Back to May and the first Great Run of the year - the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run . Our Brummie Runners never let us down, and this year was no different - mini and juniors got the Royal treatment for their coronation-themed event, and runner Tom Bracey smashed the world record for the fastest half-marathon in a pair of ski boots! From those leading the pack to our final finishers, we salute you - you brought spirit, determination, and carnival atmosphere to the streets of Britain’s most diverse city.

Then the action turned to the best in the South West, for the always-incredible AJ Bell Great Bristol Run. With over 12,000 runners tacking the 10k or Half Marathon routes, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is the biggest - and, in our humble opinion, the best - celebration of running in the region. The course was bouncing from start to finish, and the iconic landmarks, stunning views, graffiti murals and post-race celebrations in Millennium Square ensured an electric day from start to finish.

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run always brings the party, but this year was a special 20th anniversary celebration! 25,000 runners lined up for their 10k or Half Marathon challenge, including sporting legend Hellen Obiri, diversity champion Adele Roberts and a bevy of Corrie stars. Plus, there was one very special guest - former Great Manchester Run champion: Sir Mo Farah. From the moment the start-line anthem This is the One by the Stone Roses started up, we all got the feels. The North West turned out and made the 20th anniversary a truly memorable occasion.

Next up, the AJ Bell Great North Run , the world’s biggest half marathon and the stage for Sir Mo Farah’s final ever race. It proved to be a Mo-mentous occasion thanks to the 60,000 runners, more bands on the run than ever before, the roaring Red Arrows and 102-year-old finisher Bill Cooksey. The weather had its part to play too, with the hottest Great North Run on record giving way to heavy rain, but the inimitable Great North spirit prevailed with residents opening up their homes and local businesses welcoming runners to take shelter - it could only happen at the Great North Run.

Then it was Scotland’s turn. The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run , took Glasgow by storm, the 2023 European Capital of Sport, during European Week of Sport - talk about perfect scheduling. Over 22,000 runners took their place on the start line and set off on their 10k or Half Marathon journey to Glasgow Green, passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks on the way. And it wasn’t just the runners who had fun: spectators enjoyed some fabulous on-course entertainment alongside a nail-biting wheelchair event and some seriously electric running.

The season finale took place in Portsmouth with the AJ Bell Great South Run – one of our highly recommended events. And in mid-October, it was clear to see why: 10 miles of stunning running, salty air, fantastic entertainment & local support and 20,000 people enjoying feel-good running. Whether you were there to run, watch, to push yourself, simply to get round or to raise money for a worthy cause, you made it a day to remember. Fancy it again next year? Us too.