Great Bristol Run 2022: A complete guide to watching and taking part

Here’s everything you could possibly need to know before the big day

After months of training and fundraising, the Bristol Run 2022: Which roads will be closed during family mile, 10k and half marathon - when will they reopen?">Great Bristol Run 2022 is almost upon us.

The much-loved event will see around 15,000 runners take to major roads across Bristol, with many of them donning their running shoes for causes close to their hearts.

Runners will take in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge.Runners will take in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Runners will take in some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

It’s going to be an action packed day featuring three routes - the ‘family mile’, 10k run and half marathon, all starting and finishing in central Bristol.

Whether you’re taking part or coming along as a spectator, it’s always good to be prepared - so here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Great Bristol Run 2022 and where is it being held from?

The event will kick off from 9am on Sunday morning (September 25), with all routes starting  and finishing on Anchor Road (BS1 4SS).

The event, on September 25, will see thousands of runners and spectators descend on the city.The event, on September 25, will see thousands of runners and spectators descend on the city.
The event, on September 25, will see thousands of runners and spectators descend on the city.

Can I still enter the Great Bristol Run 2022?

At the time of writing (afternoon of Friday, September 24) there is still time to sign up for the Great Bristol Run, with places for all three routes (family mile, 10k and half marathon available. Entries close at 10am on Saturday.

What are the family mile, 10k and half marathon routes?

  • The Family Run aka ‘The Family Mile’: a child-friendly one mile experience, with kids receiving a medal that they can show off to friends and family. 
  • The 10k Run: will see runners tread 6.2 miles through the city of Bristol, with challenges for wheelchair-users and visually impaired runners this year.
  • The Bristol Half Marathon: the hardest test of them all, the Great Bristol Half Marathon will see those who take part run for 13.1 miles. 

What time do the family mile, 10k and half marathon runs start?

The timings for this year’s event are as follows:

  • 9am: Family run start
  • 9.20am: Warm up 
  • 9.25am: 10k Wheelchair race start
  • 9.28am: Visually Impaired 10k race start 
  • 9.30am: 10k start Wave 1
  • 9.37am: 10k start Wave 2 
  • 9.44am: 10k start Wave 3
  • 10.20am: Half marathon warm up 
  • 10.30am: Half marathon start Wave 1 
  • 10.40am: Half marathon start Wave 2
  • 10.50am: Half marathon start Wave 3

Where are the best places to watch the Great Bristol Run 2022?

Whether you’re planning on lining the track to cheer on loved ones or just want to catch a glimpse of the athletes involved, you’ll be looking for a top vantage spot to watch runners in action.

What’s new for 2022?

A brand new Après Run zone in Millennium Square will be the perfect place for post-race celebrations with family and friends, including food and drink stalls, plus music to ensure the afterparty continues long past the finish line.

A map of the event’s gruelling half marathon route.A map of the event’s gruelling half marathon route.
A map of the event’s gruelling half marathon route.

Who’s taking part?

There are a number of inspirational runners taking part on Sunday for a variety of reasons.

Jeff Daniels is severely sight impaired and is taking part in the VI Runners 10k Challenge. He joined VI Runners Bristol – a running group that allows blind or partially sighted people to run outdoors with the help of a trained guide – soon after the second lockdown ended andcredits his new found love of running for turning his life around.

A team of runners will take on the half marathon to raise funds for Bristol charity the 401 Foundation, which has plans for an ambitious new app that will help people find sources of mental health support in their local communities.

Adam Hamilton is hoping to set a new world record by running with a 45kg bergen that represents the heavy burden that many serving and former marines can experience with their mental health, while raising funds for the Royal Marines Charity.

What road closures will be in place for the Great Bristol Run 2022?

The Great Bristol Run starts and finishes in the heart of the city and its longest route spans 13.1 miles, meaning some roads have had to be closed to keep runners as safe as possible.

Some major roads will close as early as 4am on Sunday and not reopen until around 4pm, with numerous bus services also affected.

This year’s event will also host the second annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge – currently the UK’s only dedicated race for blind and partially sighted runners. This year’s event will also host the second annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge – currently the UK’s only dedicated race for blind and partially sighted runners.
This year’s event will also host the second annual Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge – currently the UK’s only dedicated race for blind and partially sighted runners.

How do I enter the Great Bristol Run 2023?

Organisers will be launching their reminder service for 2023’s event once entries for this year’s event close at 10am on Saturday. You should be able to book a spot on next year’s event from then.

For more information, visit the Great Bristol Run website.

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