Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon 2026

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Entry Terms & Conditions

Overview

Organising a sporting event requires a considerable amount of forward planning, time, risk and expense. Approximately 9 - 12 months prior to our triathlon events taking place, work begins and costs are incurred. These include administrative, insurance, advertising, marketing, equipment, website and staff costs. As an event draws nearer, we continue to incur costs, many in relation to the number of entrants in the event. Whilst we are investing into the cost of staging our events, there is no guarantee of their success, making financial planning an integral part of triathlon (and other sport) event management and promotion. For this reason our 'Terms and Conditions' are here to ensure we are able to provide athletes with continued safe and enjoyable events.

1. Definitions

1.1 StuWeb Events Ltd are the organisers of the event.

1.2 The event refers to any event listed on the organiser's website

1.3 An entry refers to payment received for either an individual application or a relay application for the event.

1.4 The entrant refers to the individual or relay that has put in an entry for the event.

1.5 The event office is R/O 26 Cradley Road, Cradley Heath, B64 6AG.

2. Conditions of Entry

2.1 By entering the event, all applicants agree to abide by our terms and conditions as listed.

2.2 This includes all members of a relay team

2.3 We rely on the details of an entry to process your application. Without accurate information, we would not process your entry.

2.4 All applicants are aware that the nature of the event is physically demanding and that by entering the event they are confirming that they are capable of completing the event and that the organisers will not be held responsible for any injury or illness as a result of their participation.

2.5 The entrant waives and discharges from any and all liability for death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft and all other foreseeable risks, claims or actions of any kind (including negligence) whatever and however occurring which may arise, at any time, from or in connection with, directly or indirectly, their participation in the Event, the following persons or entities: The Event Organisers, Event officials and personnel, land managers and/or owners, event sponsors, volunteers, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, representatives, agents and volunteers.

Data

The entrant agrees that their personal information may be stored, used and disclosed by the organiser in connection with the organisation, promotion and administration of the event and the organisers sponsors, partners and charities.

3. Confirmation of Entry 

3.1 An acceptance email will be sent confirming your entry to the event, from our online payment partner, if you have entered online. 

3.2 A list of entries will be posted on www.bbchm.net prior to the event taking place. 

3.3 It is the entrant's responsibility to inform StuWeb Events if any of these details are incorrect so they can be corrected by the time the event closes to entries. 

3.4 StuWeb Events cannot guarantee that any changes can be implemented if they are received after the event has closed for entries. 

4. Competitor Withdrawal With most events (sports, cinema, theatre, concerts, etc), if after paying for them you have to withdraw, you will not receive a refund, regardless of the reason (injury, pregnancy, illness, holiday, business / work, etc). However, if you do need to withdraw from any StuWeb Events events and provided we get enough notice, we are prepared to give you an element of your entry fee back, providing you follow our withdrawals policy: 

4.1 Any withdrawals must be received in writing via email or post. 

4.2  No longer applicable.

4.3 Proof of posting does not mean proof of receipt. It is the responsibility of the withdrawing athlete to ensure withdrawal notice has been received by StuWeb Events. 

4.4 StuWeb Events will only issue refunds providing 4.1 – 4.3 is followed in full. 

4.5 Withdrawals will be issued as follows: 

4.5.1 Six weeks or more prior to event = 50% Refund.

4.5.2 Less than six weeks prior to event = NO REFUND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. 

4.6 Refunds do not include any online booking or processing fee.

4.7 No registration packs, tickets or items associated with the entry to the event will be sent to any competitor who has withdrawn from the event or who does not register during the allocated time periods. 

4.8 We will endeavour to process your refund as soon as possible, but we cannot guarantee that this will be before the event takes place. 

4.9 Once race numbers have been committed to postage deferrals are no longer available. We estimate postage will be sent week commencing 10th June 2025.

5. Transfer of Entry 

5.1 UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are applicants permitted to transfer their entry to another event, another year, or to another individual. 

5.2 Applicants who no longer wish to take part in the event are required to follow the withdrawals policy in section 4.

6. Race / Event Information: 

6.1 All information relating to the event will be published on www.bbchm.com.

Any advance changes / alterations to the course or event will also be published on the website as will individual start times. It is the responsibility of all competitors to ensure they are aware of all information relating to the event. 

6.2 We endeavour to make sure we provide you with an event that you have entered. Circumstances may be such that we are unable to deliver an event in the format that was expected / advertised. StuWeb Events have the right to change any event without prior notice. In such circumstances competitors will not be eligible for any refunds, whether full or partial, deferrals, or any other financial recompense. 

