University of Birmingham student running 3k in Old Joe-inspired drag and heels

Clem Atkins, a third year English literature PhD student at the University of Birmingham, is running the campus’ annual 3k in Old Joe inspired full drag attire.

The run, which takes place as part of UoB’s Xtra programme, is taking place on the 11th June and sees both students and staff running around the leafy campus.

Dubbing the 3k the “Bold Joe” run, Clem was initially inspired by watching an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK during which the queens were tasked with creating a drag look representing their hometown; Clem expressed to his partner the idea of a look replicating the university’s infamous clock tower.

This idea became a reality when Clem’s manager agreed to his suggestion to dress as Old Joe during his shift on Pride, leading to Clem’s first experience of hand-making an outfit by himself.

From learning to use a sewing machine to hunting down brick fabric, no effort was spared in creating the bespoke Old Joe look. Clem also sourced many of the materials from local sellers, making the outfit a labour of his love for Birmingham after moving to the city 10 years ago. The finished look includes a pride flag on a cocktail stick on the top of the tower as well as a brass bell hanging inside. Clem has certainly done Old Joe proud.

Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, Clem also decided to create a fundraiser for the Birmingham LGBT Centre as a positive way to channel his feelings into something meaningful. The charity raises awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s needs to the wider Birmingham network, helping to promote opportunities and provide support.

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Alongside his studies, Clem works as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador in the College of Arts and Law and has previously raised money for the charity Refuge by completing the Solihull 10k.

Indeed, running in drag has changed the way Clem has trained for the event. He claims he has focused more on endurance rather than speed and has received tips off a yoga instructor on maintaining ankle strength while preparing for the run. Fortunately, Clem has had experience in running dressed up as he has previously ran a 2k in steel chainmail armour alongside UoB’s Battle Re-enactment Society. Clem says the run “was as tough as it sounds” and was instructed by an organiser to “come in sportswear next time”. A lesson Clem has perhaps not learnt.

For those like me who struggle to even walk in heels, The Birmingham Tab asked Clem for his top tips in styling out the treacherous trot. When starting out in heels, Clem advises to prioritise comfort over height and recommends a wedge shoe or blocky platform heel. Blister plasters are also a must! Nevertheless, we think we’ll leave running in heels to the professionals.

Clem has even caught the attention of UoB’s Sport and Fitness mascot, Rory the Lion. The race’s organiser has asked Clem if he would like to join Rory in setting the contestants off before joining the race himself.

Clem’s fundraiser has raised over £700 but the self-proclaimed “femmebodiment” of Old Joe is hoping to reach £800. And, with the blisters Clem will be dealing with after the 3k, he clearly deserves to hit this target.

You can donate to Clem’s fundraiser and find out more about the Birmingham LGBT Centre’s work here.