FAQs/
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon being held?
This year’s event is being held on the 24 October.
How can I enter the EDF Energy Birmingham half Marathon?
The quickest and easiest way to enter the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is online at www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com. If you do not have internet access or do not want to enter online there are paper application forms available too. These will be available in city council leisure facilities or you can call 0121 464 2012 to request a form.
Can anybody enter the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon event?
The event is open to anyone who is 17 or over on the 24 October 2010.
I’m having problems paying online; can I go somewhere to pay?
Entrants are being encouraged to enter online, however those experiencing problems can pay in person by cheque at Manor House, 40 Moat Lane, Birmingham, B5 5BD.
I don’t have internet access, is there a paper application form?
There is a paper application form that can be used. These are available for download from the BHM website, or available to collect from BCC Leisure centres and Birmingham tourist information centres. Alternatively call 0121 464 2012 and request a form.
Where do I send my paper application form?
Paper application forms and cheques made payable to Birmingham City Council
need to be sent to:
EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon Entries
Manor House
40 Moat Lane
Birmingham
B5 5BD
How much does it cost to enter the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon?
If you are an unaffiliated runner (i.e. not a member of a UKA athletics affiliated athletic club) then it costs £25 to enter the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon. If
you are a member of an affiliated club or if you are a student or over 60 then it costs £23 to enter.
Can I enter more than one person or a group of people on the same entry form?
Not on an individual entry form because personal information is required such as individual emergency contact details and estimated running times. However if you and colleagues from your work place are taking part, you may want to enter the business challenge which is a team based race within the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon. Entrants are still classed as individual runners but also qualify under your business team as well.
What is the closing date for entries?
The closing date for entries is one month before the event – Friday 23 September.
Will late entries be accepted?
No, late entries will not be accepted for any reason.
What do I get for taking part in this event?
Everyone that takes part in the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will receive an official event t-shirt, a medal and a goody bag.
I entered in 2009 so am I guaranteed a place in the 2010 event?
No, unfortunately entrants from last year will have to repeat the entry process again this year to ensure that they have a place in this year’s event. Entry is conducted on a first come, first served basis.
If I enter but can no longer take part can someone else run in my place or can I get a refund?
Unfortunately no refunds are available and it is not possible to transfer your entry to someone else.
How will I know if my entry has been successful?
If you enter online your entry will be confirmed immediately. If you fill in a paper application form and post this to the organisers then your entry will be confirmed at a later date.
How can I check my entry?
Entry can be checked via the website, by entering your full name. Or alternatively, by calling the EDF Energy Half Marathon offices on 0121 464 2012 and a representative will be able to check whether you are successfully registered.
I want to change my entry details. How can I do this?
If you need to make any changes to your personal details, for example if you move house, then please call 0121 464 2012.
When will I get my race number?
Race numbers will be sent out a couple of weeks before the event, along with your race timing chip. You will get your t-shirt, medal and goody bag when you complete the event.
How long is the route?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is 13.1 miles long.
Where does it start and finish?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will start and finish in the city centre on Broad Street adjacent to Centenary Square.
What is the route for the event?
Full details of the route are available on the official website www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com. It has slightly changed from the previous year’s route but will still head out on the Pershore Road and take in a route through Cannon Hill Park.
Is the route suitable for wheelchair users?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will be open to wheelchair athletes who will set off just before the main start of the half marathon. Wheelchair users who are not experienced athletes can also take part in the event but will start as part of the main race.
Which roads will be closed for the event?
Because of the nature of this event several roads will be closed in Birmingham on Sunday 24 October. All roads will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so.
Details about road closures will be available closer to the event and all the information will be included on the travel information section of www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com.
What time does it start?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will start at 9am
Where can I park on the day?
Pay and display parking for all entrants will be available at the National Indoor Arena. There are also other car parks available in the surrounding area, however please consider using public transport for your journey to and from the city centre.
Where do I leave my belongings?
