Birmingham Half Marathon
The Birmingham Running Festival is back at the wonderful Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
msf.org.ukHere’s the latest on Birmingham area half marathons for 2026, based on recent event listings and announcements.
Direct answer
- The Birmingham Half Marathon schedule in 2026 has multiple options around Birmingham, with key events including the Birmingham Running Festival at Sutton Park (features a half marathon option) and related city-wide running events like the Great Birmingham Run, which often includes a half marathon as part of a weekend of races. Specific dates vary by organizer, but 2026 events have been advertised for mid-year with entries opening well in advance.
Details and context
- Birmingham Running Festival (Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield)
- Distances typically include a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, all designed to showcase Sutton Park’s scenery. This event tends to align with charitable causes and provides a festival atmosphere, with finish options and support designed for a broad range of runners. The 2026 edition has been promoted with July 2026 timing in some listings and continues to attract runners seeking a park-based, closed-road experience.[2][7][8][10]
- Great Birmingham Run (city-center route)
- A major weekend event in Birmingham’s running calendar, often featuring a half marathon alongside 10K and other distances. The 2026 route updates were publicized, highlighting a city-centre finish and a large participant turnout, typically in spring, with substantial organizational planning. This event is one of the most prominent half-marathon options in the area.[3]
- Other related Birmingham half marathons on the calendar
- Several listings reference a Birmingham half marathon in 2026 within broader “Birmingham Running Festival” branding or as part of weekend events around the city, sometimes tied to charitable causes (e.g., MSF, UK Sepsis Trust) and featuring closed-road routes through parks or urban routes.[4][7][9]
What to check next
- Exact dates and entry windows: Confirm the official dates for 2026 at each organizer’s site or a dedicated event listing, as they can shift year to year and may include weekend clusters around Sutton Park or city-center routes.[2][3]
- Route specifics: If you want a sense of elevation, surface type, and scenery, review the course maps on the organizers’ pages to compare Sutton Park (parkland and woodland) versus city-center courses.[3][2]
- Registration and charity options: Some events offer guaranteed-entry or charity places with fundraising targets; check the registration pages for current guarantees and perks.[7][8][10]
Would you like me to pull the exact 2026 dates and entry links for the Birmingham Running Festival Half Marathon in Sutton Park and the Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon, and summarize differences (distance, elevation, typical weather, and entry costs)? I can also assemble a quick comparison table if you want.