The Birmingham Walkathon is back!

Birmingham based charity, Help Harry Help Others has joined forces with former BRMB Director and original event visionary, David Bagley, to bring back the famous Birmingham Walkathon. Happening on Sunday 2nd April 2023, the Birmingham Walkathon will see Brummies pounding the pavements of the city to raise much needed funds for local charities.

The idea to revive the popular Birmingham Walkathon came from Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others; the cancer support charity which was initially created by local lad Harry Moseley who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2011, aged just 11 years old. Harry wanted to bring people together and make a difference to all those affected by cancer. Harry's Mom, Georgie made Help Harry Help Others a registered charity in 2012 and it continues to support cancer patients and their families today. Georgie wanted to bring the famous Walkathon back as an annual event for Brummies to feel motivated and connected.

The Walkathon, which started in 1983 and last took place in 2013, will offer participants three route options to complete, ensuring all ages and abilities are able to get involved. The first option will be the full number 11 bus route, 26 miles starting and finishing at either Kings Heath Park or Rookery Park. There is also the 11 mile route and a new, fully inclusive option which will comprise of one, three or five laps around Kings Heath Park.

Over the years the walk has attracted, on average, 10,000 people annually and has raised over £5 million pounds to date. The Walkathon, which was created by David Bagley, also aims to reduce isolation and tackle loneliness, by creating a ‘Buddy check in area’ for people attending alone. The specially developed area means those individuals can meet others in the same situation and hopefully walk together and form lifelong friendships.

The inaugural Walkathon had over 25,000 people taking part, raising a substantial £250,000 for the Birmingham Mencap charity. This enabled the charity to refurbish two properties into full-time residential facilities, helping to improve the lives of a number of mentally and physically challenged youngsters.

The Walkathon will be raising much needed funds for Help Harry Help Others, Birmingham Children's Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, All Making A Difference and Birmingham Mind.

Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others, said “An event like the Birmingham Walkathon is exactly what Help Harry Help Others is about and a fabulous way to honour my Harry. The aim of the Walkathon is to re-engage the community, boost community spirit, support post pandemic mental health issues and raise much needed funds; not only for HHHO but other amazing West Midlands charities too.”

David Bagley continues, “I’m delighted to see the Walkathon coming back to Birmingham and to be a part of this wonderful event once again, especially at a time when charities like Help Harry Help Others need to raise funding more than ever. Birmingham is filled with fabulous communities and I can’t wait to see them come together and achieve something that will have such a positive impact.”

How to get involved in the Birmingham Walkathon:

Take part - Register for the walk you would like to complete by signing up here