So, the evenings are starting to get ever so slightly lighter and there is a definite feeling of spring in the air so what better time to fish out those trainers and go outside for a good run?
As you’ll all know, Bristol is a fantastic city for all things sport related and running is no exception. With some FANTASTIC events on throughout the year, there are so many to choose from and below you’ll find a selection of our favourites (full details can be found by clicking on each event)…
Ashton Court Park Run
Who doesn’t love Ashton Court?! This timed 5k park run is on every single Saturday at 9.00am and is completely free to take part in. All abilities and pace levels welcomed, this one is just for the enjoyment of running and is a fab way to kick the weekend off.
Feel Good Friday 5k at Tyntesfield
Led by members of the Nailsea Running Club and organised via the National Trust, this 5k route will take you through the gorgeous Tyntesfield Estate and runs every other Friday starting from this week! Tickets are just £3 and this includes a well deserved cuppa in their Cow Barn restaurant afterwards.
Trust 10k at Tyntesfield
Once a month at 9.00am starting this Sunday 24th February until September, the National Trust has also devised a two loop circuit around the Tyntesfield grounds for a beautiful 10k (it’s completely free too). And with your run out of the way in the morning, you have the perfect reason to tuck into a delicious Sunday roast later on…
Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k
My absolute favourite running event in Bristol! Taking place on 5th May this year, the course takes you through the Avon Gorge, underneath the Suspension Bridge, around the harbourside and then through the city centre to the finish line on Anchor Road. With around 13,000 people taking part, music and entertainment all of the way round, fantastic supporters and the most incredible atmosphere you could ever ask for, Simplyhealth are absolute legends and this is one not to be missed!
Westonbirt 10k
If you haven’t been to the Westonbirt Arboretum yet, then you must plan a visit straight away as it’s just one of the most beautiful places to go. With a world renowned tree collection, this 10k is gorgeous and for an evening run on 9th May (7pm), this is the perfect route for taking in the spring blooms and flowering trees too. Tickets range from £15.50-£17.50 and every penny made gets put straight back into the Forestry Commission Active Forests programme to continue in protecting the nation’s woods and forests. A well worthy cause!
Race for Life
Women only for this one unfortunately chaps but what a cause to be running for. With various events taking place on the Downs over the weekend of 29th/30th June (Pretty Muddy 5k, Bristol 5k and Bristol 10k), there is something for everyone here and with all funds/sponsorship raised in aid of Cancer Research UK the Race for Life is lovely to take part in. I’ve done this every year since moving to Bristol and girls, there’s nothing quite like running with a couple of thousand other women all dressed in pink so make sure you get signed up!
Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon
The biggie…the Great Bristol Half on 15th September. Running since 1989 (no pun intended…), this one is just as brilliantly organised by Simplyhealth and the 13.1 mile circuit offers a whole host of historic Bristol sights along the way. Brilliant atmosphere and an unbeatable sense of achievement when you cross that finish line!
A few of our favourites for you gang and we’re looking forward to getting out and blowing those cobwebs away already. Get those shoes at the ready!