England cricketer Ian Bell and Olympic gold medallist Jodie Stimpson sounded horns to start the race.
About 20,000 people were expected to run the 13.1 mile course, which starts behind Centenary Square and finishes in Broad Street.
Kenyan Joel Kimutai finished first just after 11:15 BST with a time of 1:01:39.
Uganda's Thomas Ayeko, who won last year's race with a time of 1:02:33, finished fifth.
Polline Wanjiku was the first woman to cross the line with a time of 1:10:48.
Television presenter Andy Akinwolere and actress Mandip Gill were also due to take part.
The race has been held each year since 2008 and was originally called the Birmingham Half Marathon, before being renamed in 2011.
Thousands of people have been taking part in the Great Birmingham Run - the most popular half marathon in the Midlands.