Start 2021 on the right foot with a Run of the Mill Challenge

Iconic Birmingham landmark Sarehole Mill is encouraging Brummies to start the New Year on the right foot with a fun and physical challenge, Run of the Mill 21.

Inspired by Sarehole Mill – a 250-year-old watermill famous for its association with The Hobbit author JRR Tolkien – Run of the Mill 21 is a great way to get out and get fit at the start of 2021. Runners and walkers and are being challenged to complete 21km during the month of January and claim a specially-designed, limited edition #RunOfTheMill21 medal.

Sarehole Mill is one of nine fascinating Birmingham Museums sites across Birmingham. During the coronavirus pandemic the historic property has adapted its offering for the local community with a new shop and a bakery selling freshly-baked bread, treats and pizza. Run of the Mill 21 is Sarehole Mill’s second virtual fun run following a 5k challenge back in July 2020 which raised over £2500 for Birmingham Museums.

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Commercial Director at Birmingham Museums Trust said:

“Run of the Mill 21 is a great way to start the New Year as not only will it help banish the January blues and help people get fit and active it will also help raise vital funds for Birmingham Museums.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we’ve had an amazing response from the local community at Sarehole Mill who have visited the shop, bought baked goods and enjoyed pizza in our courtyard. However it’s still a very challenging time for Birmingham Museums, as the majority of our sites remain closed.

“Over 200 people took part in our first Run of the Mill in 2020 with one person even dressing as Gandalf and we hope more people will join in this time and start 2021 with some positivity.”

Anyone wishing to take part in Run of the Mill 21 should sign up via Birmingham Museums website. The entry fee is just £10, which will raise funds to support the work of Birmingham Museums to continue to care for the city’s historic venues and collection of over 1 million objects that tell the story of Birmingham and its people. Entrants can also go the extra mile and fundraise further by asking friends and family to sponsor them via Birmingham Museums’ Just Giving page.

There is no set route for Run of the Mill 21. Due to the new lockdown if you don’t live near Sarehole Mill you can still take part in the challenge in your own area. A completers medal can then be collected in person from Sarehole Mill at a later date.