Royal Sutton Fun Run 2024 as thousands bake in the heat and spectators throng the streets and parkland

Summer has finally arrived and while thousands of spectators in Sutton Coldfield have been relaxing, many fun runners at the town’s annual run are coming out for a charity and community event. The Royal Sutton Fun Run returned to the streets and Sutton Park on Sunday (June 2) as almost 5,000 runners, including children and dogs, completed the hilly 8.5 mile course.

Crowds flocked to the start line to watch family and friends take part in the event, which has been running for more than 40 years and has raised more than £5 million for good causes while doing so. Lower Parade, where buses usually go, and the pedestrian parade beyond it, were packed with people as the High Sherriff of the West Midlands and McDonald’s franchisee, Doug Wright, kicked off the event at 11am.

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Some in colorful outfits such as lobsters, the ever-present leprechauns, a lion in the form of former CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and now interim head of The Kids Village Paul Faulkner, Rota Spa pulling a hot tub and Real Life Church with an elephant. There was even a bit of Harry Potter magic with one half of Sutton’s Weasley twins, James Phelps, attending the event with his colleagues to raise money for the Fragile Society – which helps people with Fragile X Syndrome, from who suffers one of his friend’s children. .

At the bottom of the fields were the big beasts in the shape of a fire crew carrying a fire truck. And a team of mailmen hauling a postal van around the course, which includes the infamous ‘Cardiac Hill’ near Four Oaks Gate – a steep incline up to 8.5 miles ready to sap your strength.

While event director Tracey Spare is keen to stress that the fun run is “not a race” – plenty of keen club runners beg to differ. Chief among them was Jonathan Carter – who crossed the finish line first on no fewer than six occasions – including the last three times after the pandemic.

The now 40-year-old from Erdington said it was “slower than last year” with the warm conditions not ideal for distance running. He also said that he “trained pretty hard this week.”

The Birmingham Running and Triathlon Club runner ran the event for GoodGym where he works. He said: “Crowds are always the best fun run and I loved the weather! But Cardiac Hill was tough.”

The second was appropriately named David Sutton – running for, you guessed it, Royal Sutton Coldfield Athletics Club. The 30-year-old, from Great Barr, said it was his “best result” after taking part a few times before. He praised the support at the top of Cardiac Hill – and agreed with Jonathan that this is the hardest part of the fun run.

Liam Harrold, finished third and ran close to home during the event which is in Jockey Road. The 35-year-old said: “I really enjoy the event and do it every year. This was the coolest one I’ve ever done.

“My little girl Gracie, 6, and little boy Finlay, 2, were supporting me with their mum and grandad. The hardest part was Cardiac Hill and the weather.”

The first woman to cross the line was Hayley Carruthers, but she disagreed with the men and found Cardiac Hill easy! The 31-year-old, who lives in Aldridge and runs for Tipton Harriers, came out on top at her first attempt at the fun run.

She said: “My aim was to start conservatively. My love, Perrie. joked: “I don’t rate you as a runner until you win the Sutton Fun Run.” So job done there!

Hayley added: “I loved the climbs. The descents were horrendous as they kill your quads. I loved Cardiac Hill. It gives you a mental boost because everyone comes back to you!”

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The second woman home was Elizabeth Watters, who runs for Birchfield Harriers. The 34-year-old, who has finished first a couple of times, including in 2022, said: “It was really hot. I liked every downhill and I didn’t like Cardiac Hill.”

After the first came a steady stream of runners crossing the finish line, some dressed in fancy dress from rubber rings to outfits full of red lobster – at least they won’t get sunburned under that! While some were running in memory of their loved ones and others were out with family, friends and their faithful four-legged friends.

Many were relieved to walk down Mill Street and cross the finish line into the Parade – where they received a coveted 2024 Royal Sutton Fun Run medal and could celebrate their achievement with a pint, an ice cream or just a good rest deserved.