It's the Midlands' biggest and best running event, with countless runners raising money for worthy causes.
Thousands of everyday heroes line up on the start line of the Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon each year and a huge number of these will be charity runners.
Every year these incredible charity runners raise thousands of pounds for important causes. You too can get a charity place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time as achieving your half marathon goal.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries have closed.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus many extras which will elevate your event experience - see the Fundraising section.
The Great Birmingham Run is suitable for wheelchair users. There is a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).
The Business Challenge is a corporate running challenge in the biggest cities across the UK. It’s open to organisations of all shapes and sizes, is suitable for groups large or small (minimum team of 4) and is great for all ages and abilities. If you’re tired of cringey teambuilding exercises, it’s a great way to invest in workforce wellbeing for a happier and healthier team.
Starting on Broad Street at Centenary Square, runners for both the 10k and half marathon distances will head for the city’s world-famous Jewellery Quarter, passing the Chamberlain Clock at Warstone Lane and Vyse Street, beautiful St Paul’s Square and a city-centre route that features the Mailbox, Grand Central at New Street station, St Martin’s Church, Southside and Digbeth.
Half-marathon participants will follow the same iconic landmarks before heading out of the city centre along Pershore Road, reaching Selly Park at eight miles and a return route that takes in glorious Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium. Both distances enjoy a grandstand finish at the Smithfield site near Bullring; home to Commonwealth Games beach volleyball and basketball.
This event is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of this event will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:
In addition, it is striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.
Finisher tees are now optional. You can choose to forgo your finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this the organiser will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.
The organisers will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be around £20,000.
A shiny new, Great Birmingham Run medal, an exclusive finishers t-shirt plus a tasty treat after your amazing achievement.
Event day tracking and results ready to view on the app shortly after you cross the finish line.
Access to exclusive runners only discounts and offers via the rewards platform.
Make it personal with an iTAB. Order yours when you sign up.
For environmental reasons the official t-shirt is now optional.
Official event day photos available to view and purchase straight after the event, so smile for the cameras!
When the going gets tough, your admirers step in! As 'masters of motivation', your chosen cause will spur you on and provide plenty of perks in the process:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the half marathon challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth half marathon, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation.
When you show up in central Birmingham, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear with pride on the big day, and often kit you out with a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
Wondering whether to run for charity but unsure how to fundraise? Charities are experts in this topic and will provide the reassurance you need but here are some tips get you started:
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
The good people of Birmingham are wonderful, turning out in droves all along the route to cheer you on. They are fantastic. The atmosphere in the village is excellent and helps you get your war-face on. Martin
I loved it, great atmosphere throughout the whole course. I will definitely do this again. Amanda
Great event. Lots of different cultural music along the course which was great. Love the name on your number now as it helps hear your name to give you a boost. Jane
I love the atmosphere! Great, lovely, and friendly spectators, marshalls, and fellow runners. The first kilometres seemed difficult because there were hills here and there, but once you faced the flat surfaces, all was well, even though you wanted to rest in between. Haha. Thank you for organising such an amazing event; I hope to rejoin next year! Eunike R
Fantastic welcome from Birmingham for this event. Brilliant support for runners from all hospitality venues around the start. Loved the route. Ginny D
An absolutely amazing day, so well organised, stay were lovely and the crown were amazing. So many people had a great experience and we all helped each other get over the finish line. It was my first half marathon and I completed it in 2 hours 24 with all the help and support, water stations and sweets. Perfectly organised too! Thank you. Gieona C
Excellent route and very well put together event. Lorna H
The atmosphere made the event special. The start in Centenary Square was better than other locations used in the past. The course was tough in parts. Overall, excellent and will do it again! Claire B
Really enjoyable event with amazing organisation and fantastic support!! Thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking about doing a half marathon, you will not be disappointed!! Philip A
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
