More than 14,000 Brummies pounded the sun-kissed city streets for fun, fitness or to fundraise at the sold-out AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday (5 May). The Midlands’ premier running event saw thousands set off from Broad Street and Centenary Square to see the sights of the city centre and south Birmingham in front of 50,000 cheering spectators and under glorious blue skies.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, set off each wave by ringing a runners’ bell, blasted air horns and shared high-fives with participants, alongside representatives from the charity foundations of Aston Villa FC, Birmingham City FC and West Bromwich Albion FC.

Hundreds of this year’s 10K and half marathon runners were sporting their clubs’ colours with pride as the charity foundations offered places for fans to fundraise on their behalf, while the club mascots took part in the Junior and Mini Run Mascot Race over at the Smithfield finish line. They were among hundreds of energetic youngsters tackling the Junior and Mini Run, which was a sell-out for 2024.

Fancy dress runners were once again generating cheers and smiles from the thousands of spectators across the route with runners dressed as hot dogs, Super Mario Brothers, Supermen, unicorns and a carrot!

Millions of pounds have been raised for good causes at the Great Birmingham Run since 2017 and charities will once again benefit from the remarkable achievements of the thousands running for good causes this year.

Paul Foster of The Great Run Company, said: “The Great Birmingham Run is the first event in the Great Run Series schedule and we look forward to it every year. Once again, it was wonderful to experience the Centenary Square start-line atmosphere and great to see the running stars of the future complete the Junior and Mini event.

“This weekend has been a running party atmosphere like no other, and I congratulate each and every one of our participants for their incredible achievements. We can’t wait to see you all again on Sunday 4 May 2025!”

Early bird entries are open for the 2025 event, find out more at the Great Run website.

Image: Great Run