Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon
The Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon is a point to point half marathon along canal towpaths between Wolverhampton city centre and Brindley Place in Birmingham. The route is largely flat with only locks and bridges as notable inclines and includes the Coseley Tunnel, a 360 metre tunnel on the course.
The event seeds runners by predicted finishing time into a time trial format, grouping participants into waves of similar ability. Underfoot conditions vary along the route and include gravel tracks, un-kept trails and smooth pavement. Floating drink stations on canal barges appear about every 3 miles and offer water and electrolyte.
Entries include places for competitive club runners and for social runners who take part for personal reasons or charity. Finishers receive a bespoke finishers medal and a goody bag. The finish area is in Brindley Place, which has nearby pubs and bars for post-race refreshments and spectating.
Occasional route diversions may be required by the land owner, the Canals and Rivers Trust, and these can sometimes be announced at short notice. The event is organised by StuWeb Events Ltd. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.