Runners and spectators can enjoy a front-row view of Westside when one of Birmingham’s favourite sporting events takes place this Spring.
Centenary Square has been chosen as the starting point for the 2023 AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 7 May, with a new-look route put together for both the half-marathon and 10k distances.
The ‘sister’ events, which are designed to celebrate the best of Birmingham, are expected to attract thousands of entries and raise thousands of pounds for good causes.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “We’re thrilled to host the beginning and major parts of these runs and look forward to welcoming thousands of people to the area.”
After starting out in the city’s showpiece Centenary Square, runners in both the half-marathon and 10k run will continue along Broad Street to Paradise Circus, before heading to the Jewellery Quarter.
They will then return to Westside, passing through the Broad Street area via Holliday Street, Granville Street, Tennant Street and Bishopgate Street, before continuing to New Street Station and then heading south.
The finish line of both routes is at Smithfield, near the Bullring, with the longer half-marathon run taking in Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium along the way.
Entries are now open for the Midlands’ biggest and best running event, which will feature on-route entertainment and an event village, as well as start-line excitement in Centenary Square.
Finishers will collect a shiny new AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run medal, an exclusive (optional) finisher’s t-shirt, plus a finisher’s bag filled with goodies.
The official website has free-to-download training plans aimed at all abilities for both 10k and half marathons to help runners prepare.
Groups of friends, family or colleagues can also enter the Team Challenge.
Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said: “The 2022 Great Birmingham Run 10k was such a special occasion but we were determined to go one better this year and I’m so excited to reveal a route that shows off the best of Brum.
“We can’t wait for May Bank Holiday Weekend and the chance to see Birmingham come alive once again with the colour and energy of a Great Run event.”
People can sign up for The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run by visiting https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-birmingham-run/.
Main picture: a group of runners from last year show of their finishers’ medals.
