Shah Begum featured on an email sent to all finishers of the Great Birmingham 10K. She now has her sights on the Great Birmingham Run half marathon
Running shoes at the ready… the Great Birmingham Run is now just four weeks away!
The countdown to the UK’s second largest half marathon has officially begun with organisers revealing more than 15,000 people have now signed up to take part this year, an increase on previous years.
Entries are still open for this year’s event, which takes in the sights and popular landmarks of the city centre and south Birmingham such as Selfridges, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium before a finish in front of thousands of spectators on Broad Street, all covered live on Channel 5.
The 2.5km Junior and 1.5km Mini events take place on the same day as the Great Birmingham Run half marathon, making it a great family day out.
Taking place on Sunday, October 16, the Great Birmingham Run has become one of the most popular events in the city’s events diary, with thousands of people lining the route to cheer on elite athletes, charity runners and first-time entrants.
This year’s Great Birmingham Run will involve runners with incredible personal and heartwarming stories.
Among them is Aston mum Shah Begum who lost an incredible six stone in 18 months after she took up running.
Shah, a Birmingham-born Muslim of Bangladeshi parentage, started exercising and modifying her diet in preparation for her nephew’s wedding.
“My only exercise used to be going up and down the stairs twice a day,” admitted Shah, who ran the Great Birmingham 10K in May to raise funds for Cancer Research.
“But I started getting active the day after my youngest nephew got engaged. There are no photos of me from his siblings’ weddings because I wasn’t happy with how I looked.
“This time I wanted to feature in them and wear something stunning. So I signed up for a bootcamp at my local fitness studio, Mix It Up Ladies Fitness, and haven’t looked back.”
Meanwhile, more than 13,500 people have now signed up for the reminder service for the first ever Birmingham International Marathon, which takes place next year.
Starting at Alexander Stadium, the home of British Athletics, and finishing in the heart of the city, the 26.2-mile event will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2017. It will be staged on the same day as next year’s half marathon.
All 2016 Great Birmingham Run entrants will have an exclusive entry window into the 2017 marathon at noon on Friday, September 30, before general entries open on Tuesday, October 4.
To sign up for the Great Birmingham Run visit greatrun.org/birmingham
For more information about the Birmingham International Marathon, and to register for the reminder service, visit www.greatrun.org/birmingham-international-marathon
Press release issued on behalf of Edwin Ellis Creative Media client The Great Run Company
Cannon Street, Birmingham
The new and the old are working in harmony along one of Birmingham’s most picturesque thoroughfares, which continues to grow in popularity.
Cannon Street boasts an eclectic mix of retail and business offerings housed in traditional buildings, many of Victorian origin, which have been extensively modified and extended.
A key focal point is thestudio, which has grown into the Caxtongate Phase One development that stretches from Fore Street to New Street and features two listed buildings.
thestudio offers city centre meeting rooms and conference venues – including practical and creative settings – for corporate and private functions.
Its impressive array of 20 spaces, across four floors, caters for anything from training sessions, conferences, networking and corporate events to parties, wedding receptions and dinners for up to 200 people.
thestudio’s hidden gem is its roof garden with accompanying communal business lounge, an unexpected haven in the middle of a bustling city.
Julian Kettleborough, Commercial Director at thestudio, said: “We’ve got a little bit of something for everyone.
“We work with a diverse range of clients, from local corporate businesses, service industries, local government and the NHS to private customers organising a special occasion.
“We have practical spaces for more traditional events but also appeal to clients who are maybe looking for ‘a bit of Google’ for the day. “Google’s headquarters is renowned for being innovative and that’s an experience we offer, enabling clients to collaborate and get the most out of their day.
‘To truly appreciate Cannon Street, you need to look above the store fronts. Some of the buildings are really stunning’
“We pride ourselves in being creative. People just don’t expect to see a roof terrace, which is ideal for wedding receptions and networking events.
