Birmingham bishop won't have flowing robes in half-marathon
The Bishop of Birmingham will be running in a half-marathon through the city on Sunday – but he'll be in his running gear, not his robes.The Right Reverend Dr Michael Volland, who will be among 16,000 people taking to the streets for the sold-out Great Birmingham Run, is a keen runner and surfboarder and is currently training for his 17th ultramarathon.His first taste of running was when he was at school but he said he didn't start properly until he was in his mid-40s."I like the sense of freedom that comes from just leaving your house and running down the street," he said. "I value the space."
Dr Volland said that after a run, he feels more mentally alert, has a sense of inner peace and calm, and is "generally more joyful".Encouraging other people to take up running, he said: "You don't have to run far or fast. Even 20 minutes down the road and back can be a positive thing and will make a difference."
'Amazing energy'
The clergyman's run this year will raise money for charity Thrive Together Birmingham which, he said, does "a brilliant job of supporting people on the margins".Dr Volland issued a picture showing him holding pink, white and black trainers and wearing matching clerical attire, but he said: "I will be aiming for a reasonable time, so will be in my running gear and not my robes!"Organisers said the race had sold out after thousands of participants, from first-time runners to experienced half-marathoners took up the challenge.The route starts at Centenary Square and visits areas including the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul's Square, the Mailbox, Grand Central, Edgbaston and Cannon Hill Park.Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said: "Birmingham has an amazing energy and the support on the streets is always second to none."
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
16-05-2025
- BBC News
BBC Sport extends free broadcast rights for Great North and Manchester Runs
BBC Sport and The Great Run Company have agreed a new deal to keep the iconic Great North Run and Great Manchester Run, free-to-air for audiences across the UK. Audiences can continue to enjoy comprehensive and inspiring coverage of these events on BBC live network TV, iPlayer, and BBC Sport's website and social channels. The Great Manchester Run will be broadcast across BBC Sport platforms with this year's event taking place this Sunday with more than 35,000 runners coming together to celebrate Manchester's vibrant community spirit. Coverage will air live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11am. For the first time, BBC Sport will also offer a dedicated digital stream, capturing the emotional moments as participants cross the finish line. This new feature will allow viewers to follow the progress of individual runners and share in their personal victories. BBC Morning Live and the Great Run Company have also teamed up to give audiences the opportunity to run a bespoke 5K race as part of the Great Manchester Run. After championing the NHS/BBC Sport Couch to 5K programme since the start of the year, Dr Punam, alongside other members of the Morning Live team will be running the race, for a film to broadcast on Morning Live on Monday 19 May. You can also listen to Dr Punam on the brand new Couch to 5K Podcast on 19 May. BBC Sport will continue its long-standing coverage of the Great North Run, broadcasting the iconic event from 2025 through 2028. A cornerstone of the North East's sporting calendar, the Great North Run brings powerful stories and unforgettable moments to viewers across the UK. This year's race takes place on Sunday, 7 September. Broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the event. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: 'BBC Sport not only tells stories of elite sport, but it's also to inspire people to get involved. We're proud to showcase the Great North Run and the Great Manchester Run. They are more than just races; they are powerful celebrations of determination, resilience and inspirational homegrown stories that bring people together.' Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company says: 'The BBC's commitment to the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run goes back decades, and over that time almost 2m people have taken part in these events. Our events celebrate people and communities, and the BBC brings their stories to the nation. In partnership with BBC Sport, we will continue to celebrate our participants' achievements, inspiring new runners, and amplifying the positive impacts of running on people's lives.' BBC Sport's extensive athletics rights portfolio includes the Olympic Games, European Athletics Championships, World Athletics Championships, international Diamond League events and London Marathon Events to 2030. CF
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Man, 28, dies suddenly after collapsing during Great Bristol Run half marathon
RUNNING TRAGEDY Man, 28, dies suddenly after collapsing during Great Bristol Run half marathon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN has died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run half marathon. Jon Devereux, a 28-year-old runner collapsed during the event on Sunday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Jon Devereux collapsed during a half marathon in Bristol Credit: Getty His cause of death is unknown. A statement from the Great Run Company said: "It is with great sadness that The Great Run Company confirms the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday, 11 May 2025. "Jon Devereux, aged 28, collapsed during the event, received immediate medical treatment, and later passed away in hospital. "His next of kin have been informed. "The entire team involved in organising the Great Bristol Run extends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Devereux's family and friends. "In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released. "The cause of death will be determined later, pending medical examination."
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Man, 28, dies after suddenly collapsing during Great Bristol Run half marathon
A man has died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run half marathon in the city. The 28-year-old runner collapsed during the half marathon on Sunday and received medical attention. Jon Devereux was then taken to hospital where he later died. His next of kin have been informed. Mr Devereux's cause of death is not known at this time. A statement from The Great Run Company said: 'It is with great sadness that The Great Run Company confirms the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday, 11 May 2025. 'Jon Devereux, aged 28, collapsed during the event, received immediate medical treatment, and later passed away in hospital. 'His next of kin have been informed. 'The entire team involved in organising the Great Bristol Run extends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Devereux's family and friends. 'In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released. 'The cause of death will be determined later, pending medical examination.' Thousands of runners took to the city's streets for the half marathon and 10k events yesterday.
