A team of five colleagues at Business West took part in the half-marathon and 10k at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run on Sunday 19 May.

Among those running is Marketing Executive Sam Harrison, who is running the half marathon for the third time.

“As a keen distance runner, I consider this my home race that I try to do every year,” he says. “I love the energy, the atmosphere and the scenery on the route.”

Sam first took up running during the pandemic.

“As a new father who had suddenly lost access to the gym, I was feeling a bit lost and, where my health had been a priority, now it was the health of my new family. Once restrictions relaxed to allow us to get out a bit more, I took up running after finding some great advice videos on YouTube. Speed was never a huge goal for me, I was always excited about just how far my legs can take me.”

Sam has since run multiple marathons and two ultramarathons. 

“Running has given me so much, the sense of achievement from pushing myself over the long distances, a new group of friends at my local parkrun and the ability to chase my son around for as long as he wants. In fact, he often gets tired before I do!”

Also joining the Business West runners is Project Coordinator, Chloe Barratt, who will be running the 10k for the second year in a row. 

“I ran the Great Bristol Run last year and really enjoyed it so I thought it would be a fun and active thing to do with colleagues this year,” explains Chloe.

“I know I feel better when I’m exercising and getting outdoors regularly. The longer days also help when it comes to training!”

Teresa Creese, PA to the Managing Director, also took part in the Great Bristol Run last year and loved the atmosphere and the feeling of being part of a team.

“I’ve been into running since I was very young, at around 9 years old,” she says. “I really want to enjoy the atmosphere again this year and beat my time from last year if I can!”

Joining Sam, Chloe and Teresa on the Business West team is Director of Responsible Business, Jessica Vallentine, who was motivated to take part by having a goal to work towards.

“Having the race as a deadline is so helpful,” she says. “Inertia is a killer for me so this gives me the boost I need to get my shoes on and start training.”

Jessica first got into running in high school when she competed in cross country events.

“That started back in 1994, so I guess you could say I’ve been into running for 30 years, but there’s been a lot of fallow periods in that time! Ultimately though, if I’m going to do a sport, running is the one for me.”

For Jessica, the power of running is its accessibility and the endorphin boost it brings.

“All you need to run is a good pair of shoes – and for many, a supportive training bra! The endorphin high is for real. Running is a great way to get the body moving and the heart pumping.”

Chloe adds: “The power of running is the feeling I get. I feel so happy and alive, especially post-run, it makes me feel very grateful I’m able to move my body and challenge myself.”

Inspired to enter a company team in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 2025? To find out more about the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run Business Challenge works, visit: www.greatrun.org/business-challenge