Great Birmingham Run 2023: 13 vital running tips to get you hitting Birmingham’s streets and parks

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more – and what better way to do that than to start running?

Now, you may think running is a daunting task but it is really simple and a cheap way of burning calories – all you need is a pair of trainers.

And with the countdown now on for the start of the Great Birmingham Run 2023, this is the perfect time to improve your training. This year’s 10k and half marathon routes will showcase the best of Birmingham city centre and beyond and take in St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter for both distances and also Cannon Hill Park for the 13.1-mile run.

A new route has been unveiled for this year’s 10k and half marathon and it’s better than ever with Brum landmarks and iconic locations such as the Jewellery Quarter and Cannon Hill Park providing inspiration for your run.

Taking place during May Bank Holiday weekend - the same weekend as King Charles’ Coronation - entries are now open for the event.

So if you’re considering signing up for your first organised 10k, the organisers of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run have put together their most essential tips to get you running this winter and spring.

Top running tips

Here are some top tips from the organisers of the Great Birmingham Run.

How to start?

Start off by getting yourself a pair of trainers and some breathable running clothes. You don’t need to break the bank, but you shouldn’t be running in your every-day trainers and heavy joggers!

Then it’s about taking it one mile or kilometre at a time.

Don’t overdo it

Start off by running for a steady 20 minutes or so then once you feel comfortable running for that amount of time, just increase it ever so slightly. The number of days you run is up to you, but you don’t need to run every day of the week – three times is ideal. And make sure you give yourself time to rest in between each one.

Set yourself a goal

It can be very difficult taking your first step outdoors in the winter months, but having a goal in mind, no matter how small, is the ideal motivation. You’re much more likely to keep to your resolutions or targets if you set yourself an overall goal – consider signing up to the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run to have that tangible goal to work towards.

Make a playlist

A quick search on Spotify for ‘running playlists’ and you’re away. Think Eye of the Tiger, Beautiful Day and Don’t Stop Me Now for some of the best fist pumping, energetic tracks to help you take on those extra miles.

Layer up

Remember what your granny used to say about wrapping up warm? Well this is the time to take her advice! Be wise to the cold weather, but don’t overdress, as you’ll naturally heat up when you start exercising.

Dust off your trainers

Clean up those running shoes you haven’t worn in months and mark the beginning of a healthier, fitter you. If it takes you a while to get motivated, try wearing them around the house for a few days to start with.

Find a great location

To love running is to run in a place you love. Birmingham is full of beautiful parks and canal towpaths waiting to be explored. Spend a little time researching new areas and keep it interesting by mixing up your routes.

Brave the elements

Enjoy the exhilarating feeling of running in the rain or seeing your breath sweep in front of you on a crisp winter morning.

Think of the benefits

Running is the perfect way to burn calories, it’s good for your joints, and actually raises your

IQ. A Swedish study found a link between high levels of aerobic fitness and better results in an IQ test – ideal for your next Trivial Pursuit game-night!

Find a running buddy or group

Running is always better together, so grab your friend or partner and try running with them. Jogging at a comfortable speed usually means you can have a chit chat along the way too.

Walking is exercise too!

Don’t worry if you can’t run continuously when you first start. It’s ok to take short walking breaks as you build up your cardio fitness. If you’ve got a running playlist on, try jogging for one song and walking for the next.

Keep a training log

You don’t need the latest running tech to keep up to date with how far you’re running. Just make sure you log the time you’re out running each time in your diary. You can always download a free running app, which tracks your distance when you head out too.

You are a runner

If you’re struggling to motivate yourself, just remember fitness doesn’t happen overnight and will take time. You will start to see small improvements as you keep moving so don’t despair. You are a runner. And you can run.