Thousands bring the force to streets for city run

Thousands of runners have taken to a city's streets for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run with one group, a paramedics team, finishing to a "heroes' welcome".

This year's half marathon and 10km races saw 16,000 people take part with the fastest runners finishing in "amazing times", organisers said, as fancy dress costumes, including Star Wars, were singled out for praise.

Spectators turned out in force with many bringing along banners and placards to cheer competitors on.

As runners made their way around the city centre route, race organisers posted on Facebook: "Thousands of runners. One incredible city. Unlimited energy. You've got this Birmingham."

Times for the top three runners in the men's half-marathon were Alexander Lanz finishing in one hour eight minutes one second, Aidan Banfield seven seconds later and James Douglas a further six seconds back.

Times for the top three runners in the women's half-marathon were Georgie Campbell, finishing in one hour 21 minutes 22 seconds, Charlotte Bush in one hour 21 minutes 56 seconds and Olivia Bailey one hour 24 minutes 26 seconds.

Finishing times for the top three in each category were posted on social media by organisers.

Jack Gray was fastest in the men's 10K with a time of 29 minutes 48 seconds, and Hayley Carruthers came top of the women's 10K with a race time of 36 minutes 29 seconds.

Fancy dress costumes in the race included Darth Vader as the run was held on the unofficial Star Wars day - 4 May - named after the pun May the Fourth be with you.

A post on the official Facebook page read: "The runners are strong and so are the costumes. Everyone bringing the Force (and the fancy dress) at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run today!"

After a paramedics' crew set out to run the 13.1 miles in full uniform, carrying equipment and a stretcher, organisers wrote: "They've only went and done it!

"The crew from West Midlands Ambulance have absolutely smashed today's AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run and finished with a heroes' welcome in Smithfield!

"The team completed the race in 02:36:05 – unbelievable achievement!"

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