Description
This 10km running tour focuses on the past, present and future of our beloved green and blue spaces and the relationship between nature and the built environment.
Birmingham, known to many as a grey brutalist city, is in fact the UK’s forth greenest city and has one of the most intricate canal networks in the world.
We will guide you from the beautiful Roundhouse, in the heart of the city, to its closest natural spaces; including the hidden Harborne Walkway, a peaceful (and very Instagram-able) disused railway line.
We’ll encourage you to run consciously and take in your surroundings whilst catching your breath at stops.
You’ll play games along the route and learn about “council pop” and cold-water therapy. We’ll finish by looking at Birmingham’s Big City Plan to make the city centre greener, bluer and more runnable over the next 20 years.
Is this for me?
- The pace will be leisurely and enjoyable; we run together and no one gets left behind.
- It’s a 10km distance but because we’ll be pausing at stops to learn more about our surroundings, it’ll feel more like 7km. If you can do a parkrun, this will be fine for you.
- The terrain is all paved, although not always level or following flat routes.
Please note: Thanks to a generous funder, we’re pleased to be able to offer these four tour dates at a subsidised rate.
#SeeTheCityDifferently
Great for: something different with friends, runners, running groups or those looking to add some variety to their training.
Event Details
Dates:
Saturday 3 June, 1pm-3:30pm
Sunday 4 June, 10:30am-13:00pm
Saturday 17 June, 1pm-3:30pm
Thursday 22 June, 7pm-9:30pm
Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Birmingham Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the advertised tour start time.
Finishing Point: Back at the Roundhouse.
Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions.
Duration: From introductions through to a chat at the end, you should allow around two and a half hours for this guided experience.
Suitable For: 12+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Number of Steps? Approximately 10,000.
Visitor Info
Make sure to come along and check in at our Visitor Centre at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to make sure we are ready to start on time.
Our guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we do need to cancel a tour due to the weather we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
What to wear
Your running gear and trainers, a big smile, and not much else! Water is a good idea if you usually take it running and to sip as you go/when we stop. Please dress for the weather on the day, so suncream, sunnies and hat if it's a scorcher, or a rain jacket/hat if showers are expected (if it pours, we'll soon find a spot for shelter!)
What to bring
We have lockers available for your valuables and bags, however, we recommend that no valuables are brought to the Roundhouse. We strongly recommend that no phones, wallets, or sunglasses are taken on the water and not be held responsible for any loss incurred, please use the lockers provided.
Be sure to check in at our reception at least 15 minutes prior to the tour to make sure we're ready to start on time!
Food/drink
Make a day of it! Tour attendees are eligible for 20% of food at The Distillery on the day of your visit. Booking is recommended. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the courtyard.
