Businesses invited to take part in Great Birmingham Run

Businesses in Birmingham have been invited to take part for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.

The Midlands ' biggest running event is set to return to the city on Sunday, 7 May.

The event is famous for its iconic music, buzzing atmosphere, and Brummie spirit in abundance.

With entertainment zones that celebrate local character and culture at every kilometre and some of the best crowd support anywhere in the world, the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is an experience like no other.

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.

A key component of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is the Business Challenge which brings together teams from businesses across the city and region. It 's become an annual fixture in the calendar of local businesses, with thousands of runners representing a diverse range of companies each year.

Teams can be any size (minimum of 4) and are all inclusive, with no maximum limits on team size, age or gender. Winners are picked based on the four fastest collective times, with the winning team at each event receiving a first place Business Challenge plaque to display with pride!

This year 's challenge offers a great opportunity for each individual organisation to encourage a healthy outlook for staff, engage in all-important team building, and focus on charity fundraising for their chosen good cause.

Click here to find out more and to enter the Business Challenge.