Everything you need to know as more than 16,000 runners lace up their shoes for the Great Birmingham Run 2026

With less than a month to go, runners everywhere are gearing up and stretching their legs as they get ready for the anticipated AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.

Taking place on the first weekend of May, the annual event features two runs, a 10k and a half-marathon, and encourages participants of all ages and abilities to get involved, jog for charity, or just for the love of running.

Returning to the city on May 3, the event is expected to see around 16,000 runners and thousands of spectators rush to the streets of Birmingham to show their support, or get involved themselves.

What route will runners take

Both routes will once again showcase the very best that the city has to offer, passing key locations such as the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, and the Mailbox.

The start line this year will begin in Centenary Square, before passing through the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, the Mailbox, Grand Central, St Martin’s Church, Southside, and then onto Digbeth.

This year, half-marathon runners will be able to see the greener side of Birmingham, passing through Cannon Hill Park and Selly Park, and around the famous Edgbaston Stadium, before rejoining the 10k route for a ‘standout’ finish.

The final sprint will see runners head past the iconic curves of the Selfridges Building, and onto the home straight along Jennens Road, and into Aston University’s fantastic event village.

Fundraising

Fundraising continues to play a huge part in the Birmingham Great Run, with more than £10 million being raised for charity since 2017.

Official charities selected for this year’s run include the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, the Bobby Moore Fund, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, and Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity.

Also included are Macmillan Cancer Support, Médecins Sans Frontières, St Basils and the British Heart Foundation.

Entry and start time

Entry for the 10k event costs £38 per person, with a £3 booking fee, whilst entry for the half mile event sits at £48 per runner, also with a £3 booking fee.

For those running, site information, and orange, green and pink wave assembly opens at 7am, with the first wave starting at 8.30am.

The event is expected to cause some disruption to public transport services as visitors make their way into the city, so it is advised to leave extra time to travel to avoid any delays.

For more information on the route, to register to be a participant, or for information on the chosen charities, visit the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run website.