5k Run Selly Oak: Scenic Journey Along Birmingham's Canals

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.1km out-and-back route offers a perfectly flat, fully paved escape through the heart of Birmingham’s historic canal network. Starting in Selly Oak and heading toward Edgbaston, runners can enjoy a seamless surface that is ideal for speed intervals or a steady recovery run. With only 12 meters of total ascent, this trail allows you to maintain a consistent rhythm as you pass the modern developments of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the scenic greenery bordering the University of Birmingham campus.

The Worcester and Birmingham Canal is a cornerstone of the city’s industrial heritage, dating back to the late 18th century. As you run this stretch, you are traversing what was once the "Venice of the North," a vital artery for transporting coal and chocolate. Today, the towpath has been revitalized into a premier urban corridor for local harriers and commuters alike. Keep an eye out for the colorful narrowboats moored along the banks and the diverse waterfowl that make this tranquil waterway their home, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets just a few meters away.