7. Prizes 

7.1 The Event Organisers have the absolute discretion in the award of any prizes, prize money or third party prize or award 

7.2 No prizes will be forwarded to any prize winner post event. 

7.3 Any uncollected prizes are forfeited and the prize will not be awarded. 

8. Completion of Entry Form / Online Entry 

8.1 If entrants do not complete all sections of the application, StuWeb Events will take the following actions: 

8.1.1 Entries missing estimated swim times for pool based triathlons will be put together at the start of the race. 

8.1.2 Entries missing age / date of birth will not be eligible for any age group prizes. 

8.2 Once we have received an application, any subsequent change to individual affiliation status will not result in any refund. 

9. Entrants Information / Photography 

9.1 The entrant authorises the use of their name, voice and picture and any information provided on the event entry form to be used without payment in any broadcast, telecast, communication, promotion, or advertising. The entrant also agrees that the information provided may be used by the Event Organisers for the purpose of promoting future or other events or for the promotion of the Event charity(ies), race sponsors products and services. 

10. Special Offers 

10.1 The organisers may run special offers or discounts that may run for a period of time. 

10.2 The organisers have the right to withdraw any offer at any time for any reason. 

10.3 No offers will be back dated or issued to competitors who may have already entered an event prior to a promotion. 

10.4 This is also applicable to any of our associates whether the offer is combined with StuWeb Events, or offered solely from our event partners. 

11. Refusal of entry 

11.1 StuWeb Events maintains the right to refuse or revoke entry to any entrant entirely at their discretion. 

12. Force Majeure "Force Majeure" means an act of God including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, windstorm or other natural disaster; act of any sovereign including but not limited to war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power or confiscation, nationalisation, requisition, destruction or damage to property by or under the order of any government or public or local authority or imposition of government sanction embargo or similar action; terrorism; law, judgment, order, decree, embargo, blockade, labour dispute including but not limited to strike, lockout or boycott; interruption or failure of utility service including but not limited to electric power, gas, water or telephone service; failure of the transportation of any personnel equipment, machinery supply or material required by StuWeb Events for the provision of services pursuant to this Agreement, breach of contract by any essential personnel or any other matter or cause beyond the control of StuWeb Events. These terms and conditions will be dealt with under the law of England and Wales.

Start: 

The Boat Yard, Broad Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LJ

Finish: 

Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2JB 

Welcome to the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon 

Saturday 4th July 2026

The Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon offers runners a unique racing experience, the point to point style event starts in Wolverhampton and follows a gently undulating traffic free route via canal towpaths to Birmingham City Centre. Since its inception in 2008 the race has been gradually growing and now attracts in excess of 1000 runners each year. 

We hope that you have a great day

Stuart, Phil and the Team

Race Information

Race numbers / Timing chips

Race bibs are posted out between 2 weeks and 1 day prior to the event.

Please remember to bring your number to the event! No number = no chip = no time. It should be pinned (4 safety pins) to the front of your running top or number belt – please DO NOT block/damage the chip – behind the foam on the reverse of the number.

***Please write your personal details on the back of your race number in case of an emergency*** 

 

As a general note of reference – The timing chip is the foam on the back of your number.  Chip timing systems can miss your time if you cover the chip – including with your forearm while starting/ stopping your watch! So cross the start mat take 2 or 3 steps then start your watch – and do the same at the finish to stop your watch. Equally, front worn water bottles, gel filled bum bag etc. are strongly discouraged for this reason.

There’s Light At The End Of The Tunnel!

 

Getting to the venue

The race is set in a point to point format, as such your start and finish venues are 13.1miles apart. Both venues are highly accessible via public transport, the start line is a 3 minute walk from Wolverhampton Railway Station and will be signposted on race day. 

The finish line is a 10 minute walk from Birmingham New Street or Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Stations, all stations have excellent national and local connections and we recommend arriving via public transport if possible. If you decide to drive you will need to park close to the start or the finish then use trains or trams to transport yourself back to your car. There are regular trains between Birmingham and Wolverhampton; please visit National Rail for tickets and prices, alternatively the Metro runs every 10 minutes between the two cities. Please note that if you do decide to drive you will need to pay for parking in Wolverhampton or Birmingham.

Arrival times

• If you have received your race pack please do not arrive earlier than 30 minutes before your assigned wave

• If you have registered but not received your race pack please arrive at least 45 minutes before your assigned wave

 

Registration and Information Desk

This desk will be open from 07:00 until 12:00 for any enquiries and late entry registrations. If you have already received your race pack in the post there is no need for you to visit the registration desk on race day unless you have a query.  

Late entries are £45.00. Please note that on the day entries will only be put into waves from 10:15 onwards. 

 

Start Facilities

There will be toilets and water available for competitors but no changing facilities so please come prepared. There is a baggage drop off, which will be transferred to the finish line for you to collect at the end of your race. There will also be a coffee van on site for that last minute fix or for spectators to enjoy! 

