The 2026 staging of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run delivered an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend of achievement, atmosphere and celebration, as 18,000 runners crossed the finish line to claim this year’s striking, music-inspired medal.
Taking centre stage across the weekend, the bold finisher’s medal became a powerful symbol of Birmingham pride. With its deep purple tones, vinyl-style grooves and design inspired by the city’s world-famous music heritage, the medal captured the spirit of Brum – celebrating every mile, every moment and every runner who earned it. From first-time 10K participants to seasoned half marathoners, thousands proudly wore their medals through the city streets and beyond, marking personal triumphs in true Brummie style.
Adding a uniquely Birmingham soundtrack to the celebrations, members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), its Chorus and staff team played a standout role across the weekend. More than 30 participants took on the 10K and half marathon themselves, while fellow musicians performed live outside the CBSO Centre on Berkley Street, creating an uplifting moment for thousands of runners as they passed.
Across Super Saturday and Sunday’s 10K and half marathon, the city came alive with energy as runners of all ages and abilities took part. The weekend began at the world-famous Alexander Stadium, where young runners lit up the track during the Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run, creating a fitting prelude to Sunday’s main events, in the company of Matty Campbell (Bionic) and Karenjeet Kaur Bains (Athena), stars of TV show Gladiators.
On Sunday, waves of runners set off from Broad Street and Centenary Square, cheered on by honorary starters European, Commonwealth and World Championship medallist Iwan Thomas, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Zafar Iqbal MBE, and Birmingham European Athletics 2026 mascot Bab the Bull, who fired air horns and high-fived runners. The courses showcased some of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks, with live music, entertainment and charity cheer points adding to the electric atmosphere.
Among the standout moments were the inspirational stories seen throughout the field – from charity champions raising vital funds, to teams, fancy dress runners and individuals pushing personal limits to reach the finish line.
Since 2017, participants in the Great Birmingham Run have raised more than £10 million for charity, with this year’s event continuing that remarkable legacy. Causes including Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support were once again supported by the efforts of thousands.
Paul Foster, CEO of The Great Run Company, said: “The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is always a special weekend, and this year has been no exception. Seeing 18,000 runners conquer their challenge and cross the finish line to collect such a meaningful, music-inspired medal has been incredible.
“The atmosphere across the city has been outstanding – from Super Saturday at Alexander Stadium to the packed streets on Sunday. It’s been a true celebration of running, community and everything that makes Birmingham unique. A huge congratulations to every single runner who took part, you’ve made this weekend unforgettable.”
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 2026 winners’ times
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10k Top 3 Male
11007 – Freddie Fielding (Cornwall Athletic Club) 00:31:24
11026 – Daniel Swain (Birchfield Harriers) 00:32:14
11070 – Mark Duffett (Wells City Harriers) 00:32:43
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10k Top 3 Female
11002 – Rachel Gifford (Leamington Cycling & Athletics Club) 00:35:03
11047 – Caitlin Smith 00:35:25
11050 – Claire Hammett (Thames Hare & Hounds) 00:35:57
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon Top 3 Male
85 – Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers) 01:06:10
91 – Mohamud Aadan (Thames Valley Harriers) 01:06:34
1352 – Drew Clark 01:09:49
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon Top 3 Female
19 – Esme Davies (Border Harriers & AC) 01:13:48
1474 – Aoife Mooney 01:22:59
10449 – Grace Williamson (Birchfield Harriers) 01:26:26
Entries for next year’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May 2027, are now open at a special Super Earlybird price. Following another sell-out event, runners are encouraged to secure their place early to avoid missing out. Find out more and enter at greatrun.org/birmingham.