There will be a designated area in the National Indoor Arena, where participants can leave their belongings.
How do I retrieve my clothing?
Once you have finished you need to head back to the NIA to collect your clothing and belongings.
I have never run in an event like this before – can I still take part?
Yes you can still take part but it is advisable to visit your doctor first to check you are in good health before embarking on a challenge of this nature and make sure you have the correct equipment such as a good pair of running shoes.
Can I walk instead of run?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is an event intended for runners. If you plan to walk or power walk the whole of the route then please alert the organisers at the time of application as this may cause issues with the timing of road closures. You should only enter the race if you are physically fit enough to complete the course in under 4 hours.
Will there be toilets and first aid facilities on the route?
Toilets and first aid facilities will be available along the route. The exact locations will be confirmed closer to race day and will be included in the race day guide.
Will there be water and energy drinks available along the route?
Several water stations will be set up along the route and energy drinks will also be available. Exact locations will be confirmed closer to race day and will be included in the race day guide.
How do I make the organisers aware of any medical conditions that I have?
If you have a medical condition which the organisers should be aware of then please call 0121 464 2012 and provide them with the details.
Can I run as part of a team?
The team aspect of the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is the business challenge. This is for a minimum of four and a maximum of eight team members. The four fastest times qualify towards the cumulative time ‘final score’. There must be at least one female time in the final four times. Business challenge entrants can enter online at www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com or call 0121 464 2012 for a paper application form.
I am travelling from outside of the city. Where can I stay in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a huge selection of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation
for you to choose from. Please go to www.visitbirmingham.com to find out more.
Where can spectators watch the event?
Spectators will be able to line the route of the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon. For details of the route please go to www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com
Who are the official charities for the event?
There are 12 official charities for the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon and these are as follows:
- Acorns Children's Hospice
- Birmingham Children's Hospital
- Birmingham Mail Charity Trust
- British Heart Foundation
- Cancer Research UK
- Geoff Thomas Foundation/Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research
- Global Action Plan
- Have a Heart
- Help for Heroes
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- MS Society
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Information about all of these charities can be found at www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com.
Can I run for my own charity?
You can run for any charity that you like. The official charities are just suggested charities for whom you might want to raise money.
Do I have to run for a charity to take part?
Entrants do not have to run for a charity.
Can I run with my dog?
Runners cannot run with dogs unless they are guide dogs assisting blind runners.
Can I run in fancy dress?
Yes you can run in fancy dress but make sure you tailor your training accordingly as your costume may slow you down and you will need to take on board extra water as you will get hotter than normal if you are running in fancy dress.
Are there any training plans available?
Training plans for beginners, intermediates and experienced runners will be available to download soon at www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com.
Where can I train for this event?
If you live in or around Birmingham then you could make the most of the numerous Birmingham City Council leisure facilities to train for this event. All of the centres have helpful and friendly staff and you can apply for a Birmingham City Council Leisure Card which is free and allows you to build up benefits whilst you train.
Birmingham also has more parks and open spaces that any other European city so if the weather is good you could make the most of it by training outside.
How will I find out my official time for the event?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon will be using a chip timing system. Your chip will be sent to you with your race number for the event. You will need to attach your chip to your running shoe securely before you start the race and hand it in at the end of the race. This will allow us to provide you with an official time which will be posted on the results section of the official website – www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com within 24 hours. All times will also be printed in a special Birmingham Mail supplement in the days after the event.
What is the Race Against Climate Change?
The EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is also known as the Race Against Climate Change. The ‘Race Against Climate Change’ is based on the belief that sport has the power to unite and inspire people to want to work for a better future. EDF Energy is using its sponsorship of the half marathon to call on all runners to join together in making a real difference in the race against climate change and demonstrate their own commitment to reducing their personal carbon footprints by a tonne.
Deadline for the entries into the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon is 23 September. No more entries can be taken after this date under any circumstances.