Great Birmingham Run organisers respond following public transport timing concerns

Eco-minded runners raised concerns over transport options for this year's AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run due to the 'close-cutting' arrival times of public transport services. 

The concerns were raised after it was found that many of the train and tram services around the West Midlands would arrive in Birmingham only minutes before the start of the Great Birmingham Run.

The timings were largely due to the Sunday running times remaining in place on Sunday, meaning that many services didn't begin running until around 8am.

Now, organisations have said that they try to work with 'city partners' and transport providers to ensure a 'smooth experience', however, train and tram times are 'outside of their control'.

A spokesperson for the Great Birmingham Run said: "Unfortunately, train and tram times are outside of our direct control, but we work closely with city partners and transport providers each year to try to ensure as smooth an experience as possible for our runners. 

"We understand there are alternatively travel options, including local bus services, many of which offer earlier connections into the city centre on event day."

The group said that Great Birmingham Run participants were offered a week of free Transport For West Midlands bus travel to support their journey to and from the events. 

The group added: "Great Birmingham Run participants have been offered a week of free Transport for West Midlands bus travel to support their journey to and from the events. 

"We'll continue to review any feedback from this year's run and are committed to doing everything we can to help runners arrive ready and relaxed."