Stars of 2025 AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run come together at Alexander Stadium to shout two months to go!
Athletes gather at Alexander Stadium to mark two months until the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 2025, showcasing unity and anticipation for the upcoming event.
Excitement is building as we hit the two-month countdown to the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 2025—the biggest and best in a decade!
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On Sunday, May 4, thousands of runners will take to the streets, celebrating fitness, community spirit, and charity fundraising in the heart of Birmingham.
With record-breaking participation expected, the event will welcome charity champions, first-time runners, and seasoned half-marathoners for an unforgettable weekend.
From the half marathon to the 10K, every step will take runners past Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks, with electrifying crowds and live entertainment fuelling the journey.
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And this year, there’s even more to look forward to with Super Saturday at Alexander Stadium, where hundreds of children will get the incredible opportunity to run on the same track that saw historic Commonwealth Games moments. The Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Runs take place on Saturday, May 3, setting the stage for a weekend of inspiration.
Some of this year’s most determined participants recently gathered at Alexander Stadium, where they met with Great Run partners ROCUP—a free weekly running club that stands for “Rise Over Challenges.” Among them was Simon Brown, a dad from Bromsgrove, who is lacing up his trainers to run the Great Birmingham Half Marathon as a way to give back for the life-saving heart surgery his son received as a newborn.
Five-year-old Calan was born with a ventricular septal defect, meaning he had multiple holes in his heart that required surgery at just nine weeks old. Thanks to the incredible care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Calan is now thriving, and Simon is running to raise funds in gratitude.
“It was an incredibly scary time for my wife and me—Calan was so tiny. But the care and support we received were beyond fantastic. It’s why I’m taking on this challenge—to give back to those who made a difference in our lives.”
Running isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about making a difference. Last year, 708 runners raised an incredible £145,500 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. This year, with just two months to go, Challenge Events Manager James Lunney is encouraging runners to use their place to support sick children and their families.
The money raised will go toward the £3M ‘It Starts Here’ Appeal, transforming the hospital’s front entrance to create a more welcoming environment for the 100,000 children treated there each year. To donate or learn more, visit bch.org.uk/it-starts-here.
They may be rivals on the pitch, but Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are standing together for grassroots sports and youth engagement. The clubs are calling on their supporters to lace up and fundraise for their community foundations, with club ambassadors and former players joining in the action.
Former world No.1 and Olympic bronze medalist Katharine Merry, now an Aston Villa Foundation ambassador, is thrilled to see runners supporting the cause:
“The Aston Villa Foundation has been at the heart of the community for over 30 years. Funds raised from this event will directly impact local people, and we can’t wait to see fans running in claret and blue!”
Limited spaces are available for those looking to run on behalf of the foundation—participants will receive a sponsored entry and a Villa Foundation training T-shirt. Sign up at Aston Villa Foundation.
At Wolves Foundation, the focus is on the incredible physical and mental benefits of running. Fundraising & Events Executive Laura Cahill is rallying supporters:
“Running is such a powerful tool for well-being. We’re excited to bring together supporters and representatives from across the club for this fantastic event.”
With just two months to go, excitement is at an all-time high. Paul Foster, CEO of The Great Run Company, sums it up perfectly:
“Birmingham has an amazing running community, and the 2025 AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is shaping up to be the biggest in ten years. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, raising money for charity, or just running for fun, this will be a weekend to remember!”
Join the movement! Sign up for the Great Birmingham Run 10K or Half Marathon on Sunday, May 4, or the Junior & Mini events at Alexander Stadium on Saturday, May 3 at greatrun.org/events/great-birmingham-run.