 

Baggage Drop

The baggage van will be located at the start venue close to the registration desk. There is a bag tag system in operation – collect at the bag van - which can be fixed to any smallish bag that you wish to leave. (No Crown Jewels Please!) The bags will then be transported to the finish line at Brindley Place. Please note we can only allow one bag per competitor. If you require additional items transporting e.g. bikes there will be an additional £5 surcharge.

 

Wave starts

Due to the nature of the course runners will start in waves of up to 100. You are assigned to a wave based on your predicted finish time for safety/logistical reasons. You must start in your assigned wave; you will not be allowed to start in an earlier wave. You will be called approximately 10 minutes before your allotted time, and you will then be briefed and walked to the start line.

• Please note that if you enter the race after June 27th you may be allocated any wave with spare capacity.

• Please wait for the start “caller” to call your wave – do not just join a queue!

• There is no parking at the start venue itself so do allow time to get from the station or car parks.

 

Elite athletes

Due to the time trial format of the race we ask that any athlete that believes they may place in the overall rankings of the event (1st/2nd/3rd) to start in the elite waves. These would be male athletes with an estimated finish time of under 01:25:00 or females with a time of 01:50:00. Remember that if you are not in the elite wave you cannot win an elite prize even if you have a faster time.

Withdrawing during race

If you decide to withdraw from the event before the finish, make your way to the nearest marshal who will direct you to the nearest meeting point. We will run collections from the meeting points for the duration of the race. However, there may be a wait while the vehicle gets to you.

 

Headphones

Due to the nature of the course (close proximity to water, narrow towpaths, dark tunnels) we insist that all athletes must be able to hear instructions from marshals or other runners, otherwise it creates a risk for you, other competitors and other path users. For this reason we strongly recommend that runners do not wear headphones. Bone conductor earphones are permitted though.

 

Weather and Footwear

Check the weather forecast prior to the event. If it rains the course will, no doubt, have muddy puddles and some slippery areas so do take care. If the weather is to be hot ensure that sun cream is used and sufficient hydration supplies are consumed.  NB – This is not a “spikes” course.

Footwear is down to individual style, the course ranges from ‘Tarmaced’ surfaces, cobbles, gravel, grass, concrete, (mud or soil). 

 

The course

The surface of the tow-paths varies along the course from gravel, grass/trail/cobbles to paved so wear appropriate footwear for multi - terrains. The route is a public right of way and therefore open to other users, Be courteous and considerate to anyone you encounter. The towpath is quite narrow in places so run in single file away from the canal, if you need to overtake simply shout a friendly warning and overtake on the canal side, if someone asks to pass you please move away from the canal to allow them to overtake. 

 

Remember that the runner you are passing will be focused on their own race so you may need to call a few times, it is up to you to choose appropriate passing places. The course will have marshals at key points, clear directional signs and mile markers. 

 

Please take care of running near the canal – it is likely possible to stand up if you do fall in, make your way to a low point that is then easier to climb out from!

 

Coseley Tunnel is at circa 3 miles and is long and quite dark. It is solid under foot and has a handrail. If you are super nervous about this 640 metre long tunnel – carry a small torch or use your phone torch.

 

CLOSURE – there is a short section of towpath that has been closed around Spon Lane – we have a straightforward diversion in place but this adds a little distance to our slightly long “half” -  (sorry!).

 

Please do not litter the course!

 

Drink stations

Drinks stations will be located at around 3 mile intervals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 miles. Each drink station will offer water and electrolyte in cups. Littering will not be tolerated – runners must dispose of waste in the bins provided or leave it with a marshal.

 

The Finish

The finish is located in Brindley Place. The finish line itself is on an area just off the canal towpath round a slight R/H bend; please look out for the Yellow Lego Giraffe on the left side of the canal – you are moments from the finish! The finish line is quite restricted so we do ask people to keep moving through it and collect your medal! After finishing, follow the signage to collect your goody bag and baggage from the baggage point. Water will also be available at the finish. And the coffee shops / pubs are open! There are no showers available.

Results

Your results will be based on your ‘chip time’ which is the time you cross the start line to the time you cross the finish line. Your results will be available immediately at the finish and will be posted online within 24 hours of the race. Look for the gazebo in the corner of the area where the finish line is.

 

First Aid

First aid services will be provided by RTC Medical. They will have staff positioned throughout the course and at the finish line. If you have an issue on the course please alert the nearest marshal and they will alert the medical team.

 

 Finally

Thank you for taking the time to read this information, we look forward to welcoming all athletes, spectators and supporters to the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon. We very much hope that you enjoy your experience racing with us and good luck. 

 

Phil, Stu and the crew!