The big day is almost here, and we want to answer any of your event day questions so you can focus on enjoying your run and soaking up the atmosphere. Any information you might need before the big day is included in this guide. Up to date event information can also be found on the website here.
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It’s SUPER Saturday, and we’re inviting our enthusiastic runners to come in superhero fancy dress on the day! We’re thinking capes, eye masks and something else to showcase your own power. Our junior runners can also expect chip timing and race results for our future running stars to track their progress.
There’ll also be exciting race starters and special guests joining us at Alexander Stadium, including some famous faces from the hit show Gladiators!
08.00 Site open to the public & Information Point open
08.40 Junior Assembly Open
08.53 Junior Warm Up
09.00 Junior Great Birmingham Run START
09:30 Mascot Dash
09.40 Mini Assembly Open
09.54 Mini Warm Up
10.00 Mini Great Birmingham Run START
The Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run starts and finishes at Birmingham Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2LR. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to assemble and take part in the warmup (see timetable).
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Our top tip : where possible, make use of the public transport options available on the day and leave plenty of time to get to the start line.
On site car parking is available and can be accessed via Church Road.
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Signage will direct you to the car park where stewards will be on hand to assist.
Once your run pack has arrived through the post (approximately 2 weeks before the event), you’ll have everything you need - you do not need to visit the information point on event day to register.
Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached if you are a junior runner) to the front of your brand-new t-shirt or running top with safety pins and you’re all set! Your arrival time will be detailed on your run number along with your wave colour and start time.
All accompanying adults attending the event must wear their ‘accompanying adult bib’.
If your pack has not arrived, or you entered late, you will need to visit the information point on event day.
This Information Point will be in Alexander Stadium and open from 8:00 am on event day, look out for the Great Run branded marquee.
There will be no changing or baggage facilities provided on the day. Please arrive ready to go and carry minimal belongings where possible.
Toilet facilities are available for participant and spectator use within the West Stand.
Junior & Mini runners will receive their well-deserved medal, bottle of water and two edible snacks at the finish. Once you have collected your goodies, please carry on through into the event village. Please note finisher bags are for the Junior & Mini Runners.
There will also be water available for accompanying adults taking part in the Mini event.
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The event village is located on the grassed area inside the track of Alexander Stadium .
A missing persons point is located within the stadium, in front of the West Stand. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official, or police officer.
We are constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and have made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event. We work with local partners to remove waste from the Great Run site. This isn’t just limited to plastic but includes cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage.
We’re asking you to help us out and please use the recycling bins on site to discard of any waste accordingly. In case you were wondering, we also reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled
As part of our drive to improve sustainability at the event, there will be no bottled water at the start area. So, please arrive hydrated, having had enough water before getting to the start. If you do feel like you’ll want a drink just before you run, make sure to bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run. Whilst bringing a reusable water bottle would be best, if you are bringing a single-use plastic bottle please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that you’ll find at the start and finish.
Stay warm - You can bring warm clothes to wear and ask you parent or guardian to look after them while you run.
Protect your skin - Use weather-resistant suncream if it’s sunny on the day, but not too much – you don’t want it running into your eyes as you sweat.
Rehydrate - Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.
Make sure you are healthy enough to take part in your run. Don’t run if you are feeling unwell or have been ill recently. Don’t be tempted to start just because you have collected sponsorship to raise money for charity.
FROM THE JUNIOR AND MINI GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN TEAM AND ALL OUR PARTNERS