AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Event Guide

Event Guide 2024

The big day is nearly here, and we want to help you with any event day questions so you can focus on the important things: soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying your run.

We’ve got all the info you need here, but you can also check out greatrun.org for last-minute changes and the FREE Great Run app for on-the-day information, live tracking and opportunities to donate to runners’ chosen charities for family and friends.

And to follow all the action as it happens, join the conversation on social media - just make sure you use

Timetable

08:00 Information Point open (Centenary Square)

08:30 Start assembly area open

09:20 Orange wave & Green wave warm-up starts

09:30 ORANGE WAVE START (Half & 10K)

09:50 GREEN WAVE START (Half & 10k)

10:03 Pink wave warm-up starts

10:10 PINK WAVE START (Half & 10k)

15:00 Event site and Information Point closed

Travel

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. There will be a number of road closures in place for the weekend. You can see a full list here.

From 4th– 5th May no metro service will operate between Black Lake & Edgbaston Village due to Tram works. Find out more & plan your journey here.

There is no official event day parking and most of the car parks close to the start/finish line will be affected by the road closures. Parking is available nearby at Bullring Centre Car Park and Selfridges Moor Street approximately a 5-minute walk from the finish line, and approximately a 20-minute walk from the start line. Allow extra time for your journey and plan your route into the city considering the road closures and normal access being restricted.

If you are planning to drive, be aware that Birmingham has a Clean Air Zone in place for sections of the city centre. The Clean Air Zone is signposted, and if your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards then you’ll have to pay. Find more information here.

Any travel updates will be added to the website, so please check the event page for any updates ahead of the event.

Information Point

The Information Point is there for last-minute queries, anyone who hasn’t received their race number, or race pack collection for anyone who enters after the cut-off date. Look out for the Great Run branded marquee.

Location

Centenary Square

Opening Times

Saturday 4th May: 10am - 4pm

Sunday 5th May: 8am - 10.30am

For any queries on Sunday 5th May after 10.30am please visit the information point at Smithfield.

For Junior and Mini queries on Sunday please use the Information Point located close to the start/finish area:

Location

Smithfield

Opening Times

Sunday 5th May: 7.30am

Jog On Shoe Recycling

You’ll also find our Jog On Shoe Collection point next to the Information Point, where runners can donate old and unwanted trainers.

Safety Pins

No safety pins for your race number? No worries. You can collect some from the stand next to the Information Point without having to queue.

Wave & Start Time

Your wave colour and start time can be found on your run number, which should arrive in the post approximately 2 weeks before the event. Once you’ve received it, you have everything you need for event day, and you don’t need to visit the Information Point to register on the day. Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached) to the front of your running top with safety pins and head to the start line.

Making your way to the start

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When making your way to the start line, we ask that you follow the walking route assigned to your wave colour. Orange wave access by Broad Street, green wave access by Cambridge Street, Brunswick Street, and Oozells Way, and pink wave access by Cambridge Street, St Vincent Street, and Sheepcote Street. See the start map for details.

Baggage

Baggage buses are located at Broad Street, next to the Five Ways Roundabout. There will be 8 numbered and colour coded buses (orange, green & pink), so please remember which one you use. Buses will move to the finish once all runners have started. Fill in your baggage label (tear off from your run number) before leaving the house and make sure it is secured to your bag. You’ll need your run number to gain access to the buses to drop off and collect your bag, so we can ensure it corresponds to the baggage label.

Baggage buses will be there waiting for you to collect your bag at the finish in Smithfield.

• Sorry, but the baggage buses are not for changing.

• Please make room for other runners as soon as you’ve dropped off your bag - thank you!

• Please don’t leave valuables in your bags - this is a self-service system and, although there are security staff present, we can’t accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Your Run Number

Your run number must only be worn by you on the day, and it should match the master number on your covering letter. If it’s different, please contact Customer Services here.

Please don’t swap, copy, or change this number - passing your number on to someone else could put them at risk from illness or injury if they’re not properly prepared. If your run number hasn’t arrived through the post, please visit the information point to collect a replacement.

Please Note: if you secured your entry after 10 am on Friday 26 April, your run number hasn’t been posted out and must be collected from the Information Point. We are also unable to send race packs outside of the UK as we cannot guarantee their delivery, so will need to be collected from the information point.

Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, and you don’t need to do anything else. Your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run.

You can access your results on the AJ Bell Great Run Series App, or on our website here after the event.

