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Great Bristol Run 2024 disco ball

Great In Bristol Since 1989

Ricky Passam reflects the Bristol spirit …

The 2024 AJ Bell Great Bristol Run was the biggest event held to date with over 15,000 runners taking part on Sunday 19 May in an event that is often described as the best in the South West.

It certainly is one of the most diverse programmes, with the original Half Marathon supported by a 10K that includes a category specifically for visually impaired athletes and acts as a qualifier for England Masters’ international selection. Also on the card is a wheelchair event and a Family Fun Run over one mile that shares the big race atmosphere. Great Bristol Run has been welcomed to the great maritime city since 1989.

Many competitors use Great Bristol Run to raise funds for their chosen charities and that does lead to some colourful costumes – perhaps none more eye-catching than Ricky Passam’s rather cumbersome-looking disco ball outfit (pictured above) that he carried to 7,034th position in 2:27:03!

The top three men in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Half Marathon, on an exceptionally warm day, were the local favourite Jonathan Thewlis (Bristol & West AC, 1:10:39), Callum Choules (North Devon AC, 1:13:45) and Elliott Avis (Team Bath AC, 1:14:12).

The women’s half-marathon podium was filled by Hannah Alderson (Team Bath AC, 1:20:29), Victoria Stansfield (unattached, 1:23:21) and Gill Pearson (Running For Time, 1:23:58).

The 10K winners were Cal Mills (Leeds City AC, 30:45) and Swedish Olympian Caroline Wilkstrom (33:29). Caroline Nicholas (100 Marathon Club, 37:07) led the British women’s challenge.

Both races took in many of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic harbourside and dramatic Avon Gorge beside the River Avon.

Sadly, tragedy struck as it was confirmed by organisers The Great Run Company that a man had died in hospital after the event. The organisers issued the following statement:

"With great sadness, The Great Run Company can confirm the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run held on Sunday, 19 May 2024. A 26-year-old male collapsed, was treated by medics, and later passed away in hospital. The next of kin have been informed. Everyone involved in the organisation of the Great Bristol Run would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the participant.

"In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released. The cause of death will be determined later through medical examination.

"We take the health and safety of all participants very seriously and we work hard to ensure our events are delivered safely.  All event plans are rigorously assessed and signed off by the Bristol Safety Advisory Group for Events (SAGE), and align with best practice in the UK."

All at runABC magazine send their sincere condolences to the family and friends at this difficult time.

Photo courtesy Great Run Company

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