Action-packed AJ Bell Great Bristol Run returns to the city on 19 May
Bristol will host tens of thousands of runners from across the South West and beyond on Sunday, 19 May 2024 when the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run returns to the city’s streets.
With just three months to go, places are filling up quickly, as runners of a range of abilities and backgrounds sign up for the half-marathon, 10k and Family Run challenges. This year’s event will also include the fourth annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge, the first dedicated race in the UK for blind and partially sighted runners.
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. In response to feedback from participants at last year’s event, the course has been adjusted to avoid a large part of the cobbled running section on Welsh Back, creating a smoother route for runners.
A live finish-line DJ, on-course music zones and thousands of cheering spectators add to the buzzing atmosphere, carrying all the way through to the après-run zone in Millennium Square, an ideal spot to start post-run celebrations with family and friends.
The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is once again partnering with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal for this year’s Family Run, which will see budding runners aged three years-old and above take on a one-mile course. Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal is the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“A positive, inclusive atmosphere, with a uniquely Bristolian spirit throughout, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is an experience like no other. The beautifully scenic route, coupled with fantastic local support, helps to make this the best celebration of running in the South West,” said Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company.
“Whether they’re running for physical fitness, mental health, to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts – or simply to be a part of the inspiring community of runners who gather here every year – the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run draws entries from around the region and beyond. Places for this year’s event are being snapped up quickly and we’re counting down the weeks until we can welcome everyone to the city centre start line on 19 May.”
Among those running are members of Bristol Vegan Runners, part of a UK-wide athletics group that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Also taking part is a team running for STAR Scheme, a Bristol-based charity that aims to support young people to overcome adverse childhood and community experiences (ACEs) through the sport of rugby.
Foster added: “At Great Run, we know the power running has to make a positive impact on our lives in ways big and small, and that's why this year we're highlighting the power of running in our Great Run series campaign focusing on positive change achieved through running.
“This year we'll be celebrating local people, groups and communities coming together to be part of something bigger than themselves. Every single person who crosses the finish line is an expression of positivity, local pride, and personal achievement.”
To secure your place at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 2024 start line, visit: www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/
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