“There certainly aren’t many spaces in the city centre where you can bring your work colleagues and have a BBQ.”
thestudio’s success in Birmingham has enabled the company to branch out into four other major cities, with its newest venue opening in Glasgow in September.
“We have become recognised in the city as an imaginative venue but we’re always looking to let more businesses know about what we offer,” added Julian.
“People who regularly walk past our front door are still often amazed when they come and take a look inside.
“We’re in a great location. To truly appreciate Cannon Street, you need to look above the store fronts. Some of the buildings are really stunning.”
Cannon Street was the home of the Birmingham Post & Mail printing house until the early 1960s and was once graced by legendary Grand National winner Red Rum for the opening of Coral bookmakers.
Back to the present and the newest neighbour to founder tenants like Slaters Menswear and Toni & Guy in Caxtongate Phase One is recently-opened eness cosmetics.
The new retail brand of luxurious and premium body care products has chosen Birmingham and, more specifically Cannon St, to launch its first store.
eness, Cannon Street
eness cosmetics Managing Director Justin Clohessy said the location within the Retail BID Birmingham zone had been carefully selected after a year researching Britain’s cities.
“With its central location and diversity of culture and ethnic demographic, Birmingham quickly stood out as the ideal location,” said Justin.
“The eness cosmetics range has been specially developed to offer something for every type of skin and colour and it felt like a natural fit.
“I spent a great deal of time in Birmingham and felt very excited about the Cannon Street outlet being our first, as well as our office. During this time, we also struck a real affinity with the City, so it just felt right.
“Lower Cannon Street has some big name retailers like Jigsaw, White Stuff and the soon-to-open Bravissimo, and it also is the thoroughfare to the financial quarters, ensuring daily footfall.”
eness cosmetics promises affordable, high-quality products, for all skin types, that have completed the company’s ‘Love Your Earth’ ethical and sustainable journey, which ensures they contain no harmful ingredients to the user or planet.
“We only opened early August but we’re delighted with the response so far,” added Justin. “Footfall into the store is building and word is quickly getting out that our products are the best around – but at a price well below that of the bigger brands.
“We hope to open our second store in Birmingham prior to Christmas, as we believe it to be right for our brand.”
Written by Edwin Ellis Creative Media for Retail BID Birmingham Edit magazine. Read the latest edition here.
Parminder Sahota, Store Manager, House of Fraser Birmingham
The buzz around Birmingham is at the same heightened level as when the new-look Bullring opened, according to House of Fraser Store Manager Parminder Sahota, a born-and-bred Brummie who has experienced first-hand the Second City’s renaissance.
Parminder is currently overseeing exciting developments at his store on Corporation Street – featuring super-brands like Michael Kors and Armani – as one of Birmingham’s most iconic shopping venues readies itself for the festive season.
And as the city centre continues to evolve, he claims there’s rarely been a better time to be involved in Birmingham retail.
“The city is fantastic – these are exciting times,” said Parminder.
Brummies are down to earth, they make things happen, grow and adapt
“There’s a buzz about Birmingham now that is as strong as when the Bullring was opening. You can feel it.
“As frustrating as it can sometimes be when there’s lots of construction work happening, I see the long-term plan.
“Birmingham’s a great city anyway, but what’s going on now is going to make a great city even greater.
“I’m a Brummie through and through. I knew Birmingham before the recent investment and development began and it’s great to see what’s happening to the city.
“It’s inspiring and shows the character of we Brummies. We don’t sit still, do we? We’re down to earth, make things happen, grow and adapt.”
Birmingham has an amazing retail offering
Parminder says Retail BID Birmingham has a pivotal role to play during these changing times and is right behind its vision for a proposed third term, from 2017-2022.
The BID is developing a strategy to create a stronger visitor experience by connecting retail, dining and cultural attractions.
Parminder added: “The Retail BID’s work is important for both small and large businesses alike – I 100 per cent support its proposed third term.
“It’s key to supporting the delivery and success of the many developments in and around the city.
