Having ran the same event last year (2025), I found the final stretch to be MUCH harder this time round. Think the finish should be kinder, although I would be better prepared for this next time. I also personally preferred the surrounding area of the finish line last year which felt more like a celebration, this year felt less of a reason to stick around post-race. Organisation for the event was brilliant as ever and everyone was super friendly and supportive. Overall an enjoyable day.

Many good points to highlight, the staggered start, runners are released gradually onto the course in 6 waves to give everyone room to move, the entertainment, music and cheering on the course, the involvement of a celebrity like Iwan Thomas, and although the course starts out as undulating, it levels out after 10km, with tree cover, making it ideal if there's a hot day. Water stations are spaced evenly, not too much distance between water stops. Wouldn't like to see the removal of food/drink from finisher packs due to sustainability, this is essential fuelling for runners who may be exhausted, and important to have this quickly post run. The event could look at providing water in cans- infinitely more recyclable than plastic, or using large refill containers- cardboard outers with plastic inner liners for people who don't mind stopping to refill bottles/flasks. Or they could ask people to bring their unwanted Great Run finisher bags, to donate at start of runs to be reused if in good enough condition. The hill after 12 miles was a challenge, and felt bigger than it actually was, but make everything flat, and it removes the challenge, and starts to become boring. You just have to make your long run hilly in training, so it's easier on race day.

Good event, well documented route. Easy to park and know where to start etc. nice t shirt & medal, easy to pick up No pacers which was disappointing lots of people rely on them and in the race guide it says there will be. Only water on the aid stations, smaller events have had electrolytes and gels. Race guide says it’s a downhill on the way back but it ends on two hills.

Third time completing this event, course different every year. Loved the route except last few km, hilly and seemed to drag on. Pot holes - lots at the mo, made run more risky as you were avoiding so not to roll ankle and risk of getting in the way of other runners. Not sure how pacer times are worked out in each wave, doesn’t seem to make sense as pacers seem to be slow for the allocated wave. Otherwise - I loved it! Atmosphere and support, organisation at bag drops and pick up, the swag bag was the best I’ve had and the medal (the main reason I signed up this year) is beautiful!! Proud to be Brummie oh and having black sabbath music at the start was a bonus!