Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon

The Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon is a distinctive point-to-point run tracing the canal towpaths from Wolverhampton to central Birmingham. Celebrated for its seeded, time-trial style starts, the event spaces runners into waves based on predicted finish times, ensuring smooth flow along the narrow, characterful route. It is chip timed and pitched as suitable for all levels, with the course described as half marathon “ish” and slightly longer than standard HM status. The event’s playful strapline, “The light at the end of the Tunnel,” nods to its signature feature and friendly, community feel.

Runners experience a mix of surfaces including gritty towpaths, compacted earth, and short trail sections as they head towards Brindley Place. The route’s highlight is the memorable Coseley Tunnel, adding atmosphere and a unique challenge to an otherwise largely flat profile of bridges and locks. Floating drinks stations on canal barges support participants at intervals, and finishers receive a bespoke medal, T-shirt and a goody bag, with personalised race bibs available for those who enter before the end of May. Together, these touches create a practical yet distinctive race day with a finish right in the heart of Birmingham.