House of Fraser Birmingham
“Birmingham has an amazing retail offering which, coupled with the expanding food and leisure choices, can only be a good thing for attracting visitors.”
Parminder, currently putting the finishing touches to plans for this year’s Santa’s Grotto, says shoppers can look forward to new fashion ranges and improved services ahead of the festive period.
We’ve got a few exciting things happening which will be in operation by mid-October
“As I’m sure every retailer will say, our immediate focus is getting ready for an amazing Christmas,” added Parminder, who has managed House of Fraser’s stores in Oxford Street, Reading and Wolverhampton, among others, during eight years with the company.
“We’ve got a few exciting things happening which will be in operation by mid-October.
“We’re really proud to be introducing a new Michael Kors handbags department on the ground-floor, to complement our Michael Kors footwear range. We believe it will be a great success.
“We’re also introducing a new men’s Armani concept on the first floor. Currently, we stock Armani formalwear and jeans, but they’ll be creating one department which will combine formal and casual wear, giving customers a broader range to shop.
“We’re also launching one of a new womenswear brand on the third floor, called Maison De Nimes, which is another exciting development.”
The second floor’s buy-and-collect service – an area that has seen huge growth in recent months – is also being improved.
“There are always products and brands we don’t sell in this store but stock online,” added Parminder.
“A great service we offer customers is the chance to order online, or at one of our instore terminals, and collect the next day.
“We’re now implementing plans to further improve the overall customer experience. Customers want more choice, not just regarding products but the way they shop, and want to be rewarded for it which is why our loyalty scheme is proving so popular.”
The new Midland Metro Corporation Street stop, directly opposite House of Fraser, has been another plus for a store which offers a wide range of retail options and services.
“We have by far the biggest shoe department in the city and a world of bags and beauty on the ground-floor,” added Parminder.
“There’s also three floors of fashion, the broadest homeware range in the city, three restaurants, a hair salon, a men’s barber’s and a very successful dentist.
“It’s a one-stop shopping experience delivered by a team who always put the customer first – one of the company’s core values.
“The Midland Metro extension in itself is great in terms of better-connecting the city. We’re happy it’s up and running and are encouraged by the customer feedback.
“House of Fraser’s standing in the city is as great as it’s ever been.
“The city has evolved and we have a number of great department stores – but that’s a good thing. It means visitors to the city centre have a greater choice than ever before.”
Written by Edwin Ellis Creative Media for Retail BID Birmingham Edit magazine. Read the latest edition here.
More than 300 runners have now signed up to take part in the Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge on Sunday, October 16.
The Great Birmingham Run half marathon is one of the biggest events in the city’s sports calendar with 20,000 runners hitting the streets.
The event’s Business Challenge pits company teams against each other for fastest-time trophies depending on the size of the business.
Any team entering 12 or more runners automatically gets a trophy in the name of the company’s fastest finisher and all businesses feature in a special-edition magazine.
Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge: It’s more about bringing people together
Companies already signed up for this year’s Great Birmingham Run include ATSG Compliance, Charter Court Financial Services, Delcam, Highways England, HSBC, law firm JW Hinks, financial services experts KPMG, Leicestershire-based Sigma Components, Mazars LLP and Birmingham-based picture framing suppliers Lion Picture Framing, which has a team of 12 runners.
Managing Director Nicola Harrold is leading Lion’s Great Birmingham Run team and will be joined by runners from all divisions of the company.
“I’m not sure if we’ll win a Business Challenge trophy but that wasn’t the main motivation for doing this, it’s more about doing something together and to bring people together from different parts of the business,” said Nicola.
Entries are still open for the Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge at www.greatrun.org/birminghambusiness
Individual runners can sign up for the half marathon at www.greatrun.org/birmingham with entrants given exclusive priority entry to the Birmingham International Marathon in 2017.
