Stars of the UK hit show Gladiators will be the official starters for this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run, taking place at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 3 May.

With just 10 weeks to go until this festival of fun running, the stars of the TV show Gladiators are sure to ramp up the excitement on race day as they ring the bell to set runners on their way around the Mini and Junior courses along the city’s world-famous athletics track, before meeting young runners at the finish line for high fives and photos.

Stay tuned to find out which two Gladiators will be joining us at the world-famous Alexander Stadium, home of Commonwealth Games 2022 heroics, with an announcement to follow in the weeks leading up to the event.

The Junior & Mini runs will take place as a standalone Saturday event before the Great Birmingham Run 10k & Half Marathon events follow on Sunday 4 May, giving the stars of the future their own chance to take centre stage on Super Saturday.

Mini runners (aged 3-8 yrs) will take on a fun and energetic 1.5k dash – they must be accompanied by an adult, so parents be warned, can you keep up? Older runners (aged 9-15 yrs) can tackle a supercharged 2.5k challenge with the Junior event.

Known for fun fancy dress, personal bests and a great Brummie atmosphere, this year’s Great Birmingham Run weekend promises to be the biggest in a decade.

With 16,000 runners tackling the 10K & Half Marathon and thousands of spectators lining the streets, it’s set to be another fantastic celebration, showcasing Birmingham at its very best.

With distances to suit all abilities and ages, it will be a thrilling weekend of running action and celebrations the whole family can get involved in.

Find out more and sign up for the Great Birmingham Run 10k or half marathon on Sunday 4 May, and its Junior and Mini events, which this year take place at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 3 May, visit greatrun.org