Runners Launch The 2017 Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K

Entries for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K are now open: Greatrun.org/Bristol

Today saw the launch of the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K and Family Mile at College Green in the city.

Four inspirational runners, who have signed up to take on the event for the first time on Sunday 7 May, met with Deputy Mayor Estella Tincknell and organisers as they gear up for the challenge.

Denise Nicholls battled breast cancer and beat it in 2007 before shedding an amazing six stone. To stay fit and healthy, she took up running and signed up to the event to keep motivated.

Terry Maley is running in memory of his daughter Jo. Jo tragically passed away in October from womb and ovarian cancer at just 36 years old. Jo previously ran the 10k herself and Terry will run it this year in her memory.

Rugby player David Runciman broke his femur while playing back in May 2016. Since his injury he hasn’t been able to run, so is setting himself a challenge to do his first ever 10k run to prove to himself he can recover fitter and stronger.

He was joined by his girlfriend Shawni Sergeant who is running the event with him and has supported him throughout his recovery.

This year’s event will be an important fixture on the calendar in Bristol’s year as European City of Sport.

Councillor Estella Tincknell, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k back to the city during our year as a European City of Sport.

“The race is a highlight in our sporting calendar and is growing in popularity year on year. It’s great to see so many inspirational athletes already showing their support for this year’s event, I hope their participation will inspire others to sign up and take on the challenge.

“Sport has so many important roles to play in our city. It’s the activity that helps maintain and improve our health, the unifying bond that brings communities together and it provides opportunities for people, particularly children and young people, to learn and develop skills that will help them towards future success.

“I hope that by hosting events such as the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k we can all share in the benefits that sport has to offer.”

The runners were joined by representatives of The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and the official local charity of the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K and Family Mile.

Last year the charity raised £64,000 through Great Run events in Bristol.

Suzanne Maverick, fundraising manager at The Grand Appeal, said, ”We’re thrilled to be the local partner for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K and Family Mile again. The 10k has always been hugely popular with our supporters and the addition of the Family Mile last year proved to be great fun.”

The 10k course makes the most of the city’s picturesque backdrop. Starting on Anchor Road near Millennium Square and Bristol Cathedral it runs parallel to the historic Bristol Harbour before continuing along Avon Gorge and taking in the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The return route takes in Spike Island and the Cumberland Basin before passing the soaring Gothic St Mary’s Redcliffe, finishing on Anchor Road close to the start line, so that runners can meet up with family and friends and make the most of the bars, restaurants and attractions at the Harbourside.

Andy Graffin, Project Manager of the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K and Family Mile said, “We’re delighted to kick off the countdown to the 2017 event here in Bristol today.

“Last year was the first time we took the reigns at this well-established event and we had some fantastic feedback from runners, with the addition of the Family Mile proving extremely popular.

“Both events will be bigger and better in 2017, meaning we will be welcoming over 13,000 runners of all ages and abilities on the start line.”

For more information or to enter the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10K visit: Greatrun.org/Bristol