Members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), Chorus and staff team, are swapping scores for trainers this May, as they prepare to take part in the 2026 AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, while also providing a spectacular live soundtrack for thousands of runners passing their home (the CBSO Centre) on Berkley Street.

Just one week away, the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run will see some 18,000 runners of all ages and abilities take to the streets for a 10k or half marathon on Sunday 3 May, or the Junior and Mini Runs at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 2 May.

A registered charity, the CBSO performs over 150 concerts each year, for audiences of all ages, alongside a programme that reaches far beyond the concert hall – to classrooms, care homes, hospitals, gardens, museums - and even trams and boats!

The CBSO has four choirs – the CBSO Chorus, Youth Chorus, Children's Chorus and SO Vocal - which cater for all ages and musical tastes, and have more than 750 members drawn from as far afield as Yorkshire and Berkshire.

Leading the charge is CBSO Chorus Chair Ed Sykes, whose idea has turned into one of the most unique moments on this year’s Great Birmingham Run route.

“I was taking part in the Great Birmingham Run last year and noticed the route went straight past the CBSO Centre,” he said. “I thought, wouldn’t it be great if we could get the Orchestra and Chorus involved with this? And here we are. It’s amazing that members of the CBSO will be playing outside the CBSO Centre as all the runners go past, we’re looking forward to an epic day!”

On Sunday 3 May, more than 30 CBSO chorus members, players and staff will take on the 10k and half marathon, joining 17,000 runners across the city. At the same time, a number of musicians will be stationed outside the CBSO Centre, delivering high-energy live performances to keep runners motivated.

Runners are aiming to raise £15,000 for the CBSO to help support its work to make music that truly matters to the people of Birmingham - ranging from Schools' Concerts which reach 14,000 young people each year, youth and community programmes which welcome 500 people to make music every week, a programme of free public events, and partnerships across the city that will help to shape a musical future that is diverse, joyful and alive with possibility. Donations can be made to Ed Sykes’ page.

Among those taking part is Lawrence Bacon, celebrating 40 years of singing with the CBSO Chorus. “I’m not a runner,” he admits, “but the chance to do this alongside friends and colleagues, and to raise money for an organisation that has given me so much, encouraged me to take the plunge.” He’ll also be running in memory of a close friend and former chorus member.

Fellow chorus member Di Charles describes herself as a “reluctant runner”, but says her motivation is clear: “If I can help raise funds and awareness for the CBSO by jogging through the streets of Birmingham for an hour or so, then it’s a morning well spent.” Others, like Sierra Farquhar-Wulff, are embracing the run as part of a personal journey, returning to fitness after having a baby while giving back to the musical community that welcomed her to the UK.

For Melissa Morris, it’s all about stepping outside her comfort zone. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “But the CBSO feels like family, and if that means I have to trot around 10k to support it, I’ll give it my best shot!” Meanwhile, seasoned runner Rachel Wilks is marking 30 years since her first half marathon by combining her two passions, music and running, for a cause close to her heart.

CBSO Player Chair Jess Tickle, who has previously completed multiple half marathons and fundraising challenges, added: “This is about so much more than running. It’s about supporting live music in Birmingham, ensuring it continues to inspire, educate and bring people together. The CBSO is such an important part of the city’s cultural life, and we’re proud to be part of this incredible event.”

With live music, personal stories and thousands of runners passing through one of Birmingham’s most iconic cultural quarters, the CBSO’s involvement promises to be one of the standout moments of the 2026 Great Birmingham Run, proving that in this city, music truly moves you.