Great Bristol Run Half Marathon & 10K
The Great Bristol Run stages its half marathon and 10K on the streets surrounding Bristol’s harbourside each September. Both races start on Anchor Road, near We The Curious. The half marathon, a fixture since 1989 when approximately 1,000 participants competed, has since seen numbers rise to around 16,000. The course is flat, at sea level, and suitable for club runners aiming for a fast time, workplace teams, and individuals running for charity. Millennium Square functions as the runner’s village, positioning the event centrally within the city docks. The half marathon course begins on Anchor Road, proceeds towards Hotwells, passes beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and follows the Portway towards Sea Mills before returning. It then circles Cumberland Basin, runs along Spike Island, crosses Prince Street Bridge, goes around Queen Square, and heads towards Castle Park, passing St Mary Redcliffe and Temple Circus. The final section crosses the Old City and city centre before concluding on Anchor Road. The event has a notable history, having hosted the World Half Marathon Championships, attracting athletes like Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe, and has also served as a UK Athletics selection race and an Amateur Athletic Association championship. A business challenge was introduced to engage teams from Bristol companies, aligning with the race's evolution from a local half marathon to a significant city running event.
