A right royal running weekend will be taking place on Westside as more than 12,000 runners descend on the city centre for a major sporting occasion.
The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run sets off from Centenary Square this Sunday as the Midlands’ premier running event returns with a new-look course.
And this year’s run will enjoy a regal send-off, with Centenary Square also hosting events and entertainment as part of the King’s Coronation weekend, including screening both the Westminster Abbey service on Saturday and Sunday’s Windsor Castle concert live on a giant screen.
The new 10k and half marathon routes will showcase the best of Birmingham city centre and beyond as both distances start at Centenary Square. They then pass along Broad Street to the Jewellery Quarter, and returning via Grand Central at New Street, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium to end up at the Smithfield site near Bullring.
As well as the events in Centenary Square, this year’s Great Birmingham Run will also celebrate the Coronation in style with more than 500 mini and junior runners taking on a Royal Run in a city-centre race fit for a king.
Participants in the combined runs can look forward to great city sights and incredible support with more than 20,000 spectators expected to line the route.
Runners on the start-line will enjoy a live music truck with Heart FM DJs playing an inspirational set to help motivate them for the challenge ahead.
Workplace teams are invited to take up a Business Challenge which will see them compete for fastest time trophies and bragging rights among corporate competitors.
More children than ever will be taking part in the event, with hundreds competing in the 1.5km dash for minis or juniors aged 9-15 tackling a 2.5km sprint through the city centre.
Among the runners of all ages taking part are people raising money for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, including nine-year-old Samuel Stables-Mooney who was born with half a heart.
Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said: “We’re so happy to be back in Brum again for this year’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run with our new and improved routes that are proving extremely popular.
“Whether the thousands of people who have signed up and will be taking part for a personal best, a charity fundraiser or just a fantastic, buzzing, day out, we wish you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy the unique atmosphere of a Great Run event.”
Charlie Musson, brand and PR director at AJ Bell, said: “Taking on the Great Birmingham Run gives everyone the chance to work towards a personal goal as well as the opportunity to support good causes along the way. We are really proud to be helping such an iconic event.”
Main picture: celebrations on the finishing line from last year’s run.
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