Sandy Cawley is living proof that age is just a number. At 85 years old, she is preparing to take part in the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on May 3, after catching the running bug at the age of 70 when her son-in-law encouraged her to try a local Park Run.
Running for a Cause
Sandy is among 65 members of the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association participating in the event to raise funds for the organisation, which supports female veterans. Originally from Cumbria, Sandy discovered WRAC after her husband, Ewan, who served in the RAF, passed away in 2011.
She said: “I feel like the WRAC has saved me twice. It’s an unbelievable organisation and I wouldn’t have had the life I have if I hadn’t joined. There must be lots of ladies and girls out there who don’t know about the work it does and it would be amazing for them to join too.”
A Lifetime of Service
Sandy’s connection to the Armed Forces began when she joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps two days before her 19th birthday in 1959. She was later posted to Germany. After discovering a love for running relatively late in life, Sandy has been unstoppable, completing several 10Ks with the support of fellow WRAC runners.
She said: “It’s such a joy taking part in the Great Run events and when you make it over the finish line you feel 10 feet tall! So many different age groups take part, and everyone has such a great time.”
Fundraising and Support
As a disbanded corps, WRAC relies on donations and hopes to raise £6,000 for the WRAC Association and Fighting With Pride, which supports LGBTQ+ veterans affected by the Armed Forces ban on gay and lesbian servicemen and women. Sandy, alongside 65 other WRAC Lionesses, will take part wearing special T-shirts and carrying their iconic mascot, Mo Bear.
Event Details
The event starts at 8.30am, with the orange wave setting off first. The route features both inclines and declines, with some welcome downhill stretches in the second half of the half marathon, between miles eight and 13, and between five and eight kilometres in the 10km. Runners will pass some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, Mailbox and Grand Central, with ‘on-course showers’ offered along the way.
For those chasing a personal best, experienced pacers carrying banners will be positioned throughout the course. Great Run has also promised a wide range of live music, with an entertainment map included in race packs. Participants can also look forward to a new 2026 medal, designed to reflect Birmingham’s history and culture.
Charity Impact
Most importantly, races like the Great Birmingham 10K and half marathon raise essential funds for a variety of charities and organisations. Alzheimer’s Society Local Services Manager for Birmingham, Samantha Bradley said: “We’re so grateful to every runner taking part in the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society, the official charity partner of the AJ Bell Great Run Series 2026/27. With places still available for Birmingham, we would encourage anyone thinking of signing up to do so as money raised is so vital to our work.
“Dementia affects every generation and every community- and there are over 11,600 people living with the condition in Birmingham now. Generous donations will help Alzheimer’s Society to provide support, fund groundbreaking research and campaign to make dementia the priority it should be. Beating dementia will take a society, working together on the same team.”
To secure a last-minute place for the Junior & Mini Run, the 10K and half marathon, visit: www.greatrun.org/events/great-birmingham-run. To sign up to the race via Alzheimer’s Society visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/join-event/running/charity-runs. To donate to the WRAC Lionesses, visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/wrac-lionesses-birmingham-10k.
