Your Fun Run Guide
Everything you need to know before the day – from arrival information and assembly zones to route details, road closures, and what to expect throughout the event.
Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, the Royal Sutton Fun Run is all about enjoying the day, supporting local charities, and being part of the community.
📮 Race Pack Not Arrived? 📮
Don’t worry if your race pack hasn’t arrived in time for the event.
Simply visit the Information Unit in The Parade on Sunday morning, where our team will be happy to issue you with a replacement race number so you can take part as planned.
We look forward to seeing you at the start line!
Do NOT worry if your Bib Number and Timing Tag Number do not match. Our system automatically maps your Timing Tag details to your Bib Number within our event software.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Parking is available across Sutton Town Centre, with car park locations clearly highlighted on the Town Centre map below. Please allow extra time for arrival and walking to your assembly area before the start of the event.
Several roads along the route will be closed from 10am onwards. Please check closures before travelling to avoid delays. More details are included below.
Please complete the emergency contact and any medical details on the reverse of your RUN NUMBER before attending.
There are no bag drop or changing facilities available, please arrive ready to take part.
Please take part at your own pace and listen to your body throughout the event. If you feel unwell or require assistance, contact a marshal or medical team – support will be available along the route and at the finish area.
Everyone taking part must wear their Royal Sutton Fun Run Number
For safety reasons, Junior entrants must start in South Parade
No roller skates, scooters or motorised vehicles (or similar) permitted
Please ensure you wear suitable clothing and appropriate footwear
WHAT TO WEAR
Please ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear on the day of the event. As the Royal Sutton Fun Run takes place outdoors, participants should dress appropriately for the forecast on the day. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended in warm weather, while layers may be advisable in cooler or wet conditions.
Supportive running or walking shoes are strongly recommended, and fancy dress outfits should be safe, practical, and not restrict movement or visibility. Please also remember to stay well hydrated and to consider sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses, if hot weather is expected.
WARM WEATHER ADVICE ☀️
With warm weather expected on Fun Run day, we kindly ask all participants to take extra care and prepare accordingly. Please wear suitable clothing and appropriate footwear, and if taking part in fancy dress, ensure your outfit is suitable for the heat and allows you to stay safe, comfortable, and hydrated throughout the event.
Hot Weather & Dogs – Important Advice for Participants 🐶☀️
With warm weather expected on Fun Run day, we kindly ask all participants bringing dogs to carefully consider their welfare before taking part.
The RSPCA advises that dogs can quickly overheat during exercise in warm conditions, and hot tarmac can also cause painful burns to their paws.
Please ensure your dog has access to plenty of water, opportunities to rest in shaded areas, and avoid pushing them beyond what is safe and comfortable.
If, on the day, you decide it is too warm or unsafe for your dog to take part, they can still receive their Royal Sutton Fun Run medal at the finish line – simply show The Cookes Team a photo of their bib number.
Your dog’s safety and well-being should always come first 💙
ASSEMBLY ZONE
To help ensure a safe and smooth start for all participants, dedicated assembly areas will be in place across Sutton Town Centre on the day of the event.
Participants are asked to make their way to the correct assembly point in good time before the event begins. Clearly signed areas and event marshals will be available throughout the town center to help direct runners, walkers, junior participants, and support teams.
Separate assembly zones are in place for adults, juniors, disabled participants, helpers, fun vehicles, and dog walkers to help manage the start safely and comfortably for everyone taking part.
Please check your designated assembly area before arriving and allow extra time for parking, walking, and finding your start location. We recommend arriving early to avoid congestion and to enjoy the atmosphere before the event gets underway.
Juniors MUST start in South Parade for safety reasons. If walking, participants are encouraged to position themselves towards the back of the assembly area.
TOWN CENTRE MAP
DURING THE RUN
Please stay hydrated throughout the event by making use of the three water stations along the route and the drinks station at the finish.
Toilets are available in the Town Centre and along the route.
Follow marshal instructions at all times. For everyone’s safety, only bone-conducting headphones are permitted so participants can hear marshal instructions at all times.
Please take part at your own pace and seek assistance from a marshal or medical team, if needed.
YOUR 8.5 MILE ROUTE
The Royal Sutton Fun Run route takes participants through Sutton Park and surrounding areas, featuring scenic parkland sections, water stations, and timed checkpoints along the course.
Participants should take care, as some road surfaces may be uneven in places.
ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, temporary road closures will be in place across parts of Sutton Coldfield during the Royal Sutton Fun Run.
Closures will begin from 10am on key sections of the route, with some town centre roads closed earlier to allow for event setup and safety preparations.
We kindly ask residents, visitors, and local businesses to plan journeys in advance and allow additional travel time where possible.
Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times, and trained marshals will be positioned throughout the route to assist with traffic management and pedestrian crossings.
We appreciate your patience and support while the event takes place — every closure helps create a safe and enjoyable experience for thousands of runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters taking part on the day.
Thank you for helping us make the Royal Sutton Fun Run another fantastic community event.
The following closures will be in place during the event –
From 4am – 5pm
Lower Parade
South Parade
From 10am – 4pm
Mill Street
High Street
Lichfield Road
From 10am – 12:30pm
Anchorage Road
Upper Clifton Road
Somerville Road
Monmouth Drive
Stonehouse Road
From 10am – 3pm
Four Oaks Road
AT THE FINISH
Receive your commemorative medal presented by
Keep moving and head to the final drinks station.
Remember to take your celebratory photos against our ‘Congratulations’ board, and please tag us on any social media.
COURSE TIMING
Your unique timing tag is attached to the back of your Royal Sutton Fun Run race number and will automatically record your official course time as you cross the start line.
To ensure accurate results, additional timing mats are positioned at key points along the route before your finish time is recorded at the end of the event.
For the first time this year, participant timings will be available online shortly after you complete the course, allowing runners and supporters to check results much sooner on race day. Please use the ‘Course Time’ link on our homepage.
While every effort is made to ensure accurate timing, unfortunately, we are unable to resolve timing queries during the event itself. If you believe there has been an issue with your result, please email team@sportstiming.plus, and our team will investigate and respond as soon as possible.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is at the heart of the Royal Sutton Fun Run, helping support local charities and voluntary organisations across Sutton Coldfield and beyond.
Every sponsorship contribution – large or small – helps make a real difference to community services and local causes.
Since 1982, the event has helped raise over £5.6 million for charity.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
The Royal Sutton Fun Run is proudly supported by an incredible network of local businesses, organisations and volunteers whose support helps make the event possible every year.
A huge thank you to all sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, medical teams, and supporters for helping create another fantastic community event.
Together, we’re making a real difference in our community.
Proudly in association with