Timing Warm Up

A warm-up artist will be on site to get you warmed up and stretched out (see timetable for mass warm-up time). Waves set off separately to help regulate the flow of runners through the course.

Pacers

Achieve your best time with the help of the SOLGAR pacemakers. Follow a pacemaker marked with the time you want to achieve and pace your run to perfection.

Running with friends

If you want to run with a friend but have different coloured run numbers, you can drop back to run together in the same wave, but not move forward.

Walking

If you plan on walking or walking/running the event, please start at the rear of your wave and stay to the left-hand side of the road. If you’re walking at less than 17 minutes per mile, you may be asked to move on to the footpath for the later sections of the race.

Start Map

Course Map

On the course

As 10K runners pass 8.5K and half marathon runners pass 5.25 miles, you’ll reach Belgrave Interchange roundabout. 10K runners use this as a turning point to head towards the finish and half marathon runners continue out along Pershore Road. Please make sure you take a moment to “get in lane” so you follow the correct course. There is plenty of signage to let you know which way to go and Marshals to lend a helping hand if required.

BELGRAVEMIDDLEWAY

As you head towards the finish on Sherlock Street the course narrows to a single lane, please keep to the left-hand side unless you’re overtaking. This area can be busy as half marathon runners rejoin the course with 10K runners, so please be mindful of other runners around you. If you’re running/ walking with friends, please keep to the left-hand side to allow others to pass.

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Finish Map

Entrance point

SMITHFIELD

KEY

BRADFORDST

Once youʼve collected your finishers medal go celebrate your run by ringing the standing bell and grab a photo in the Finisher Village. AJ Bell Feel good, investing.

If youʼre a supporter then feel good, supporting with AJ Bell. Pick up a hand bell and ring out your support for the runners on the finishing straght!

AJ Bell - Feel good, investing.

TOILETS

MEDICAL POINT

EXHIBITORS

FINISHERSʼ

T-SHIRTS

FINISHERSʼ MEDAL

INFORMATION POINT

SHOE RECYCLE POINT

MEETING POINT

BAGGAGE

CHARITY

VILLAGE

FINISHERSʼ WATER

Entrance point

At the finish line

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Don’t stop immediately – please keep walking for a short distance so that you don’t block other runners. No matter your pace, everyone has run the same event, and everyone will get to cross the finish line.

Medical Support

Medical facilities will be available near to the start and finish line and will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.

Toilets

There will be toilets at the start in multiple locations along the assembly area (see start map) and in Smithfield to use on arrival and after your run. There will also be toilets available on the course at each water station on Tennant Street (10km & HM), Pebble Mill Road (HM only), and Queen’s Drive (HM only). Toilet facilities will be busy before and after the run, so please allow plenty of time.

Hydration

Aqua Pura water stations will be situated at key points on the route to help you stay hydrated (see course map).

Drink, Drain and Aim your bottle into the on-course recycle points to help us keep the roads clear for other runners and increase the number of bottles we can recycle.

The bottles we use are 100% recycled and recyclable, with flip caps to ensure they stay with the bottle all the way to the collection point. Drinking or draining all your water helps to ensure we can recycle more bottles. We have increased the number of bins this year so make sure you look out for your nearest recycling point!

Finishers’ Packs

We are removing the plastic finishers bag for 2024, but don’t worry you’ll still receive your hard earned medal, T-Shirt, water and other goodies.

As you enter the secondary finish (see finish map), you’ll collect your medal, water and edible items before collecting your finisher T-shirt. Please head towards the signs that matches the distance & t-shirt size you chose when you entered the event.

This area can get very busy, so we ask that you keep moving through the finish system to exit into the event village as quickly as possible.

T-Shirt Opt Out

If you selected ‘No T-Shirt’ at the time of entering the event, you will not receive a finishers’ t-shirt.

Please follow the signage to the ‘No T-Shirt’ lane. This will clearly indicated on your running number and there will be volunteers and stewards on hand to help.

PLEASE NOTE: If you selected no T-Shirt, you cannot take a T-Shirt on the day. There are only enough on site for all those who requested one at the time of entering.

The Event Village, located in Smithfield, is open to everyone and features a range of activities and exhibitors for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to pop in to check out the stands. Family and friends will be able to wait for runners in Smithfield as they cross the finish line and exit the finish system.

Event & charity village Après Run

The fun doesn’t stop after you’ve crossed the finish line. Continue the high-energy celebration and embrace the post-run high by stepping into our Après Run Zone. We’ve got a Heart Radio DJ truck providing club anthems, lots of fun partner activities and food and drink options on site.

