Logistics

The race takes place on Saturday 5th July 2008 at 10am. The fastest runners will go off first as the towpath does not allow for easy overtaking at the start of the race. Your race time will only be measured from when you cross the start line.

The race is point to point - starting at Wolverhampton train station and finishing in Brindleyplace, Birmingham. We transport your bags from the start to the finish line.

Course

The race is run on the mainline canal and crosses through Coseley, Dudley and Smethwick. The route includes a quarter mile section through a tunnel, which will be lit for the race. There will be signage and marshals along the route to help you find your way.

There are drinks stations along the route, at approximately 5km (3.25m) intervals. These will serve water and sports drinks provided by SIS.

Transport

We recommend that you use the trains to get to Wolverhampton train station. If you need to drive, there is parking in and around Brindleyplace - we suggest you park here and take the train to Wolverhampton.

Alternatively there is parking at Wolverhampton train station (NCP car park) and you can take the train there after the race. If you are getting a lift to the start of the race, bear in mind there will be traffic around the train station and you may want to arrive early.

History

The inaugural Birmingham & Black Country Half Marathon took place on 15th July 2007 and was limited to just 50 entries. See what runners had to say about the race here. A diversion made the 2007 race a little longer - around 14.5 miles, but Mark Campion took it in his stride to win in 1:29:50, with Helen Lowe first lady in 1:58:00. The runners who took part raised more than £1,000 for The Anthony Nolan Trust.

Charitable Causes

BBCHM was set up to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support (registered charity number 261017) and The Anthony Nolan Trust (registered charity number 803716). You don't have to raise sponsor money for these charities to take part!

After the costs of the race have been paid out, all of your entry fee money goes straight to these charities.

Any sponsorship money raised by runners is also shared between the charities without any admin or other fees payable to the organisers.

The race is organised by Row Ahead, a group of athletes formed with the aim of raising £100,000 for these charities over a period of two years, through a number of sporting events.

None of the organisers or volunteers involved in these events receive any remuneration.

Any sundry income raised as part of the race (e.g. advertising revenue or corporate sponsorship) is directed towards Row Ahead's other fundraising projects - which will in turn benefit the two charities further.