UoB set pace at Great Birmingham Run 2024
Last Sunday Sport & Fitness team alongside our positive members and students had a chance to take part in Great Birmingham Run – West Midlands’ biggest and best running event, with thousands of runners, walkers and joggers. All participants have challenged themselves to contribute to charity and gain unforgettable memories.
The anticipation
This year’s edition reached the peak of excitement as all entries were sold out – it was impossible not to feel the anticipation and the scale of the event on the day. Commencing on Sunday 5 May, thousands of people started to gather on the streets of Birmingham to either support or participate in the running experience, making it a great way to actively spend their Sunday with close ones.
Route, band and a lot of fun
Both 10k and Half-Marathoners gathered on Broad Street at Centenary Square, where accompanied by vibrant music and supportive audience cheers, they all found themselves at the starting line.
During their journey, 10k runners could experience not only a dose of endorphins and sweat but also enjoy inspiring sights and iconic Birmingham landmarks – the city’s world-famous Jewellery Quarter, the Chamberlain Clock, St Paul’s Square and the St Martin’s Church. This was not everything for our Half-Marathoners who on their way to reach the goal had some more viewpoints including Selly Park and the return route in Cannon Hill Park showing the spring in full bloom and Edgbaston Stadium.
The day was full of energy and little events going on containing good music and entertainment. Great Birmingham Run hosted the local bands and musicians to support everyone throughout the run by playing boosting music, organising cheering points and even the karaoke point! Our team was also there with lots of participants from the Sport & Fitness community, supporting and running together in #UoBTeam t-shirts, spreading the fun and cheer on every mile!
On the finish line
Nothing can compare with the rewarding feeling of accomplishment combined with the soreness of the leg muscles at the finish line. We could all witness how exhaustion can quickly transform into the biggest smile and joy on runners’ faces, and even experience it ourselves with our community! The sense of achieving the goal after long weeks of preparation was even better when accompanied by new medals, t-shirts and bags filled with rewards.
Eddie Lynch (University of Birmingham AC and Cross Country Club) finished an incredible third in Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 01:14:18.
Sharing memories
On Thursday 9 May, we hosted the last Level Up Running Workshops, where our members and staff could celebrate each other’s successes, and share their experiences and memories. We also discussed future running goals and plans, as we knew this event had sparked the running excitement in many!
Our team wants to say big congratulations to everyone attending the event and thank all the supporters who gave us a regular boost of motivation during the run!
See you next year!
