Disruption in West Midlands town for fun run: Roads closed, buses diverted and trains restricted

Thousands of runners are expected to take to the streets of Sutton Coldfield today as the annual Royal Sutton Fun Run returns, bringing widespread road closures, bus diversions and restrictions at two railway stations.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has warned passengers that access to Four Oaks and Sutton Coldfield railway stations will be restricted between 8.30am and 4.30pm because of the event.

Rail replacement services are operating from temporary locations, with buses picking up and dropping off on Mere Green Road opposite Lidl for Four Oaks station and on Rectory Road near Holy Trinity Church for Sutton Coldfield station.

The Royal Sutton Fun Run, one of the region’s biggest community sporting events, with runners tackling an 8.5-mile route through Sutton Coldfield town centre and Sutton Park.

Organisers say road closures will be in place throughout the day to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

National Express West Midlands has confirmed that a number of bus services are being diverted from 4am until approximately 4.30pm while closures remain in force. Routes affected include the 5, 6, 71, 77, 907, X3, X4, X5 and X14.

Temporary stops have been introduced around Upper Holland Road and Queen Street, while some services will terminate short of their usual destinations.

Among the major roads affected are parts of Sutton Coldfield town centre, including Lower Parade, South Parade, High Street, Mill Street and Lichfield Road, with closures operating at various times throughout the day. Roads are expected to reopen progressively once it is safe to do so after runners have passed through.

TfWM is urging passengers and motorists to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and check for the latest travel updates before setting off.