Bristol set for action-packed weekend of running

Entries now open for new Junior & Mini event at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run

With just three months to go, entries are selling fast for this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, a weekend-long celebration of running on 10-11 May 2025, including the brand-new Junior & Mini event that puts the spotlight on young runners.

Billed as ‘Super Saturday’, Minis (3-8 year-olds) will enjoy a 1.5km dash and Juniors (aged 8-15) will take on their own 2.5k challenge. Both start and finish at College Green, with a fun city centre route including on-course music and entertainment.

The Great Bristol Run is partnering with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, to host the Junior & Mini event.

Record numbers expected

The popular 10k and half marathon events take place on Sunday 11 May and after last year’s event sold out weeks in advance of event day, the same is expected for 2025. The super scenic routes include stretches along the waterside, green spaces such as Castle Park and Queens Square, views of the Avon Gorge – and plenty of graffiti murals to spot along the way.

Well known for its inclusive, buzzing atmosphere, the crowds of supporters – together with live music and entertainment throughout the course – the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run draws runners from a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The day’s events also include the Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge. Now in its fifth year, this is the first dedicated race in the UK for blind and partially sighted runners.

“Loved by Bristolians and beyond, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is now a major highlight of the South West’s running calendar and we’re currently on course to welcome the highest number of runners to the event there has ever been, highlighting the love for running in Bristol and surrounding areas,” said Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company.

“The new Junior and Mini event will be a fantastic way to kick off the weekend and very much fits the positive, inclusive nature of the Great Bristol Run. We hope that by giving younger runners their own dedicated day to shine, we can encourage more people from a young age to experience the joy that running can bring.”

Stacey Vincent, from Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal added:

“For younger runners to have their own special day is a fantastic chance for them to enjoy all the buzz and joy of the Great Bristol Run, while supporting Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal and vital care for sick children and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the start line on 10 May!”

For entries to the Junior & Mini event visit: www.greatrun.org/events/junior-mini-great-bristol-run

Mini entrants must run with a parent or carer, while junior entrants do not need to be accompanied by an adult.