TEAMS ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN 2016 BUSINESS CHALLENGE
- ATSG Compliance
- Charter Court Financial Services
- Davies Group
- Delcam
- Highways England
- HSBC
- JW Hinks LLP
- KPMG
- Lambert Smith Hampton
- Lion Picture Framing
- Mainstay Residential
- Mazars LLP
- Peers Hardy UK
- Sigma Components
- Squire Patton Boggs
- Tata Motors European Tech Centre
- West Brom Building Society
Branding agency ORB has launched a competition in partnership with Retail Birmingham for amateur and professional photographers to capture ‘Brand Birmingham’ and win £1,000 of photography equipment.
The competition is part of ORB’s mission to champion Birmingham’s talent and encourage more local business leaders to recruit and invest locally in the city’s creative industries, rather than looking to London or overseas.
To mark World Photography Day on August 19th, photographers capturing the city, its people and its spirit in their series of pictures can win £1,000 of camera equipment, courtesy of Retail Birmingham and shoppinginbirmingham.com, as well as the chance to work alongside former Sony World Advertising Photographer of the Year Martin Brent.
Judging the competition alongside Brent will be Chief Executive of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Paul Faulkner; Co-Founder & Director of Impact Hub Birmingham, Immy Kaur; Retail Birmingham BID Manager, Steve Hewlett; Edwin Ellis Creative Media director, Stacey Barnfield; renowned Birmingham photographer, Verity Milligan and Founder of ORB Branding agency, Rob Bloxham.
Finding a new brand for Birmingham
“Birmingham’s creative scene is booming. Too many businesses look to London or overseas when sourcing talent in the industry, but that needs to change. This competition will showcase the amazing ability that we have on our doorstep and will hopefully encourage more businesses to invest locally. I am also really excited to find a new perspective and identity for the city which goes beyond taking photos of our landmarks, something that has been done so many times before,” said Rob.
As well as the £1,000 of photography equipment vouchers, the winner will be invited to work alongside Martin Brent on a commercial photo shoot, getting the inside track on how to create powerful images for brands that bring their story to life.
Martin Brent said: “Being asked to judge this competition is a great honour. As someone who has championed Brum’s creative talent worldwide, the pressure is now on the entrants to prove me right! While I don’t have a pre-determined vision of what the winning images will be, I’ll be looking for a creative and innovative interpretation of what Birmingham represents in the modern world.’’
Retail Birmingham BID manager Steve Hewlett added: “The BID is keen to celebrate and raise the profile of Birmingham’s creative and independent businesses who really help give the city identity and individuality.
“We are delighted to support this great competition and hope to see a selection of stunning images to make our job as judges really tough!”
To enter, simply upload 10 pictures of Birmingham as well as an explanation of the series in no more than 200 words at www.thisisorb.com/brandbrum. The images can be of people, places, landscapes or buildings, but must be of the city. They can be taken on any device, whether it’s a disposable camera, camera phone or a DSLR, all entries are welcome.
The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers in the West Midlands and closes at midnight on Monday September 25th.
For more details, visit www.thisisorb.com/brandbrum
Popular street photography exhibition Britain from the Air has been updated with new aerial images of Birmingham to how much the skyline has changed in recent weeks.
Britain from the Air features almost 100 amazing aerial photographs on giant display boards and is on show for free in the city centre to give added appeal for summer shoppers and tourists.
The exhibition has proven to be so popular it is being kept on display in Birmingham city centre until September 11 to give more people an opportunity to see the breath-taking images.
Britain from the Air: thought-provoking landscapes
The exhibition, free to the public and accessible 24 hours a day, is being displayed along New Street, Corporation Street, High Street, Temple Row and New Street rail station.
Britain from the Air showcases thought-provoking landscapes and explores the forces that shaped them with informative captions, facts and a family-friendly trail.
The Birmingham Mail covered the exhibition in print and online
Realising certain parts of the city centre have changed considerably in recent months Britain from the Air organisers commissioned new aerial photography to feature in this summer’s display.
