On countdown to my second ever half marathon on the 24th Oct, just a check to find out if anybody else has signed up for the Birmingham Half Marathon.

I believe the route has changed slightly from last year and looking at the official route there's an 'enjoyable' longish incline at around 10-11 miles heading up to Five Ways as well as the running underneath two main underpasses, followed by a flat finish down Broad St just perfect for that sprint to the line. I read that pink fairies holding hands got in the way of some runners last year, nothing sadder than a trampled and broken pink fairy lying in the gutter.

I'm aiming for a 1:30 finish but be happy with anything under 1:40 which was my first and only HM in Coventry in May.

I am also doing a 'tune up' 10k race in Nottingham on the 10th Oct in preparation for Brum as the back's good now but I'll keep the sellotape just in case, now where are those wings?

Good to hear that Helen, when the organisers get their act together with the race packs, I'll let you know my race number.

You'll be ok Peter, I had worked all around that area for 30 years and know the route quite well. It's a pity you cannot run underneath the Bristol St underpass as I think that will be the tester as you are not only having to run up a reasonable gradient but it also carries on until it flattens out (watch out for the speed cameras) then you have to do a left turn at the traffic lights with some more incline but not as steep all the way back up to the Hagley Road.

Remember to save a bit for the Five Ways underpass, after which it should be plain sailing for the sprint finish!!!

Got my race pack today, number 262 and colour black as I stated a 1:30 finish. I assume the sticky small number is to put on your bag if storing it, otherwise I'm at a loss to where to put it.

Flippin' eck Peter, 4 hours you going round twice?

Just done Birmingham HM today,my first HM.Did lots of training for it during the Summer and on those cold autumn nights.Religiously recorded my times on various routes ranging from 5 miles to 10 miles,the only thing that kept me going was the thought of sprinting (o.k walking quiet fast) down Broad st with the multitudes cheering me on to a magnificent and emotional end whilst striding proudly over the finish line in a time of under 2hrs.That was the dream.Unfortunatly the reality was getting stuck 10 meters just past the start line for 2 minutes standing still whilst waiting for runners to negotiate the Bottle neck at the start of the race,And as for my Triumphant end, having to queue for 5 mins to walk over the finish in my chipped time of 2hrs 1 min.I am from Birmingham and i am embarrased to say this type of organisation could only happen in Birmingham. Maybe next year.Maybe Not!

Dont be too hard on the event Christopher, bottle necks like this seem to be common place in my experience. I've only run 2 half marathons personally but have heard many similar stories happening at other events.

Best thing to do is pick yourself up and start training for another one.

2hours is still a very respectable time for your first half marathon.

I suppose your right Craig, just a bit of frustration coming out.I'll take your advice & start training for another one but i think i'll have a couple of days rest first!

Great atmosphere shame about the start although I didn't witness the stack up at the finish as I come in just under 1:34 and the line was clear for a concentrated sprint which looked more like a stagger to the line. Anyone encountered those three numpties with linked arms near the start? and did they survive the onslaught of runners bearing down upon them.