As the countdown to this year’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run begins, one team of 60 runners is gearing up for a challenge that goes beyond the miles they’ll pound on the pavement.

Taking part with a mission close to their hearts, the team will be raising funds and awareness for Primrose Hospice in memory of Chris Johnson, who lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in April 2023.

A former Assistant Chief Constable, Chris was just 55 years old when he died last year. He had served with West Midlands Police for nearly 30 years, starting as a PC in Acocks Green before working his way through the ranks.

His friends’ journey into running began as a collective response to his diagnosis. “Chris was my sergeant back in 1999 when I was very young in service,” explains John Askew, a close friend and now a Detective Chief Inspector. “He was a brilliant officer and we became friends outside of work.

“When he was diagnosed with MND, a large group of his friends, family and colleagues decided to do a running challenge for the MNDA and Primrose Hospice. We entered the Liverpool Half/Marathon and raised around £60,000.

“A lot of us who completed the Liverpool challenge wanted to participate in The Great Birmingham Run because the city is where Chris worked for the majority of his police service.”

As they gear up for their challenge, their training regimes are in full swing, it’s a tribute to Chris’s resilience and courage, says John. “We have around 60 people who have indicated they wish to run in Chris’s memory. We will be raising funds for Primrose Hospice again, because they looked after him and continue to support his family.”

Honouring his memory remains the driving force for Chris’s wife Sharon, also a former police officer, who took early retirement to care for Chris.

Sharon started running at 50 and it has helped hugely with her mental health during Chris’s devastating illness and then his death last year.

“I promised him I would continue to raise awareness around MND and also the Primrose Hospice who support us and rely heavily on donations to keep their services free to families like us – you never know if you may need them,” she explains.

“Running Birmingham will be emotional as during his career Chris was the commander for policing the city but we will do him proud. He was an amazing man and has left a huge legacy. He is truly missed by everyone.”

David Burrell, CEO, Primrose Hospice, added: “This is an inspiring challenge in memory of Chris Johnson which will help us continue our work at Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre. Chris’s family, friends, and colleagues’ commitment to raising funds and awareness embodies the spirit of care, compassion and community that drives our mission to provide support to those facing life-limiting illnesses and families impacted by bereavement."

Thousands of seasoned runners and first-timers will pound the streets through its scenic route covering many of the city's most famous landmarks. The 10k and half marathon start-line is at Centenary Square and takes in Broad Street and the Jewellery Quarter as well as Bournville, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium.

Taking place on Sunday 5 May, the Great Birmingham Run is a run for everyone, of all ages and abilities, you can sign up today at greatrun.org.