The new photographs, taken by aerial photography experts Above All Images during some of the clearest days of the year, show Central Library almost completely demolished, the latest construction work on the vast Arena Central site that will soon be home to the new UK headquarters of banking giant HSBC, plus spectacular new panoramas of Grand Central, Rotunda and Bullring.
Birmingham: An evolving city
Britain from the Air is a joint-project between the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and street gallery pioneers Wecommunic8. It is sponsored by Craghoppers outdoor clothing and supported by Retail BID Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for the city centre.
It forms part of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s work to encourage the public to learn more about the UK’s places, environments and people. Its giant images are supported by text, data and maps that describe the dynamic processes that shape our landscapes but are often forgotten about.
Coverage of the exhibition through Birmingham Updates’ twitter feed
Retail BID Birmingham played a key role in bringing the exhibition to the city after securing the required sponsorship.
Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager, said: “These latest images are simply stunning and offer fascinating new views of a city centre that is changing by the day. Despite taking shots back in March the changes have been so drastic we had to re shoot the pictures again at the end of July to reflect this.
“The stand-out for me is the work on Central Library as the new image shows just how quickly the old building is being taken down to be replaced by the Paradise scheme. It also gives a glimpse of the scale of the development.
“We hope the new photographs give the thousands of visitors to Britain from the Air a chance to reflect on how a dynamic, evolving city like Birmingham never stands still.”
Press release by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of Retail BID Birmingham
Budding graphic artists are being invited to design the T-shirt that will be handed out to 20,000 finishers at this year’s Great Birmingham Run and be in with a chance of winning £250 if their artwork is selected.
The city’s annual half marathon is one of the biggest events in the Midlands sports calendar and every finisher receives a goody bag featuring a medal, T-shirt and other well-earned treats.
Organisers are seeking a new design to feature on finishers’ T-shirts for the event, which takes place in Birmingham on Sunday, October 16.
You can be as creative as you wish, but the image must follow certain size and colour guidelines (see below).
Previous Great Birmingham Run T-shirt designs have featured iconic Birmingham buildings such as Town Hall, The Library of Birmingham and Council House.
Three shortlisted entries will receive a free entry to this year’s Great Birmingham Run (if aged 17 or over), Junior Run (ages 9-16) or the 2017 Great Birmingham 10K (age 15 and over) and if a winner is selected the designer will pick up a £250 prize for them, or their school if aged 16 or under.
All entries need to be emailed to nicola.hedley@thegreatruncompany.com before Tuesday, August 18th.
David Hart, Communications Director for the Great Run Company, said: “We’re calling on school art teachers and college design lecturers to spread the word and let their students’ imaginations ‘run’ wild!
“This is a great chance to see your design on a T-shirt that will be worn with pride by thousands of runners and might even feature on national TV with Channel 5 broadcasting the Great Birmingham Run.
“We’re looking forward to a bumper selection of entries to see if we can choose a winning design for this year’s run.”
Entries are now open for this year’s Great Birmingham Run, which takes in the sights of the city centre and south Birmingham; such as Selfridges, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium before a finish in front of thousands of spectators on Broad Street.
To sign up for the Great Birmingham Run visit greatrun.org/birmingham
T-shirt design specification:
The image must be no larger than 300mm x 300mm
Artwork should be no more than three colours
Further brand guidelines can be found at http://www.thegreatruncompany.com/BrandGuidelines.pdf
Please scan your T-shirt design and email digital artwork to nicola.hedley@thegreatruncompany.com before Tuesday, August 18th.
Press release issued by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of the Great Run Company
Small remains beautiful for a coffee and tea shop nestled among Piccadilly Arcade’s array of independent stores.
The growing reputation of Faculty belies its intimate home for just over two years in the historic precinct, which runs between Stephenson Street and New Street.
Piccadilly Arcade was built in 1910 as a picture house before being converted into an indoor shopping strip 16 years later.
The original shop fronts have survived and Faculty and sister business Sixteen Bakery/Kitchen are accompanied by jewellers, a beauty salon, cobbler, tailor and flower, gift and outdoor clothing/equipment shops.
