The Great Bristol Run enjoyed a brand new format and several enhancements to further elevate the race that justly claims to be 'the best in the South West', as more than 15,000 runners flocked to the start line on Sunday (25 September). 

This year the 10K race was run separately an hour before the Half Marathon and hosted the second annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10K Challenge – currently the UK’s only dedicated race for blind and partially sighted runners – plus a new England Masters -v- Welsh Masters International Challenge with around 200 higher age-group athletes competing.     

“It was fantastic to see the streets of Bristol come alive with thousands of runners, each taking on their individual challenges, including many raising much-needed funds for charity,” said Andy Graffin, Event Director, Great Bristol Run. 

"There’s always a buzzing atmosphere at the Great Bristol Run and I’d like to thank everyone who took part – whether running, volunteering, or spectating – for making this the biggest celebration of running in the South West for yet another year.”

M35 Tom Merson, of Exmouth Harriers AAC, won the men’s 10K and Masters International race in 30:51, with M35 Matthew Rees (Swansea Harriers AC, 31:33) and Simon Fox (Exeter Harriers, 31:35) disputing runners-up spot.

W40 Helen Gaunt (Tonbridge AC, 35:41) took the women's 10K ahead of closely matched W35 masters Lindsay Skinner (Off That Couch Fitness, 36:02) and Lucy Marland (Les Croupiers RC, 36:05).

The VI 10K Challenge winners were Darren Westlake with his guide Russell Forsbrook (34:33) and Kelly Barton and her guide Mike Leatherbarrow (43:13) in the women’s race.  

Jacob Brockmann (Thames Hare & Hounds, 1:10:40) won the Great Bristol Half Marathon from Brett Halliwell (Stroud AC, 1:11:21) and Kieran Morris (London Heathside Runners, 1:12:00). The women’s race was won by Charlotte Taylor (1:15:49) followed by Justine Lynch (Stratford-on-Avon AC, 1:21:44) and Kelly Dicks (Great Western Runners, 1:22:24).

Great Bristol Family Run saw over 400 children and adults run a mile-long course with entrants as young as three years old completing the challenge and earning a special finisher’s medal. Wallace & Gromit, supporters of the Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital, were the famous faces on the Family Run start line, cheering runners on their way and joining the celebrations at the finish line.

Runners' spirits at this year’s Great Bristol Run were lifted by more than 15 on-course music zones, charity cheering zones, and a brand new Après Run zone in Millennium Square to ensure the celebratory atmosphere continued long past the finish line. The event highlights were captured in this YouTube video:

If you have been inspired to take part in the Great Bristol Run next year you can sign up for the reminder service here and be among the first to find out when entries open for 2023.

Link to results and previous Great Bristol Run reports at runABC's race listing here

Image and video courtesy of the Great Run organisation