Thousands of runners are taking to the streets today, Sunday, May 3, 2026, for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, featuring a 10K race and half-marathon.
Why it matters: The Great Birmingham Run is a major event that promotes fitness and raises funds for charity, contributing significantly to local causes.
More than 18,000 runners are participating in this year's event, highlighting its popularity and community engagement.
The event has raised over £10 million for charities since 2017, supporting organizations like the British Heart Foundation and Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.
Participants are encouraged to engage with the community, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Driving the news: The run started at 8:30 AM, with participants racing through some of Birmingham's most iconic locations.
Runners will pass landmarks such as Centenary Square, St Paul’s Square, and the Jewellery Quarter, enhancing the event's visibility.
Road closures began as early as 4:30 AM, affecting access to various parts of the city throughout the day.
Reopening of roads will occur in stages, with most expected to be open by 4 PM.
State of play: The event has been met with enthusiasm from both participants and spectators, who are encouraged to cheer on the runners.
Beccah Coffman, running in memory of her mother and grandmother, has raised £380 for Birmingham Hospice through her participation.
Participants are greeted with a celebratory medal that features deep purple tones and vinyl-style grooves, honoring Birmingham’s music legacy.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performs live during the race, adding to the event's festive atmosphere.
The big picture: The Great Birmingham Run showcases the city's commitment to health, community, and charitable causes.
With a vibrant finish line festival at Aston University, the event fosters a sense of community among participants and supporters.
Richard Williman, running in full cricket gear to honor his late wife, exemplifies the personal stories that enrich the event.
Participants are reminded that they are part of a larger community dedicated to making a difference through their efforts.
What they're saying: Community leaders and participants alike have expressed their excitement about the event.
"Birmingham is alive with the beat of running," said Olympian Katharine Merry, celebrating the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Paul Fisher, CEO of The Great Run Company, noted, "This year’s medal design reflects Birmingham’s character perfectly – we can’t wait to see our runners wearing it with pride around the city."
Beccah Coffman shared her motivation, stating, "I wanted to support Birmingham Hospice, which continues to provide care to families across the region."
By the numbers: The event's scale highlights its significance in Birmingham.
Over 18,000 runners registered for the event, making it a sold-out occasion.
Road closures will affect major routes, including Broad Street and Belgrave Middleway, from 4:30 AM until late afternoon.
Since 2017, the Great Birmingham Run has raised £10 million for charitable causes, demonstrating its impact.
Between the lines: The run is not just a physical challenge but also a platform for personal stories and community support.
Participants are motivated by personal reasons, like Beccah Coffman's tribute to her family and Richard Williman's emotional run for his late wife.
The event fosters connections between individuals and local charities, enhancing community bonds.
Charity cheer points along the route provide encouragement, reinforcing the supportive atmosphere.
What's next: As the event concludes, the focus shifts to the community's continued support for local charities.
Participants are reminded to download the event app for live tracking and updates on their progress.
Registration for future events will open soon, allowing more individuals to engage in this community-focused initiative.
Organizers are set to release official photos and results, encouraging participants to share their experiences online.