The arcade boasts spectacular ceiling art, with ‘A Life in the Year of the Chinchillas’, painted by Paul Maxfield in 1989, depicting the four seasons as a metaphor for the life cycle.
Word of Faculty’s brews and cakes has spread far beyond the picturesque arcade, yet owner Geoff Lam and business partner Craig Bush have resisted the temptation to expand.
Their only development work has seen the wall between Faculty and Sixteen demolished to provide extra seating options for both sets of customers.
Geoff’s wife Lucy ran and produced the baked goods for Sixteen, which sells sandwiches, toasties, quiches, cakes, soups and salads, until the recent birth of their second child.
“Piccadilly Arcade is a great community of independent stores and we all get on well,” said Geoff, who ran Saint Caffe in St Paul’s Square for eight years.
“We all offer something different but it’s important we keep spreading the word. A lot of people still don’t know the arcade exists.
“We opted for a small unit because we wanted an intimate and friendly atmosphere, where customers can relate to our staff.
“We’re quality focused and put care and time into making every drink. The layout is as open as possible so customers aren’t afraid to ask questions about how we’re making their drink.”
Taste is king at Faculty, which also sells retail beans and brewing equipment, like V60 kits. Customers can even sup at an old school desk, donated by a former home-schooling teacher.
“Since opening, our main focus has been getting Faculty running smoothly and being the very best it can be,” added Craig who, like Geoff, is a fully-trained barista.
Faculty coffee
“We aim to extract the best flavours out of our coffees. Our baristas are constantly exploring the best ways to serve drinks to give us that extra edge.
“We also offer tips on how customers can get the best out of their home brewing experience.”
With new gates and improved lighting planned, the future looks bright for Piccadilly Arcade – after a challenging recent past.
“With the tram works on Stephenson Street, which had started well before we opened, it’s been tough at times,” added Geoff.
“But we’re hoping the worst is behind us. Things have been great since the redeveloped New Street Station opened, which has been a real boost for the arcade.
“We’re based in a very interesting area, with lots of interesting shops. Now the tram’s working, the pendulum will hopefully swing the other way and we’ll see a further benefit to the area.”
Article written by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of Retail BID Birmingham. For media usage enquiries please call Stacey Barnfield on 07788190540
The latest Retail BID Birmingham Edit magazine has been printed and is being distributed to the BID’s 400-plus member businesses across the city centre.
The 24-page bi-monthly magazine is published by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of the BID.
Edwin Ellis creates all content, designs pages and manages print production for the magazine.
The latest Edit features articles about independent retailers Peter Forson, whose Peaky Blinders-inspired hats are being sported by the stars, booming coffee shops Six Eight Kafe and Faculty and new cocktail bar Be At One.
There’s a focus on the importance of banking and other financial services in the Retail BID area and the latest edition looks at the recent Metro tram extension launch by none other than Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
If you’ve got the running bug after completing the Great Birmingham 10k, or need a challenge to boost your Great Birmingham Run training, you should consider making a short journey up the M42.
Situated just 38 miles from the city centre – that’s less than one-and-a-half marathons – the first-ever Great Donington Run will be under starter’s orders on Sunday, June 26.
The Great Run Company’s newest event, launched by motor racing broadcaster Suzi Perry, will be staged at Donington Park and features four distances suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.
Entries are still open for the 10-mile, 10k, 5k and Family Mile events when it will be soles, not tyres, coming into contact with the world-famous East Midlands racetrack.
The Great Donington Run will enable runners to take on a challenge in a summer festival atmosphere.
The event will be entirely themed around motorsports, with runners being waved off by chequered flags to the sound of revving engines.
Participants will have the opportunity to refuel at each of the pit stops around the course, which includes the iconic Starkey’s Straight, Coppice and Melbourne Hairpin.
BT motorsport presenter Suzi has urged runners not to miss the chance to take on a course more synonymous with burning rubber than calories!
