International clamour for marathon places

RUNNERS from across the globe are signing up for Birmingham’s first marathon in more than three decades.

Almost 5,000 people have registered for the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon on Sunday, October 15, 2017 – the same day as the Great Birmingham Run half-marathon.

This includes runners from Singapore, the USA, Canada, Cayman Islands and Australia who are set to gather at the starting line at the Alexandra Stadium – the home of British Athletics.

The Birmingham International Marathon will cement the city’s position as the European Capital of Running.

The Birmingham International Marathon promises to be a major boost in the city’s bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham-born Ian Stewart, one of the world’s leading distance runners between the late 1960s and mid-1970s, said: “I think the fact that Birmingham now has a major International Marathon next year is a fantastic addition to Birmingham’s portfolio of major athletic events.

“It is also the perfect time of the year for athletes who want to qualify for major games the following year.”

Entrants can sign up for the Birmingham International Marathon at https:// www.greatrun.org/ birmingham-international-marathon or to enter the Great Birmingham Run 2017 visit https://www. greatrun.org/great-birmingham-run