Explore the The Village Green Bickenhill Loop - Unverified
Location: NEC, Birmingham
This is a lollipop-shaped route of just under 5 km, starting from the NEC. It’s entirely on paved surfaces so standard road shoes are fine. The 12m of total ascent means you can consider it completely flat, good for a tempo run or just spinning the legs out. It’s a practical option if you’re staying nearby for an event and need a straightforward, measured loop.
From the start point, you’ll head out across a pedestrian bridge. This outward leg, which you'll also run on the return, follows pavements alongside some busy roads, so expect traffic noise. The footing is consistent and predictable, allowing you to lock into a pace without worrying about the ground underneath. Navigation is simple, as you just follow the path before peeling off for the main loop.
The circular part of the route takes you past Bickenhill on quieter lanes. This section feels more removed from the main road system and has a semi-rural character for a short while. Once you complete the loop, you simply retrace your steps back along the main path and over the bridge to where you started. It’s a functional run when you need one, with no route-finding challenges.