“Getting the chance to run around Donington is what makes this event unique,” said Suzi.
“For me, it is the biggest selling point of the run and a great idea.
“It’s a good opportunity for the family to get together. It’s not competitive, it’s just about getting your kicks on and getting out there and having a laugh.
“There will be so much going on around the event too, with bands playing. It’ll be a real carnival atmosphere. There’ll be stuff for all of the family. It’s going to be one of those great days out.”
The Family Mile is open to children aged 5-15 years old (those aged between 5 and 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 year or over).
After finishing, children will be rewarded with a medal to recognise their achievement.
The day starts with the 10-mile run at 10am. Then it’s the turn of the 10k and 5k runners, who will get underway at 1pm.
The day’s final event, the Family Mile, begins at 3pm.
To enter, visit www.greatrun.org/donington
Press release issued by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of the Great Run Company
A BIRMINGHAM running club’s performance in their hometown event has given them a chance of winning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ethiopia.
The City of Birmingham Striders were the winners of the Club Challenge at the Great Birmingham 10K on May 1, with their participants achieving the fastest average finishing time for their first four men and women across the line.
Winners of all eight events in the Great Run Series will be entered into a draw to win a trip to the Great Ethiopian Run, among other prizes.
The region’s running clubs are now invited to take part in the Great Birmingham Run on October 16, which will be one of the events for Club Challenge 2017.
COBS’ average finishing time of 46.09 could not be bettered by second-placed Black Pear Joggers (47.03) and Kings Heath Running Club (50.08), and they scooped first prize of £500 towards club development, 15 free entries for next year’s event along with the prize draw entry.
Seth Atkin, secretary of COBS, said: “City of Birmingham Striders is all about encouraging participation in running at all levels, helping each other improve as runners.
“Affiliating with EA in 2013, COBS is a relatively new club and was formed because we shared a desire to run in more races as a team. Winning a team competition is a great buzz especially the Great Birmingham 10K as COBS uses much of the route in our club sessions so consider this our home 10k.
“We look forward to enjoying the free places we won at the race and are always open to others joining us as the club develops.”
The Great Club Challenge takes place over eight events: Great Edinburgh Run (17 April), the Great Birmingham 10k (1 May), the Great Bristol 10k (15 May), the Great Manchester Run (22 May), the Great North 10k (3 July), the Great Newham London Run (17 July), the Great Yorkshire Run – Harrogate (24 July), and the Great North Run (11 September).
Any club affiliated to England Athletics or Scottish Athletics can take part, as long as they field a minimum of four men and four women in any given event.
The winning club will be the one with the lowest average finishing time for their first four men and four women across the finish line in an event, and will win 15 entries for the equivalent 2017 event, £500 towards club development and entry into the prize draw for the trip to the Great Ethiopian Run.
Second place wins ten entries for the equivalent 2017 event and third will scoop five entries for the equivalent 2017 event.
Each club winning a Great Club Challenge event is in with the chance to win a once in a lifetime adventure, to train and race in the country that has produced some of the world’s most iconic distance running stars – Ethiopia.
The winning team will also enjoy a personal meeting with the world’s greatest ever distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie, before taking part in the Great Ethiopian Run with 37,000 other runners.
Last year’s prize draw winners were Tyne Bridge Harriers, from Newcastle. Previous winners of the trip to the Great Ethiopian Run are Birmingham Running, Athletics & Triathlon (BRAT) and Stockport Harriers.
Enter each event online now at greatrun.org and be sure to give your club name when entering.
The 2017 Club Challenge series will kick off with the inaugural Great Bristol Half Marathon and finish with the Great North Run.
To enter the Great Birmingham Run as an individual runner visit http://www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-run
Entrants for this year’s 13.1-mile race through the city will be given priority entry to the Birmingham International Marathon to be staged for the first time in October 2017 http://www.greatrun.org/birmingham-international-marathon
Press release issued by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of the Great Run Company
