Route revealed for Great Birmingham Run with new city centre finish

Organisers of The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run have announced a revamped route including a new city-centre finish that promises the best runner experience yet.

Taking place across the weekend of Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May, the event is a celebration of running for everyone, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities to take on one of the UK’s most iconic urban routes.

More than 17,000 runners are expected to take part across the weekend, with the Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run returning on “Super Saturday” 2 May at the world-famous Alexander Stadium – the centrepiece to this year’s European Athletics Championships in August – ahead of the 10k and half marathon events on Sunday 3 May.

Sunday’s 10k and half marathon routes will once again showcase Birmingham at its best, starting at Centenary Square and taking runners past a host of much-loved city landmarks, including the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, the Mailbox, Grand Central at New Street Station, St Martin’s Church, Southside and Digbeth.

Half marathon runners will also head into south Birmingham, with the green spaces of Cannon Hill Park and Selly Park providing a scenic contrast to the city-centre buzz.

For 2026, one of the most exciting moments of the race comes late on the route as runners pass the instantly recognisable Selfridges Building. Its iconic curves signal the start of the home straight on Jennens Road, before entering a festival-style finish village hosted at Aston University, marking an exciting update to the event route.

The campus will come alive with a vibrant post-run charity and events village, where runners can refuel, relax and celebrate their achievement with family and friends.

The finish area will feature street food, charity partner activations and plenty of space to soak up the moment and share stories of race-day triumph.

Aston University vice-chancellor and CEO Professor Aleks Subic said: “We are delighted that Aston University will host the event village at the end of the Great Birmingham Run, bringing together participants, friends and family to celebrate on our campus.

“It is fitting that the University was chosen because 2026 marks our sixtieth anniversary, which we will be marking with a year of celebrations such as the Aston Made campaign which reflects the impact Aston University has had on Birmingham and the rest of the world.

“Having the Great Birmingham Run finish on campus, is another expression of how we have become a focal point for the city and an integral part of Birmingham.”

Paul Foster, CEO of The Great Run Company, said: “This year’s event is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet. The new finish along Jennens Road and into Aston University allows us to create a real celebration for runners, their supporters and our charity partners.

“From the buzz of the start line to the roar of the crowds and the final push to the finish, this is Birmingham at its very best. Whether you’re taking on your first 10k, stepping up to the half marathon, or cheering from the sidelines, we can’t wait for what will be an unforgettable weekend.”

Find out more and sign up for the Great Birmingham Run 10k or half marathon on Sunday 3 May, and the Junior and Mini events on Saturday 2 May, by visiting the website.