TUI Post-Race Stretch Zone & Massage

Look out for the TUI stretch zone or head over to the TUI blue marquee to enjoy a post-race massage.

Meeting Point

Please arrange to meet family and friends at the Meeting Point in Smithfield. Look for the large A-Z banners and stand by the one that corresponds to the first letter of your surname. The family reunion area for the Junior & Mini events is also in Smithfield.

FINISH

Missing Persons

A missing person point is located within the Event Village, in Smithfield.

If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official, or police officer.

Event photos will be going live from the moment you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course. Don’t forget to check them out here when you finish and share your run number with your friends and family, and they can register to be notified as soon as your photos are available.

Official Photos Runners Reward

You have exclusive access to Great Run Rewards powered by Endurance Zone. Great Run Rewards gives you access to a selection of fantastic discounts from our friends at Endurance Zone. Browse through hundreds of offers from a range of lifestyle, sport, fitness and outdoor brands.

Recycling

We’re constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and are making 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 (plastic, cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage) from the run site. We reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled. Clothing discarded by runners at the start of the race is collected and donated to local charities.

• We ask that you please use the recycling bins on site to discard any waste accordingly.

• As part of our sustainability drive, there will be no bottled water at the start area. Please arrive hydrated, or bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run.

• There will be three water stations along the Half Marathon route and one on the 10k route.

• Look out for our new on-course bottle collection points after each water station, and drink, drain and aim to help us recycle your Aqua Pura bottle.

• If you opt to bring your own standard, single-use plastic water bottle, please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that will be available in the start and finish area.

Find Your Superpower

The theme of this year’s AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run is ‘Finding your Superpower’. We want each one of our young runners, and spectators, to feel empowered and discover their own superpower –whether this is racing, fundraising or being a superstar spectator.

We’re also inviting our enthusiastic runners (big and small!) to come in superhero fancy dress on the day. We’re thinking capes, eye masks and something else to showcase your own power.

Timetable

07:30 Information Point open (Smithfield)

08:10 START of the Mascot Dash

08:15 Junior assembly open

08:25 Junior warm up

08:30 START of the Junior Great Birmingham Run

09:00 Mini assembly open

09:05 Mini warm up

09:10 START of the Mini Great Birmingham Run

At the start

The Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run starts and finishes at Smithfield (see start & finish map for details). Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to assemble and take part in the warm up.

On the course

Mini runners must be accompanied by an adult around the course, wearing their accompanying adult bib.

Timing

Junior runners will be timed and will be able to check their time on the website here shortly after the event.

At the finish

Junior & Mini runners get a medal, bottle of water and edible snack at the finish. Once you have collected your goodies, please carry on through into the Event Village.

Missing persons

A missing person point is located within the Event Village, in Smithfield. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official, or police officer.

Course Map

Have a happy & healthy run

Please talk to your doctor before the event if you have any long-term health conditions or any health concerns. Don’t run if you feel unwell or have been ill recently. If you experience heart palpitations, light headedness or dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, excessive wheezing, or severe joint and muscle pain during or after your run, this can be a sign of a serious condition.

Seek advice on taking part in the event after a bout of flu or gastroenteritis. Don’t be tempted to start just because you’ve collected sponsorship to raise money for charity - staying fit and well is the most important thing.

Event day tips

Make sure you’re comfortable. Ideally, run in your shoes for around a month before your Great Run challenge. Stay warm. Bring old clothes to wear on the start line and throw them away when you start (we donate these to charity).

Avoid chafing. Apply Vaseline to any areas prone to chafing – e.g. groin, upper thighs, under your arms, around your bra band or toes.

Protect your skin. Use weather resistant sun cream.

If the first few miles are crowded, don’t tire yourself out dodging in and out. Try to maintain a steady, even pace to help you enjoy the event.

When you finish, collect your bag ASAP. Put on some warm, dry clothing and don’t get cold. Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.

Try to eat some starchy foods within two hours of finishing the event – your muscles can replace energy most efficiently during this post-run window.

Make sure you’re fully hydrated with water or squash before consuming any alcohol.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the colour of your urine is a useful indicator of hydration. Pale straw-coloured water is ideal.

During your run, drink when you need to. Don’t take big gulps if you’re not thirsty – you could put yourself in a condition called hyponatraemia where your body salts become diluted, possibly causing confusion and vomiting.

Make sure you know where the drink stations are on route. Water will be available, but only take a drink if you need one.

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