Month to go before UB40 fire starting pistol at Great Birmingham 10k
With less than a month to go it’s ‘The Final Countdown’ for the thousands of music lovers taking part in this year’s Great Birmingham 10k run, which will be started by city legends UB40.
More than 6,000 people have now signed up to take part and entries are still open for the city’s annual 10k, which takes place on Sunday, May 1.
If music is a running motivator, the Great Birmingham 10k is the perfect event. Participants can strut their stuff across the start line to a choice of tunes and special warm-up routines from the 70s, 80s, 90s or present day.
And fancy dress runners are in for a treat with a VIP hotel-stay prize on offer for this year’s most creative outfits.
UB40 stars Robin and Duncan Campbell, Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan will be cheering on the thousands of 10k runners who will pass the Jennens Road start line.
Duncan said: “It’s a great event for the city and we’re delighted to be starting the run and offering our support to the thousands taking part.
“I’ve actually been involved in the run every year – but only because it comes past my house!”
Brother Robin added: “Sadly, neither of us can run it as our knees are shot! But we’ll be there at the start and finish, cheering everyone on.
“It’s such an important event as many of the runners will be raising money for great causes, like cancer charities, a cause dear to our hearts after our dad passed away a few years ago.”
Tom Ross with Cyrille Regis MBE and Paget Rangers official Josh Smith at the launch of the Ding Dong Derby Cup in Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre
Music is at the heart of this year’s run with more bands and performers than ever along the route. The run starts an hour later than last year to give people plenty of time to travel into the city centre and enjoy the party atmosphere.
There’s also a football flavour with stars Geoff Horsfield, Richard Sneekes and Michael Johnson signed up to take part.
They’ll be joined by Birmingham-born TV and radio host Adrian Chiles and Warwickshire and England cricketer Jonathan Trott.
More than 30 Midlands companies are playing their part by taking part in the Business Challenge to compete for fastest-time trophies and encourage team spirit in the office or factory, while raising thousands for chosen charities.
And grass-roots football teams can take on the Midlands elite in the Ding Dong Derby Cup, after Villa, Blues, Albion, Wolves, Walsall and Coventry all entered teams of physios, ex-players and training staff.
David Hart, Communications Manager for the Great Run events, said: “With a month to go this year’s Great Birmingham 10k is shaping up to be the best yet.
“The music, the football, the fancy dress; it’s all adding up to a great day for Birmingham’s 10k runners or walkers.”
