Over 18,000 people took part in the AJBell Great Brum Run as the run, which began in Centenary Square, in the city centre, saw runners run past some of the city’s major landmarks including the Jewellery Quarter, Grand Central and St Martin's Church.
The sold-out race saw the city centre lined with crowds supporting families, friends and top-class athletes as thousands of people turned up to take part in the 2026 edition of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, as thousands watched on over the weekend as the runners crossed the line at a new festive finish village at Aston University. Participants were eager to take part in the 10k and half-marathon events, as runners gathered in Centenary Square to get going.
Organisers implemented a rolling system of traffic restrictions, with closures being gradually lifted, as runners moved through different sections of the course, as anyone who were planning to travel through Birmingham being advised to check routes in advance and allow extra time. The Great Birmingham Run, taking in Aston Street, Belgrave Middleway, Jennens Road, Moor Street and Edgbaston Road, has become one of the city’s most important annual events, not just for sport but for its wider social impact – with it raising more than £10 million for charity, with participants supporting causes ranging from healthcare to local community projects.
As runner crossed the finishing line, roads around the route were able to reopen in phases throughout the day. However, surrounding areas and side streets were delayed even after many main routes were cleared.
