Thousands took part in the Great Bristol Run
More than 25,000 runners join sold-out AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 2026
Runners of all ages, backgrounds and abilities joined the start-line this weekend at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, an event that sold out in record time in 2026.
Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets as participants took on the 10k and half-marathon events, with on-course entertainment including Heart Radio DJs at the start line, live music zones all along the route, a live finish-line DJ and a high energy après-run zone in Millennium Square.
This year saw some key changes shaped directly by feedback from runners, including separate start and finish areas to create more space, an earlier start time and a reversal of the previous route.
Bristol Bears players Max Lahiff and Jake Woolmore started the 10k, while further official starters at the event included the current Right Honourable Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Andrew Varney, together with Councillor Heather Mack Bristol City Council Leader.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company, said: “Bristol was absolutely buzzing with runners from across the South West and beyond, all with their own unique reason for running, and many helping to raise over £1 million for charity, which is simply brilliant.
“As well as our fantastic runners, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been a part of this major celebration of running, including all our volunteers and supporters. The crowds were louder than ever this year with so many people coming out to cheer on the runners.
“Entries for next year are now open if you’ve been inspired to take part next year!”
Half marathon top 3 results
Jack Millar of Bristol & West AC took first place in the men’s half-marathon in 01:07:02, with Jamie Williamson of Bristol & West AC taking second in 01:07:24 and with Alex Carter of Team Bath AC taking third in 01:09:01.
The women’s half-marathon race was won by Keely O’Reilly in 01:22:30, followed by Megan Brewer of Bristol & West AC in 01:23:32 and Charlotte Reading of Chichester Runners & AC coming in third in 01:24:20.
10k top 3 results
It was an excitingly close race in the men’s 10k, with Greg Hayward of Westbury Harriers winning in 00:30:55, while James Reeder of Team Bath AC and Dylan Rigby of Bristol & West AC coming joint second in 00:30:57.
Sian Duval of Royal Sutton Coldfield took first place in the women’s race in 00:36:50, while Helen Repesse of Bristol & West AC came second in 00:37:26 and Katie Hughes of Westbury Harriers crossed the finish line third in 00:38:00.
An inclusive celebration of running
The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 2026 also hosted the sixth annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge – the UK’s first dedicated race for blind and partially sighted runners.
The weekend kicked off with the Junior & Mini events for kids aged 3-15, held in partnership with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official charity of Bristol Children’s Hospital. Giving young runners a chance to shine, more than 1,200 children took part, with stars of the UK hit show Gladiators Livi Sheldon (aka Diamond) and Emily Steel (aka Dynamite) officially starting the event.
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