Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10K to spotlight city’s 2026 Commonwealth Games bid

Author: Stacey BarnfieldPublished:

Runners at the Great Birmingham 10K

Runners at the Great Birmingham 10K

Organisers of the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k are to create a distinctly Commonwealth theme at the event to raise the profile of the city’s bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The popular city centre run, which is now in its third year, is staged on Sunday 30th April and will feature elite teams from selected Commonwealth nations as well as representatives of all running abilities from across the globe.

“The campaign will put the spotlight on the city of Birmingham and their bid to host the Games in 2026.” said Great Run Communications Director, David Hart.

“By staging an elite race with a Commonwealth theme and also inviting representatives of other nations and territories, it will help celebrate Birmingham’s cultural diversity through this great event in the sporting calendar.”

“With a population of over a million people in the city and an array of nationalities, we’re looking forward to a spectacular day in Birmingham.”

GSR

Applicants interested in representing their Commonwealth nation or territory should apply via a dedicated email address, commonwealth@greatrun.org and be able to confirm they are a passport holder or born in the relevant Commonwealth nation.

The University of Birmingham already have a large team signed up to take part in the event and have pledged to support the campaign.

The Commonwealth initiative is the next stage in the development of the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k in which entrants are treated to a host of music, with themed warm ups from different era’s and up to a dozen bands playing on the route.

Cllr Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is a fun event that demonstrates that sport in Birmingham is not just for elite athletes – it really is inclusive and for everyone.

“We are delighted to be able to stage and support mass participation events like this that get people active and help raise money for good causes.

“Given the Commonwealth theme and our aspirations to host the Games in 2026, I look forward to a big turnout to underline the support for our effort to secure the Games for Birmingham.”

The Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k is accessible to all levels of ability, whether you walk, jog or run the route. For those looking for a bigger challenge, it’s also a great training run in preparation for the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run half marathon or the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon to be held in the city in October.

To find out more about the campaign, visit greatrun.org/birmingham10k.

It has also been confirmed that the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k will be televised live on Channel 5 on the 30th April.