The Great Bristol Run returns

Thousands of runners from across the west head to Bristol for the annual event

Author: Jess PaynePublished 10th May 2026

Thousands are gearing up for the Great Bristol Run, set to take place on Sunday (10th May), with more than 25,000 runners expected.

The first wave of runners are set to start at 08:20am, with groups setting off at different times throughout the morning.

This year, both the 10k and Half Marathon courses will be run in reverse, starting on Colston Avenue and finishing on Anchor Road.

The change aims to provide runners a fresh perspective of Bristol’s iconic sights while managing participant flow more effectively.

Cheer zones and musical points will be distributed along the course, including classic dance music zones and live DJ sets.

Road Closures and Transport Diversions

Due to the event, there will be a rolling series of road closures beginning at Anchor Road at 4am on the 10th May.

These restrictions are to ensure the safety of the runners participating in the 10k and Half Marathon events.

Affected areas include Bristol City Centre, Hotwells, and the Portway, with roads expected to fully reopen by 5pm on the same day.

Bus services will be diverted accordingly, though emergency services or race organisers may alter road closures if needed.

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