across the line before enjoying the many pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues.

You can enter this year's BBCHM right here.

Image courtesy of BBCHM on Facebook.