Great Birmingham Run 2024 times, parking, route map and how to get there

The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is back for 2024. Runners of all ages and abilities will hit the city centre streets on Sunday, May 5 for a fun-filled day of fitness and fundraising.

The sell-out event will see around 12,500 people tackle either a 10k run and a half marathon. It will follow the same route as last year, with runners starting in Centenary Square and passing landmarks like the Library of Birmingham, Grand Central and the Mailbox as they make their way down Broad Street, through St Paul's Square and into the Jewellery Quarter before reaching the Smithfield finish line.

Those doing the half marathon will also venture into beautiful Bournville, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium. Organisers are promising a party atmosphere on the start in Centenary Square. And the new and improved post-run party village at the Smithfield finish-line near Bullring will be alive with music afterwards.

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More than £10 million has been raised for charities since 2017 and runners have been choosing to support dozens of fantastic charities, including British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Great Run ambassador, Eilish McColgan said: “After winning Gold in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the city holds a special place in my heart, and in my career. When participating in the Commonwealth Games, the atmosphere in Birmingham was electric, something I know you will all experience on Sunday, 5 May, 2024."

Great Run Timetable

Runners are assigned a colour to stagger the start times. There are Orange, Green and Pink waves. Here's the timetable for the day:

8am The Information Point opens in Centenary Square

8.30am The start assembly area opens

9.20am Orange and Green wave warm-ups begin

9.30am Orange Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

9.50am: Green Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

10.03am Pink Wave warm-ups begin

10.10am Pink Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

3pm Event site and Information Point closes

Great Birmingham Run Route Map

Here's a guide to the Great Birmingham Run Route Map:

Where to park for the Great Birmingham Run

People are advised to use public transport as much as possible and to leave plenty of time to get to the start line.

There is no official event day parking and most of the car parks near to the start and finish line will be affected by road closures.

Anyone wishing to drive is advised to park at Bullring, which is around a five minute walk from the finish line and a 20 minute walk from the start line. Remember to check whether you need to pay the Clean Air Zone charge as this area is within that zone.

How to get to the Great Birmingham Run by public transport

Transport for West Midlands says there will be bus diversions in place. Keep checking the TfWM disruptions page for specific routes affected.

No metro service will be operating on May 4 or 5 between Black Lake and Edgbaston Village due to tram works. And, for those looking to arrive by train, engineering work will be taking place on the rail line between Coventry and Birmingham New Street on May 5. Check with your train operator to see how your service is affected. Some services will be replaced by buses on this route.

Advice for runners

People have been training for months for the run. You'll find lots of last minute tips on the Great Run website. There's advice on everything from training schedules and motivation to nutrition and footwear.

You'll even discover the best breathing techniques for running and what to do before, during and afterwards. There are even suggestions to help you compile your perfect running playlist. Find all the latest details here

The AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run

Kids can take part in the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run which sees the smallest Brummie runners (aged 3-8) take on a 1.5km dash, while Junior runners (aged 9-15) tackle a supercharged 2.5km sprint.