Bristol counts down to sold out AJ Bell Great Bristol Run

More than 20,000 runners will be taking part in this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, which is set to be the biggest ever Great Bristol Run with the half marathon, 10k and Family Run events sold out.

Taking in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, the 10k and half-marathon routes include a trip through the historic harbourside, past Castle Park and through Queen Square, with views along the Avon Gorge on the way. More music and entertainment than ever before includes a live finish-line DJ, on-course music and dedicated cheering zones, carrying participants all the way through to the celebratory après-run space in Millennium Square.

Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company, said: “Now bigger than ever, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is among the largest events of its kind in the UK. Bristol will be buzzing with the event’s high-energy, inclusive atmosphere and the huge welcome runners receive along the super-scenic course – with millions raised for charity.

“Whether they’re running for physical fitness, as a boost to their mental health, to feel part of a community or to raise funds for a special cause, we know the event means something to everyone taking part. We can’t wait to see our 20,000 runners and the tens of thousands of supporters cheering them on!”

Image: Runners at The Great Bristol Run in May 2023 

The day gets underway with the AJ Bell Great Bristol Family Run. Held in partnership with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, the run is a mile-long course open to runners aged three and above. With Wallace and Gromit cheering runners on at the start line, this year’s theme is ‘Finding Your Superpower’, with participants encouraged to take part in superhero-themed fancy dress.

This year’s event includes the fourth annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge, the first dedicated race in the UK for blind and partially sighted runners. Taking part this year is Naqi Rizvi, who lost his eyesight as a child, but has gone on to live a highly active, busy life, enjoying a range of sports – including his status as a world champion tennis player – while balancing a successful career in finance. The event is bolstered by the fantastic guide runners who accompany the blind or partially sighted runners.

Highlights of runners from this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run also include:

• Nearly 100 runners will take on the 10k for local charity Star Scheme. Through the sport of rugby, the charity aims to make a difference in the lives of young people who have adverse childhood and community experiences (ACEs), poverty or mental health issues.
• Members of the running group Vegan Runners who are celebrating the club’s 20th anniversary this year!
• 64 runners from around the country are taking part to raise funds for the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association, which supports female veterans.
• Love Running, a mass entry with 200+ runners into the 10k to raise funds for the poor, the oppressed and needy. The group was started by Philip Jinadu from Woodlands Church in central Bristol.
• Runners out to support and fundraise for local Bristol charity Baby Bank Network, which provides pre-loved baby essentials for families experiencing poverty or crisis.
• The half marathon will see members of the Left Handed Giant (LHG) Run Group, Bristol's modern and progressive brewery and popular running club. LHG will also lead the now sold out first ever shakeout run with Great Run this Saturday. 

Plus:

• Amanda Palmer, from Congresbury, together with her daughter, who is running to raise funds and awareness for Cure Parkinson’s. Amanda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in December 2021 aged 47 years-old.
• The NO BS running group, set up by Will Far, this local running club is focused on running for mental health and is raising funds for Bristol Mind. Having found running to be beneficial to his own mental health, Will wanted to create a club that’s “simply a nice, interesting group of people who are joining to be social rather than focusing on performance.”
• 17-year-old Louise Hunter who received care at Bristol Children's Hospital a number of times throughout her childhood. She will take part in the half marathon to raise funds for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
• Also raising funds for the cause is a group of paediatric doctors at the hospital, who have been doing hill rep sessions on St Michael’s Hill in preparation. including Dr Natasha Smallwood. She said: “We all love running and the Great Bristol Run is a great way to build some team spirit while getting fitter and raising money for a fantastic cause.”
• Phil Hardwell, from Yate, is a heart transplant recipient who is taking part in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run half marathon for the second time since receiving his new heart.
• Deanna Trace is taking on her first half marathon and her first major running event to raise funds for local Bristol charity Young and Free, a befriending service for adults with physical and sensory impairments.
• Holly Tilt, a keen runner, is making her comeback one year after sustaining a serious head injury. Holly says: “Running has the power to create real change in your life and sometimes you don’t realise it’s happening. It’s a joy for me and an anchor. After not being able to benefit from the power of running for awhile, I’m even more grateful for it now.”
• Ben Cheshire, Landlord at The Coronation pub in Southville, Ben Cheshire will be running as ‘Beer Jesus’. Ben took part in the 10k as ‘Beer Jesus’ last year and is back to take on the half marathon to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK in memory of his late father. His costume is a nod to his role at The Coronation. He says: “I have long hair and a beard and my costume includes cans of some of the non-alcoholic beers I sell at the pub. So if any of my customers come along to support me, I’ll be easy to spot!”

Last minute places

Anyone looking for a last-minute place at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run can sign up on behalf of the following charities:

• Star Scheme
• Pandas Foundation
• Big Yellow Foundation
• United Kingdom for UNHCR
• Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire
• Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

However, these spaces are also going quickly, so be sure to sign up fast: www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/#charities. 

2025 Reminders

Sign up for updates and the team will notify you when entries open for the 2025 AJ Bell Great Bristol Run: www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/