Birmingham roared all morning for runners taking part in the Great Birmingham Run 2025.
More than 16,000 runners and walkers took part in the half marathon or the 10k event on Sunday May 4 – and the city was buzzing with cheers, entertainers, music and motivation.
All participants began in Centenary Square, before making their way around the city past various landmarks on an undulating course that provided runners with scenic views.
LIVE UPDATES: Great Birmingham Run 2025 live – results, your photos, road closures and all you need to know
BirminghamLive was on the ground chatting to runners who spoke of the “exuberant” and “insane” atmosphere that kept them going all through the course.
Spirits were high in the Jewellery Quarter, which saw a drag queen belting out ABBA and scores of cheers from friends and families ring out for runners.
The home town event also saw scores of runners raise vital funds for local charities, including Acorns hospice and Thrive Together.
The Great Birmingham Run brought out the best of the city, with and side serving of signature Brummie attitude.
Of the numerous signs held up for runners, one said: “The rats don’t run this city – you do!” in a comedic nod to Birmingham’s ongoing bin strike crisis.
READ MORE: Great Birmingham Run 2025 in pictures – spot yourselves in our runners gallery
The Bishop of Birmingham Michael Volland also returned to run his second Birmingham half marathon, raising vital funds for Thrive Together Birmingham, a charity we team up with every Christmas to run our Brumwish campaign, which is dedicated to tackling poverty and supporting communities.
Bishop Michael ran the Great Birmingham run in 1:36.25, a stunning effort.
Runners at the Great Birmingham Run 2025. 16,000 runners (or walkers) pounded the pavements on May 4. There were celebratory vibes across the city on Sunday -Credit:Stacey Barnfield
BirminghamLive’s What’s On Lead Megan Archer-Fox flew through the 10k race this morning and shared her thoughts on the “most amazing experience.”
Megan’s partner David and sons Corey, 4, and Connor 2, were there to cheer her to the finish line.
Megan said: “This was my first time running the Great Birmingham Run and it was the most amazing experience!
Runners at the Great Birmingham Run 2025. 16,000 runners (or walkers) pounded the pavements on May 4. Pictured: BirminghamLive’s What’s On Lead Megan Archer-Fox with her sons Corey, 4, and Connor 2
“I’ve already decided I want to do it again next year. The atmosphere was incredible and I ran the whole way on adrenaline and excitement I think.
“It’s actually the best run I’ve ever done! The finish line was the most incredible moment, I had such a huge smile on my face.”
Local democracy reporter and BirminghamLive speed demon Alex Brock also achieved a personal best for the 10k of 1:07:45.
Runners at the Great Birmingham Run 2025. Pictured: Local democracy reporter Alex Brock at the finish line -Credit:Alex Brock
Joining the fantastic charity efforts, West Midlands Ambulance workers ran the half marathon in 02:36:05 – an unbelievable achievement!
There were also some pretty impressive costumes out there, with many runners going with the Star Wars May the fourth theme.
A topless crew running to raise money for The OddBalls Foundation – a charity raising awareness of testicular cancer – have been praised as ‘ballsy’ by event organisers.
AJ Bell shared the times of the top finishers:
Top 3 Mens: 10K
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Jack Gray – 00:29:48
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Corrin Leeming – 00:30:48
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Tesfay Teweled – 00:31:26
Top 3 Womens: 10K
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Hayley Carruthers – 00:36:29
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Carolyn Hay – 00:37:23
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Nichola Evans – 00:37:24
Top 3 Mens: Half Marathon
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Alexander Lanz – 01:08:01
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Aidan Banfield – 01:08:08
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James Douglas – 01:08:14
Top 3 Womens: Half Marathon
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Georgie Campbell – 01:21:22
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Charlotte Bush – 01:21:56
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Olivia Bailey – 01:24:26
We’re regularly updating our live blog with pictures from the day, times and offers on in the city. You can read that here.
We’ve also got dozens of pictures from across the course, see if you can spot yourself here.