Great Bristol Run launches two-day format for 2025
New ‘Super Saturday’ Junior & Mini event puts the spotlight on young runners
· Entries expected to sell out in advance after record year in 2024
2025 is here and The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is back and bigger than ever, with an exciting new two-day format that gives all runners a chance to shine.
An inclusive celebration of running for all ages and abilities, the Great Bristol Run takes over the city’s streets on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May. Whether you’re taking on your first 10k or conquering your 50th half marathon, this is the year to Be Your Greatest!
Thousands of runners from across the South West and beyond will hit the city’s streets, with the 10k and half-marathon routes taking in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, including a trip through the historic harbourside, past Castle Park and through Queen Square, with views along the Avon Gorge on the way.
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.
Record numbers are expected on the start line after 20,000 runners took part in 2024.
Brand new Junior & Mini event
Billed as ‘Super Saturday’, on 10 May the new Junior & Mini event will see Minis (aged 3-8) running a 1.5km loop and Juniors (aged 8-15) facing a 2.5k challenge. Both start and finish at College Green and will follow a city centre route taking in some of Bristol’s famous landmarks.
In previous years, the Great Bristol Run has held a Family Run event for runners aged three years and over, which raised tens of thousands of pounds for local and national charities over the years. The new Junior & Mini event replaces the Family Run, giving more opportunities for kids to take part in their own running challenge.
The Great Bristol Run will once again be partnering Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, to host the new Junior & Mini event.
“We’re delighted to be able to give Bristol’s Junior & Mini runs event an opportunity to take centre stage on Saturday as its own standalone event. This gives our younger runners their own time to shine the day before the main event, and we hope this will allow more families to take part without impacting their plans on the Sunday,” said Paul Foster, CEO at the Great Run Company.
“The move also frees up time in a packed Sunday schedule, which allows us to better cater for growing numbers in the 10km and half marathon distances. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of runners to the start line on Saturday 10th May.”
Stacey Vincent, from Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal added:
“The Great Bristol Run has always been a highlight of our fundraising calendar, and the Family Run holds a special place in our hearts. As the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, seeing young runners take to the streets of Bristol, all while supporting vital care for sick children and their families, is truly inspiring. The move to Super Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on these young people and we’re thrilled to be the dedicated charity for this fantastic event for the tenth year.
“We’re immensely grateful to everyone who has run for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, and we hope to see many more runners on the start line in 2025!”
This year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run will also include the fifth annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge, the first dedicated race in the UK for blind and partially sighted runners.
And if you and a group of colleagues, friends or team members fancy taking on a running event together, why not enter the Business Challenge? It’s a great opportunity for businesses to encourage a healthy outlook for team members or staff, engage in all-important team building and focus on charity fundraising.
Last year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run sold out in advance and the same is expected for 2025 so entering early is advised. To secure your place at the start line, visit: www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/
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