Thousands take to the streets for the Great Bristol Run

The half marathon has been established since 1989 – the event celebrating its 35th anniversary.

After months of training, thousands of people are heading to Bristol today for the city’s famous half marathon – the Great Bristol Run.

It’s a race that showcases some of the city’s best locations, with runners heading towards Hotwells before winding under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, along the Portway, around the Cumberland Basin, towards St Mary Redcliffe and into end, back to Temple. The Circus, City Center and Anchor Road.

Organizers of the event say this year’s edition is “a completely sold out day and it’s shaping up to be an amazing day” – and if the weather is anything to go by – it certainly looks that way.

They add that the event is actually one of the most popular running events in the UK, with over 20,000 runners expected to cross that finish line later today.

And they’re “pulling out all the stops” for 2024, with timed paces on hand to give runners the best chance of meeting that moment they’ve worked so hard for – right down to bands helping to soundtrack the 10k course. , and a first race of mega mascots.

In this, no less than seven mascots will take part just before the Family Run, with representatives of local sports clubs fighting for glory.

As well as more fun events – Great Bristol Run organizers add that our city’s edition is also running the UK’s only visually impaired race thanks to their work with VI Runners Bristol.

Bradley Stoke’s Lee Zurybida (pictured above) is one of Solgar’s participants in this year’s event.

It is his 150th race as a pacer and he was inspired to take up running after being diagnosed with a very rare form of leukemia in May 2014 – this year marking a decade since his diagnosis.

Lee said: “After treatments I needed to get stronger both physically and mentally so I challenged myself by putting on a pair of trainers and running to my local duck pond… a mile distance – I could do this? NOT!

“So the next day I tried again, and again, and again until I got it right. Then I ran there and back and so it began with my fitness level and confidence increasing each week. Then I joined a local running group which I still run. with today.

“My most memorable gold racing moment was in 2015 after I had just finished a round of chemotherapy.

“My brother then signed me up to run the Bristol Half Marathon with him.

“We promised to cross the finish line together in 2 hours and we did! All emotions were present.

“My advice to those taking part – always dress for the second mile.

“Have fun – run with people you get along with. Find a running group – you’ll make lifelong friends and have fun while you train!”

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