With just two months to go until the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run returns to the city’s streets on Sunday 3 May, organisers have unveiled this year’s highly anticipated finishers’ medal; a bold celebration of Birmingham’s architecture, culture and world-changing music scene.

Every year, the medal reveal marks a major milestone in the countdown to race day. For thousands of runners, it’s the moment training feels real.

Inspired by Birmingham’s status as a global music powerhouse, the medal pays tribute to the city’s rich cultural legacy, with a nod to heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath through its striking purple colour palette. The deep purple tones also echo the iconic Cadbury heritage that has helped shape Birmingham’s identity worldwide.

The medal’s circular design features finely crafted vinyl-style grooves, symbolising the 10 kilometres of the 10km route to 13 miles of the half marathon route. The lines are etched into the design to represent each kilometre or mile completed; a tangible reminder of the determination it takes to cross the finish line.

Subtle details woven throughout the medal celebrate the fabric of the city itself. A gradient crafted into the metal reflects Birmingham’s historic canal network, while a background pattern draws inspiration from the architecture of the Library of Birmingham. Typography influenced by the celebrated Baskerville typeface adds another layer of local pride to the piece.

On the reverse, a 3D embossed bull icon - a reference to the famous Bullring - stands proudly at the centre, surrounded by words that highlight what makes Birmingham great, from its industrial past to its creative future.

Paul Foster, CEO of The Great Run Company, said: “Two months out from race day is when the excitement really builds - and revealing the medal is always a huge moment in the countdown.

“This year’s design is a tribute to Birmingham’s global influence on music and culture. From the heavy riffs that changed rock forever to the city’s unmistakable purple identity, we wanted to create a medal that runners will be proud to wear long after they’ve crossed the line.”

The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run weekend begins on Saturday 2 May with the Junior and Mini events at Alexander Stadium, before the 10k and half marathon take centre stage on Sunday 3 May.

Stars of the UK hit show Gladiators will be the official starters for this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run, on Saturday 2 May. Stay tuned to find out which two Gladiators will be joining us at the world-famous stadium with an announcement in the weeks leading up to the event.

Starting in Centenary Square, framed by the Library of Birmingham, Symphony Hall and the Rep Theatre, 10K and half marathon runners will take on routes that showcase the very best of the city – from the Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square to Digbeth, Southside and Cannon Hill Park.

Since 2017, Great Birmingham Run participants have raised more than £10 million for charity, and thousands more are expected to run for causes close to their hearts in 2026.

With training plans well underway and places filling fast, organisers are encouraging anyone inspired by the medal reveal to secure their spot and be part of one of the Midlands’ biggest and most vibrant mass-participation sporting weekends.

To find out more or to sign up for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10k or half marathon, as well as the Junior and Mini events, visit greatrun.org/events/great-birmingham-run.