Don't Delay, Join the Relay

On your marks, get set….From solicitors to students, bankers to builders, school kids to mums and dads, Birmingham folk are being encouraged to slip on their running shoes this summer.

The University of Birmingham's Corporate Relay Challenge returns to Edgbaston on July 9 and participants now have the opportunity to register their place at the event.

The three relay races for male, female and mixed teams each span one mile and will take place from 7pm on July 9. The event is open to every age and fitness level.

Last year's successful relays saw more than 70 teams participate, including BBC Midlands 

Today and Royal Mail, and now businesses and organisations in the city are being encouraged to take up the challenge and take on each other.

Bud Baldaro, UK Athletics marathon coach and head of athletics at the University, will be helping to coordinate the event.  He said: “The relay provides a great opportunity to build morale and team spirit. While there’s some healthy competition between rival companies, friends, colleagues and class mates, the event is really a bit of fun – with some teams last year discarding running gear in favour of fancy dress.

“The atmosphere last year was fantastic, it was a great event for the whole community and I’ve no doubt it will be bigger and better this year. It’s a manageable distance for everybody to take on so everyone can get involved.”

Runners pay £5 to enter with discounts for children’s teams, with goody bags for each competitor. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Lucy Hood at University Sport Birmingham on 01214142262, l.hood@bham.ac.uk or can download an entry form from www.sport.bham.ac.uk.

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Media information: Lucy Hood - PR, Media and Promotions Officer, University Sport Birmingham, tel: 0121 414 2662 / email: l.hood@bham.ac.uk

Notes to Editor:

Radio vs TV, Print vs digital - Journalists, producers, presenters and other members of the media can also put their best foot forward for charity. Any media teams wishing to participate should contact Lucy Hood.

Images of last year's event are available. Please contact Lucy Hood.

University of Birmingham: A sporting profile

Top 3 sporting university (measured by BUSA rankings)

A range of international athletes, including: Somto Eruchie ~ senior GB sprinter; Grant Baker ~ 4x400m World Junior medallist 2006; Julian Thomas ~ 200m European Junior silver medallist; Hannah England ~ 1500m world junior champs; 4th UK ranked senior at 800m; Louise Hazel ~ Heptathlon, senior debut at Euro Championships 2006; Frank Tickner ~ GB team, European and world x-country championships; Olivia Kenny ~ GB team, European x-country championships; Jon Pepper ~ GB team, European x-country championships

A range of current and former internationals including Paul Manning (cyclist), Naomi Folkard (archery), Adam Pengelli (skeleton bob), Allison Curbishley (400m), Tom Bertram (hockey), Victor Ubogu (rugby union), Julie Crane (high jump), Shelley Newman (discus).

University Sport Birmingham is the brand name for all non-academic sport at Birmingham, including the Athletic Union. USB employs 70 staff + 80 coaches and has an annual turnover of £3.4m.  www.sport.bham.ac.uk