AJ Bell
Great Birmingham Run
Don’t miss the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run – the Midlands’ biggest and best running event! 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. Starting & finishing in the heart of the city, soak up the incredible atmosphere, high-five your way along the course, experience your finish line moment and bask in the glory of your achievement.
This year’s event sold out in advance, so get in early to secure your place on the start line and bag yourself a saving in the process. Our Saver Price offer is only available for a limited time.
What Makes it Great?
Free Great Run Series Event Day Tracking App
Free Training Plans and Support up to Event Day
Get 10% Off When You Refer A Friend
Run Past Some of the City’s Most Famous Landmarks
Music and Entertainment to Keep You Motivated
Run Number Personalised With Your Name
Useful Links
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RESULTS
ITAB
GREAT RUN REWARDS
MERCHANDISE
Event Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Great Birmingham Run start and finish?
The 2026 Great Birmingham Run half marathon and 10k events both start at Centenary Square on Broad Street and finish on Jennens Road into Aston University’s vibrant event village. Start & finish maps are in the event guide (pg.12 & 22), and the event day app. Check out the route maps here for up to date route details.
How do I get to the start line on event day?
Where possible, make use of the public transport options available on the day and leave plenty of time to get to the start line. There will be a number of road closures in place for the weekend – see the full list here. West Midlands Metro is proud to support the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run for the third year running. Extra trams, free park and ride, and discounted travel for runners make Race Day travel simple. Beat the traffic, ride the Metro, and get to the start line with ease. Click here to visit their website and plan your journey. More travel information can be found in the event guide.
Is the Great Birmingham Run route hilly or flat?
Both the half marathon and the 10k routes are a little mixed, with inclines and declines along the way – but the good news is that both have some downward running in the second half (miles 8-13 for the half marathon and kilometres 5-8 for the 10k).
How do I track runners at the Great Birmingham Run?
Easy – with the free Great Run event day day app. Use our accurate tracking feature to access results and split times instantly. Track family, friends and elites as they make their way around the course, view official photos and get event updates. Runners can also Download it for free here.
Note for participants: Runner information is uploaded right up to the day of the event, so please don’t worry if you aren’t showing as a participant yet. Check again on event day.
When will I receive my race number for the Great Birmingham Run?
Your race number (which contains your timing chip) should arrive from approx. 4 weeks before the run. If you don’t receive it, or if you scored a last-minute (on or after 22 April) or overseas entry, you’ll need to collect your race number from the information point on the day before, or morning of the event. Information point location and opening times can be found in the event guide.
Can I leave my bag at the start of the Great Birmingham Run?
Yes. Baggage buses are located near to the start. You’ll need to fill out your baggage label on your race number, detach it and fasten it securely to your bag before you leave home. Then use your race number to collect your bag close to the finish line. Full details are in the event guide.
Can I move to a different wave?
If you wish to move to a slower wave then that is fine, simply assemble with the later wave. You do not need to visit the information point. It is not possible to move to a faster wave. Waves are allocated based on your estimated time and cannot be changed.
When will I receive pre-event information for the Great Birmingham Run?
You’ll receive a series of emails in the run up to the event, including a ‘One Month To Go!’ email containing a link to the Event Guide which has everything you need to know ahead of the event. It’s also available here on the Great Run website from the one month to go point (although check back here shortly before the event to catch any updates). You will receive updates by email up to two days before the event, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
What is the minimum age for participants?
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run entries are open to runners aged 15+ (10k) and 17+ (Half marathon) on the day of the event.
Event Timetable: 2 May 2027
Please note: Timetable is provisional and is subject to change.
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Know what to expect – your Great Birmingham Run route
‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,’ said Alexander Pope, but we’d have to disagree. Here at Great Run, we think a little knowledge is exactly what you need to take your run from good to great. Doing your mental prep and knowing your route inside out – from… Read More.
Keep the post-run celebrations going in Birmingham
It’s impossible to describe that finish line feeling until you’ve experienced it for yourself. But one thing’s for sure: once you’ve reached the end of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham 10k or half marathon running challenge, you’re going to want to celebrate your incredible achievement. Of course, your first… Read More.
A runner’s guide to tapering
The idea of tapering – decreasing your training load in the week or two leading up to a big running event – might sound counter-intuitive, but in this case less really is more. And just about every running authority out there stresses the importance of tapering as a vital part… Read More.
5 Great Tips for Great Run Fundraising
If you’re taking part in an AJ Bell Great Run Series event for charity this year, then you’re going to want to raise as much money as possible to support your cause. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our official online fundraising partner, Enthuse to share five quick… Read More.
What to do the night before your Great Run
The countdown has begun – your moment of glory is fast-approaching. In just a few hours, you’ll be lining up with thousands of others ready to cross that start line and give it your all. Feeling a little bit nervous? Never fear – give those pre-race nerves the heave-ho with… Read More.
Running pace: what’s ‘good’, what’s ‘bad’ and does it even matter?
“What pace should I be running at?” “What’s a good running pace?” “What’s the average time for a half marathon?” If you’ve ever typed these words into Google wondering whether your pace is ‘good enough’, you’re not alone. Even if you started running purely as a way of feeling fitter… Read More.
Supplements to Support your Running Journey
The Official Wellness Partner of AJ Bell Great Run Series, Solgar combines the best of science and nature to create the finest nutritional supplements using only the best, responsibly sourced raw ingredients. With a commitment to quality, health and wellbeing that goes beyond 75 years, each Solgar product… Read More.
