An estimated 20,000 runners pounded the pavements of England’s second city as Birmingham celebrated its greatest weekend of running in the Great Birmingham Run, a race which has been given a five-star certification rating by European Athletics Running for All.
The centrepoint of the event was the half marathon but the weekend also included Junior and Mini events, ensuring there was something for everybody regardless of age or ability.
The half marathon took place in many of the city’s principal sights and attractions such as the Bullring, Cadbury World in Bournville and Edgbaston cricket ground.
But next year’s edition promises to be even bigger with the introduction of the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon which will take place alongside the Great Birmingham Run on 15 October.
Entries are already open for the 26.2 mile event and the organisers have noted an encouraging response from runners so far.
A new event is coming to Birmingham!
— Running for All (@runningforall) October 17, 2016
Anyone tempted to take part? #GreatBirminghamRun pic.twitter.com/Nt1ejrA2Nv
“We’re delighted that the Great Birmingham Run was a success once again. It is heartening to see so many runners who have trained for the event raising thousands of pounds for good causes,” said Great Run Company Communications Director David Hart.
“With the Great Birmingham 10K, the Great Birmingham Run and now the Birmingham International Marathon taking place in the city, there is every opportunity for runners to continue their running journey with us.
“We can’t wait to return to Birmingham in 2017.”
In this year’s event, Andy Vernon beat reigning champion Chris Thompson for the elite bragging rights on a course renowned for its undulating profile.
Vernon crossed the finish-line in 63:32 to win by 22 seconds before outlining his upcoming goals: the European Cross Country Championships in Chia this December and the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade over 3000m next March.
The moment @AndyVernonGB wins the #GreatBirminghamRun! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/6cMLOakecQ
— Great Run (@Great_Run) October 16, 2016
The Netherlands’ Elizeba Cherono won the women’s race in 73:42, comfortably ahead of Romania’s Monica Madalina Florea in 74:45.
“It felt really good from the start. I wasn't able to push it a lot but I met some guys on the course who pushed me to it, so I'm really happy to get the win,” said Cherono on the camaraderie in the race.
As ever, there was a strong contingent of charity runners raising vital funds for good causes with the nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital having entered a team of 1,000 runners.
And hundreds of our runners of the future took part in the Mini and Junior Great Birmingham Run events on a 1.5k and 2.5k course on Broad Street.
The European Athletics Quality Road Race standards act as an assurance for road runners throughout Europe. They distinguish between races that respect the standards and those that haven’t sought certification or assessment. They form the foundation of Running for All, a strong recognisable brand for running activities throughout Europe.
More information on Running for All:
Website: european-running4all.org
Twitter: @runningforall
Contact: running4all@european-athletics.org