Organisers reveal 2018 dates for Birmingham International Marathon

Organisers of the Great Birmingham Run and Birmingham International Marathon have revealed the date of next year’s events.

The twin races, which are again sponsored by Simplyhealth, will take place on Sunday, October 14.

While the Great Birmingham Run is firmly established as one of the most popular half marathons in the country, the Birmingham International Marathon is returning for the second time after this year’ssuccessful debut.

Runners taking part in the events raised more than £4.1m for various good cause, while the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10K generated over £1.4m for charity.

Entries for next year’s events are now being sought, with the events being expanded to cover the whole weekend with the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Runs taking place on Saturday, October 13.

Exact start times and route details for the events are still being reviewed with organisers saying further details will follow early in 2018.

Some 20,000 people are estimated to have taken to the streets of the city to watch the runners, making it one of the biggest public spectator events in the city’s history.

Starting at Alexander Stadium, the Birmingham International Marathon quickly reached its 10,000 capacity and attracted entrants from across the globe.

The Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run and 10K will also feature the Business Challenge, which sees Midlands companies compete for fastest-time trophies and all-important bragging rights. The Business Challenge is also seen as a good way of raising office morale and team spirit.