What To Expect At The Great Bristol Run 2023

The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is back on Sunday 14 May for another spectacular running celebration. Each year thousands of runners push their perseverance and passion to the limit and take on the super-scenic 10k and half marathon routes. If stunning views, inspiring history and Bristol cityscapes are your thing, then this is the event for you!

Bristol comes alive on event day, here’s what you can expect to see and hear on your run:

We’re providing entertainment from start to finish with local musicians, live DJs, and charity cheering squads to keep you motivated & moving until that glorious finish line:

1) Music Motivation

Start Line Bangers – We’re curating the ultimate start line playlist to get you pumped to take on your challenge.

Bands on the Run – Local bands and musicians will provide a uniquely Bristolian soundtrack to your run.

Power Thru Carnival – A high-energy zone with a performance from Bristol Samba – you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Rio!

Beats Boost – Classic dance tracks will give you an extra boost of power – banging beats and a fresh burst of energy guaranteed.

Pump It Up! – Expect throwback tunes and blasts from the past as you run & sing your way past this epic DJ truck.

Karaoke Kicks – Our awesome karaoke host will be playing the tunes you know and love to keep you bopping and clapping as you run past.

Charity Cheering Points – The wonderful charity cheer squads will be cheering, clapping and providing an injection of joy into your race.

2) Iconic Landmarks and Stunning Sights

Thousands of runners will line up on the 10k and Half Marathon start lines on Anchor Road, heading off on a picturesque running tour of the city.

Both routes will take runners down past the vibrant waterfront, before the half-marathon route veers off right along the Avon Gorge, before passing under the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, which this year’s fantastic medal is inspired by.

The two routes then reconnect at Spike Island, looping around the beautiful Queen Square, before rounding the historical Castle Park on a final section through Old City. There’s plenty of fun after the run in Millennium Square and the Amphitheatre, showcasing even more of Bristol’s best bits.

3) PBs & Pacers Powered by Music

Our pacing team are always on hand to give runners the best possible chance of smashing out a personal best, and this year we’re taking it to the next level – our pacers will be blasting out tunes to keep legs pumping and motivation high throughout.

There are 10 pacers in the 10k pacing runners from 40 minutes to 1hour 20 minutes, and 11 pacers in the Half Marathon pacing runners from 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours 30 mins.

4) Finish Line Joy

Crossing the finish line on Anchor Road is a feeling unlike any other – it’s a mix of elation, exhaustion, and pure joy as you complete your challenge and collect your rewards. A shiny new medal, a fantastic finishers t-shirt, and a finisher’s bag filled with goodies await you at the end of your run.

Be ready to take those all-important medal selfies, before throwing in one or two of your favourite tipples and a fabulous feast to refuel – you’ve earned it!

5) A post-race party in Après Run

The finish line isn’t the end of the fun! Kick back, relax and enjoy the post-race buzz in our Après Run zone with more great music from Heart’s awesome DJ, Billy Chip’s gourmet chip van, and a chance to explore the Charity tents & Exhibitor stands.

Whether it’s hearing strangers shout your name, doing something incredible for charity, or wearing your medal with pride, you have to be there to feel the feeling. Be part of something special on Sunday 14 May.