lovebirmingham

Today was launch day for the new Bupa Great Birmingham run.  Organisers are hoping that the run can become one of the countries great running events to rival the “Great North Run” and the London Marathon.

Organised by nova and sponsored by Bupa the event replaces the Birmingham Half marathon and takes place on October 23rd 2011. The race will have 15,000 competitors and will be the first  half marathon in Birmingham to be televised.

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Birmingham City Council Member for Leisure said, “We are delighted that Nova are looking to take the event to the next level and we know that it will be become an event that the people of Birmingham will be very proud of. It provides a marvelous opportunity to celebrate all that is good about Britain’s second city”

Helen Clitheroe, European indoor 3000 meter champion and also the winner of the  Great Manchester Run last month said, “It’s too early for me to be certain about my autumn race schedule, but this event is certainly on my radar. The atmosphere at the Bupa Great Runs is phenomenal and I am still buzzing from winning in Manchester a few weeks ago.”

The course will be similar to previous years however the start and finish areas are being modified to improve the runner experience and extra on-course entertainment is also being provided around the 13 mile route.

Entries are open now at the following web site www.greatrun.org on a first come, first served basis.