13,000 Runners Make It A Historic Bristol 10K

Entries are open for the 2017 Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 17 September. Enter at: Greatrun.org/Bristolhalf

Thousands of runners pounded the streets of Bristol on Sunday for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k, which celebrated a record number of entries this year.

13,000 runners of all ages and abilities were expected to take on a great day of sport in the city, which has become Bristol’s biggest 10k running event.

The sold out 10k offered participants a scenic route around the city centre, as well as taking in the sights of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge.

Fun runners and charity fundraisers were joined by a competitive club runner field, which featured some of the best runners from around the region.

In the men’s race, Brighton Pheonix’s Finn McNally finished first in a time of 30:43, ahead of Carwyn Jones from Cardiff AAC who crossed the line in 30:45.

They were followed by Bristol & West AC’s Owain Jones in third with a time of 31:01.

Bristol & West AC’s Kate Maltby took first place in the women’s field in a time of 33:29, followed by Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’ Rachel Felton in 34:54 and Georgina Schwiening from Cambridge & Coleridge AC in 35:12.

Also taking part was a team of 20 players and staff from Bristol City’s Under 18s squad, who were raising money for South West Children’s Hospice after a recent visit to their centre in Charlton Farm.

Team captain Harvey Smith said: “The visit brought home to us just how important the fundraising is as it helps the children and their families deal with their end of life experience, it was very humbling.

“Lots of footballers have a bad reputation and that all they are interested in is spending their money so we thought it would be a good idea to show that footballers aren’t all like that.

“We feel fortunate to have this opportunity and wanted to give something back to the community. It was nice to be able to do something positive together as a team.”

Bristol charities were well represented, the local nominated charity of the event, the Grand Appeal, Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity fielding runners in both the 10k and the Simplyhealth Great Bristol Family Run.

The charity hosted a Wrong Trousers themed fancy dress and offered on-the-spot prizes to the weirdest and wackiest outfits.

The event, which was first staged in 1989 joined the Great Run series last year, had over 13,000 runners taking part in 2017. The event was staged in partnership with Bristol City Council and was part of the city’s celebrations in its year as European City of Sport.

Laura Pye, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone who took part this weekend. From runners to supporters and organisers you have all contributed to a memorable day of sport and vital fundraising for the many charities represented.

“I would like to give special thanks to the Great Run Company and partner organisations for putting on another successful event and to the many volunteers who gave up their time to make it so special.

“We look forward to seeing many of you again in a few months’ time for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon.”

The Great Run Company’s Andy Graffin, said: “It’s been a fantastic day at the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k and we’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone that took part.

“We have worked closely with our local partners to deliver the event and we would also like to say a huge thank you to them and the hundreds of local volunteers who make the experience so memorable for runners and spectators.

“The Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k was a sell-out and more than 50% of the places available for September’s Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon have already been snapped up so I encourage anyone who wishes to enter to do so now to avoid missing out!”

Carolyn Barkin, Director of Delivery at Simplyhealth, said: “What a great day! We want to get millions of people moving to help with their everyday health and it was fantastic to see so many turn out for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k, each with their own inspirational and personal story to tell.

“We had a team of 15 runners and six volunteers in Bristol today from Simplyhealth. I, along with 500 others, took part in the Family Run with eight members of my family proving that it is a day for the whole family.”

The 2018 Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k will return on Sunday 13 May. The first 500 entries will receive a £5 discount.

Enter at: Greatrun.org/Bristol10k

Entries are also open for the 2017 Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 17 September.

Organisers are urging participants to guarantee their places on the start line now to avoid disappointment.

Enter now at: Greatrun.org/Bristolhalf