Aston University: Aston University to host Great Birmingham Run event village and charity village
Aston University will be hosting the new-look event village and charity village for the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 1 May 2022.
For the first time, the 10K and half marathon will be held on the same day. Starting in the heart of the city, the routes will incorporate the historic heart of Birmingham, its latest developments and world-famous heritage sites, before returning to the city centre for the grandstand finish.
Among the rewards on offer for taking part is a free swim, sauna and steam at the Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre at Aston University. The University’s grade II listed 25m swimming pool is one of the oldest still operating in Birmingham and has lot of original features and charm. To take advantage of this offer, participants need to book their free session in advance by calling 0121 204 4623 and quoting their race number.
The Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street, is among those taking part this year to raise funds for Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia. Heading up a team of 20 keen runners from the West Midlands Combined Authority, he will join more than 10,000 runners on the start line.
Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said:
“It is great to see Andy and so many of his colleagues taking part in the Great Birmingham Run and supporting Cure Leukaemia, a wonderful and important charity. Good luck to everyone taking part in the event. We’ll be watching with interest as we countdown to staging the Commonwealth Games this summer, which includes the marathon and para marathon when athletes will once again take to the streets of the city.”
Mike Kirkman, director of sport at Aston University, said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the new-look event and charity villages for the Great Birmingham Run this year.
“Our campus is a 60-acre green haven in the heart of the city. We strive to manage our grounds by enhancing biodiversity wherever possible, making it a pleasant place to live, work and study.
“This is a great opportunity for us to share our space with members of the community from Birmingham and beyond.”