The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is the Midlands’ biggest and best running event for a reason. There’s everything you’d expect from a Great Run – notorious start line hype, top music & entertainment, and an event village that feels more like an after-party – but the carnival atmosphere and the passion and spirit of the runners is all Birmingham. As we countdown to event day on 5 May, we spell out 10 reasons why you should get involved and (if you haven’t already) sign up.

B is for Broad Street, Bournville and the Brilliant Great Birmingham Run route
Starting on bustling Broad Street at the showpiece Centenary Square and Library of Birmingham, the route takes in the best of Birmingham with both distances passing through the historic Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square, while the half marathon stretches through south Birmingham and into chocolate-heaven Bournville and Cannon Hill Park.

I is for Inspirational runners
14,000 participants will be taking on this year's event and every one of them is an inspiration.

R is for Running for wellbeing and for your health
Believe in the power of running for mental health, community, fundraising, and physical fitness. Running changes lives in ways big and small every day and taking part in an event is the best way to maintain a running routine.

M is for Medal
Designed to celebrate the spirit of Birmingham, both half marathon and 10K designs are inspired by the incredible city. Both the half marathon and 10K designs use the circle pattern that is found on The Library of Birmingham building, with the 10K depicting a bull, a nod to the Bullring Bull and Ozzy at Grand Central.

I is for Individual looks
Do you have a Guinness World Record in you? Tom Bracey does! He ran the 2023 Great Birmingham Run in ski boots! Tom completed the half marathon in a time of 2:47:11 meaning he set a new World Record for running a half marathon in ski boots. You don’t need to break any records – why not take on the challenge in your favourite fancy dress costume, and expect the loudest cheers as you cross the finish line!

N is for Now is the time to sign up!
We’re on the countdown to event day and now is the time to enter.

G is for Go for it!
Thousands of Brummies pound the streets every year to rise to the challenge of either the Birmingham half marathon or the 10K, with plenty of participants raising cash for good causes.

H is for Heroes
One of the loveliest sights at the Great Birmingham Run is the multitude of colourful charity running vests with logos and messages for good causes large and small, local and national, displayed with pride. For many charities this fundraising support is vital, and runners complete the course with a warm glow, knowing just how much their efforts have helped.

A is for Advice
Great Run's training section has hundreds of articles filled with the best tips on everything from training schedules, motivation, nutrition, footwear, and breathing techniques, to crafting your best running playlist and best practices for before, during, and after your run.

M is for Magical finish line feeling
In the heart of the Southside District and a short stroll from the sights of St Martin’s, Selfridges and Bullring, the Great Birmingham Run finish line and event village at Smithfield awaits our thousands of finishers. Collect your medal and catch up with friends and family to celebrate your achievement.

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

Image: Courtesy of Great Run Company