Hot on the heels on the Bupa Great North Run in Newcastle, runners in Birmingham are now turning their thoughts to the city's own half-marathon.

It is now less than six weeks until the starting gun is fired by Commonwealth triathlon champion Jodie Stimpson on the latest chapter of Bupa Great Birmingham Run.

Last year, a record 20,000 runners took part in the event with similar numbers expected on October 19 in what will be Bupa's fourth year of association with the half-marathon.

Alongside the professionals and those running alone, there will be the Business Challenge for company teams of between four and eight people in male, female and mixed-sex teams.

Businesses already registered include recycling company EMC Europe, charity Caudwell Children, accountancy firm Bloomer Heaven and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Team members must be 16 years of age or over on race day and placings will be based on the accumulated first four finishing times in each team.

Every company that enters 12 or more employees will receive their own personalised company engraved plaque.

Prizes will be awarded to the first three teams in each category. To sign up for the Bupa Great Birmingham Run visit www.greatrun.org/birmingham and to enter a team in the Business Challenge go to www.greatrun.org/BusinessChallenges.