For the first time ever there will also be a Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run, taking place the day before
What's On Ellie Kendall Reporter 16:48, 16 Apr 2025
The Great Bristol Run is one of the staple running events in the South West and a hugely popular event each year.
As it says on its official website, the run is loved by Bristolians and beyond, is often known as the best in the region and, each year, thousands of runners push themselves to the limit to enter the 'super-scenic' 10K and half marathon routes.
There are stunning views, inspiring history, and plenty of graffiti murals for participants to enjoy.
Moreover, this year's event will see a fair few changes in nearly all aspects, from start times and dates, to its format, and even prizes.
What's more, for the first time ever, there will be a standalone Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run event, the day before the main event.
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Here's everything you need to know. You can also find a more in-depth information booklet here.
When is The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 2025?
The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run - the 10K and half marathon - takes place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, and participants will need to make their way to the start and assembly areas on Anchor Road and Canons Way.
The start time is listed on the website as 8.30am, however timings will be staggered as follows:
- The Information Point (located at Millennium Square) will open at 7am on the day
- 10K assembly area will open at 7.30am
- 10K warm-up starts at 8.20am
- 8.25am will see the 10K wheelchair start
- 8.26 will see the VI Race start
- 8.30am will see the 10K fast-paced and Orange Wave start
- 8.46am - 10K Green Wave start
- 9.02am - 10K Pink Wave start
Then the half marathon start times will commence:
- 9.20am - Half marathon assembly area opens
- 9.50am - Half marathon warm-up
- 10am - Half marathon fast-paced & Orange Wave start
- 10.20am - Half marathon Green Wave start
- 10.40am - Half marathon Pink Wave start
The event site and Information Point will close at 3.30pm.
Your wave colour and start time can be found on your run number, which should arrive in the post around two weeks before the event.
Once you've received it, you have everything you need for event day and you don't need to visit the Information Point to register on the day.
You simply attach your run number, which has your timing chip attached, to the front of your running top with safety pins and head to the start line.
When is the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run?
The first ever AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run will take place on Saturday, May 10.
The event has a new format for 2025 and will take place as a standalone Junior & Mini event.
There’s a Mini (ages 3-8) 1.5km dash and a Junior (9-15) 2.5km challenge, offering something for all ages, giving younger runners the chance to take centre stage on Super Saturday before the Great Bristol Run the following day.
The start times are listed on the website as:
- 9am - Junior Waves start
- 10am - Mini waves start
Stars of the UK hit show Gladiators will be the official starters for this year’s event.
They’ll be on hand to ring the famous starters bell and cheer on young runners.
Expect a fun city centre route starting and finishing at College Green, photo opportunities, local spectators and lots of family fun.
It's worth noting that Mini entrants (3-8 yrs) must run with a parent, each child should be entered into the event.
Junior entrants do not need to be accompanied by an adult, although this can be requested upon entry if required, each child should be entered into the event.
Other highlights of the event include:
- Safe and secure route on closed roads
- A shiny finishers medal and t-shirt to run in
- Photo opportunities and an official event photo to purchase
- On-course music and entertainment
- An event village with exhibitors, food and drinks to enjoy post-run
Can I still enter?
At time of writing, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is now sold out.
There are, however, a limited number of charity places remaining - you can view a list here.
If you’ve missed out on a place this year, you can sign up to the 2026 priority access list for next year’s event.
Sign up here to get exclusive access to a Priority pre-sale for 2026, where you can secure your place at the lowest price before entries open to the general public.
What are the prizes?
The Great Bristol Run
According to the official website, here's what finishers of the Great Bristol Run will receive: "We have made the decision to introduce optional finisher tees to our Great Run events.
"You can choose to forgo a finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this we will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.
"We will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be approx. £20,000. To view our full Environmental Strategy, please click here."
You'll also get a shiny new finisher medal, and a finisher's bag filled with 'goodies', plus official event day photos to view and purchase straight after the event.
The Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run
Junior and Mini participants will receive an exclusive t-shirt to wear on the day, and finishers will receive a shiny medal and can also purchase official event day photos.
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Getting to the event
You can plan your journey by public transport to the Great Bristol Run via Travel West here. While Better By Bike can help plan your route and find bike parking.
You can view a map of car parks in the city, created by the Great Bristol Run team here if you find you need to drive.
And you can find out more information about Bristol's Clean Air Zone fees, rules and regulations here.
