The Final Countdown is impending for the thousands of Midlands music lovers taking part in this year’s Great Birmingham 10k run.

More than 6,000 people have now signed up to take part and entries are still open for the city’s annual 10k, which takes place on Sunday, May 1.

If music is a running motivator, the Great Birmingham 10k is the perfect event. Participants can strut their stuff across the start line to a choice of tunes and special warm-up routines from the 70s, 80s, 90s or present day.

And fancy dress runners are in for a treat with a VIP hotel-stay prize on offer for this year’s most creative outfits.

Legendary reggae band UB40 are honorary starters for this year’s 10k and will be firing the starting pistol for the thousands of runners on Jennens Road.

Music is at the heart of this year’s run with more bands and performers than ever along the route. The run starts an hour later than last year to give people plenty of time to travel into the city centre and enjoy the party atmosphere.

There’s also a football flavour with stars Geoff Horsfield and Richard Sneekes signed up to take part.

They’ll be joined by Birmingham-born TV and radio host Adrian Chiles and Warwickshire and England cricketer Jonathan Trott.

More than 30 Midlands companies are playing their part by taking part in the Business Challenge to compete for fastest-time trophies and encourage team spirit in the office or factory, while raising thousands for chosen charities.

And grass-roots football teams can take on the Midlands elite in the Ding Dong Derby Cup, after Villa, Blues, Albion, Wolves, Walsall and Coventry all entered teams of physios, ex-players and training staff.

David Hart, Communications Manager for the Great Run events, said: “With a month to go this year’s Great Birmingham 10k is shaping up to be the best yet.

“The music, the football, the fancy dress; it’s all adding up to a great day for Birmingham’s 10k runners or walkers.”

Sign up for the Great Birmingham 10k by visiting www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-10k