The big day is nearly here, and we want to help you with any event day questions so you can focus on the important things: soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying your run.
We’ve got all the info you need here in this guide, but you can also check out greatrun.org for last-minute changes. To follow all the action as it happens, join the conversation on social media - just make sure you use
Download the FREE Great Run tracking app for on-the-day information, live tracking and results, plus opportunities to donate to runners’ chosen charities for family and friends.
Find out more Get a sports gift card worth up to £200
Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. But it’s always nice to have a little push to start.
That’s why, when you open and pay into a new Pension, ISA or Lifetime ISA with us, we’ll give you a reward to take your training up a notch – a sports gift card worth up to £200.
Travel
Our top tip: where possible, make use of the public transport options available on the day and leave plenty of time to get to the start line, as there will be a number of road closures in place. You can see a full list of road closures here.
You can plan your journey by public transport here, and If you’re travelling by bike Better By Bike will help you plan your route and find bike parking.
We’re working closely with Great Western Railway and the Bristol Ferry to provide better, more sustainable travel options for runners and their supporters.
There will be a new ‘park and rail’ option on the day where runners can park at Bristol Parkway and take the train to Bristol Temple Meads. From there it’s a 20 minute walk to the start line.
In addition, the Bristol Ferry are encouraging participants to use their Waterbus Service on event day, and are giving participants £1 off fares, or if arriving with a group of 3 other people, the runner can travel for free.
If you do need to drive, then there are various car parks in the city centre which can be seen here. Please bear in mind the extensive road closures in place for the event and leave extra time for your journey. Bristol has a Clean Air Zone in place for sections of the city centre. The Clean Air Zone is signposted, and if your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards then you’ll have to pay. Find more information here.
Any travel updates will be added to the website, so please check the event page ahead of the event for any updates.
Information Point
The Information Point is there for last-minute queries, anyone who hasn’t received their race number, or race pack collection for anyone who enters after the cut-off date. Look out for the Great Run branded marquee.
We highly recommend coming to see us on Saturday because our Information Points on Sunday will be extremely busy and there will be queues.
Location
Millenium Square, Explore Lane, Bristol, BS1 5SZ
Opening Times
Saturday 10th May: 10am - 4pm
Sunday 11th May: 7am - 3.30pm
Safety Pins
No safety pins for your race number? No worries. You can collect some from the stand next to the Information Point without having to queue.
Wave & Start Time
Your wave colour and start time can be found on your run number, which should arrive in the post approximately 2 weeks before the event. Once you’ve received it, you have everything you need for event day, and you don’t need to visit the Information Point to register on the day. Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached) to the front of your running top with safety pins and head to the start line.
Making your way to the start
On the day, signs will direct you to the start and assembly areas on Anchor Road and Canons Way (see start map for details).
Your Run Number
Your run number must only be worn by you on the day, and it should match the master number on your covering letter. If it’s different, please contact Customer Services here.
Please don’t swap, copy, or change this number - passing your number on to someone else could put them at risk from illness or injury if they’re not properly prepared. If your run number hasn’t arrived through the post, please visit the Information Point to collect a replacement.
Please Note: If you secured your entry after 10am on Friday 2 May, your run number hasn’t been posted out and must be collected from the Information Point. We are also unable to send race packs outside of the UK as we cannot guarantee their delivery, so will need to be collected from the Information Point.
Timing
Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, and you don’t need to do anything else. Your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run.
You can access your results on the AJ Bell Great Run Series App, or on our website here after the event.
Warm Up
A warm-up artist will be on site to get you warmed up and stretched out (see timetable for warm-up time). Waves are set off separately to help regulate the flow of runners through the course.
Start & Finish Map
EXHIBITORS
INFORMATION
MEETING
MISSING PERSONS
BAGGAGE SHOE
Entertainment Map
At the finish line
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Don’t stop immediately – please keep walking for a short distance so that you don’t block other runners. No matter your pace, everyone has run the same event, and everyone will get to cross the finish line.
Medical Support
Medical facilities will be available near to the start and finish line and will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.
Toilets
There will be a number of toilets at the start and finish to use on arrival and after your run. There will also be toilets available on the course at each of the drink stations. Toilet facilities will be busy before and after the run, so please allow plenty of time.
Hydration
Aqua Pura water stations will be situated at key points on the route to help you stay hydrated (see map here).
Whilst you’re running, remember to drink, drain and aim your water bottles into our on-course bottle collection points.
The bottles we use are 100% recycled and recyclable, with a flip cap to ensure it stays with the bottle all the way to the collection point.
Finishers’ Packs
Finishers’ packs will be sorted by t-shirt size and will include a bottle of water, your medal and other treats. Please take the pack that matches the t-shirt size you requested when you entered the event. Once you have collected your pack, please carry on through the exit system.
Please note the Pip & Nut Peanut Butter Stuffed Oat Bars are not suitable for peanut, oat, tree nut, milk or soya allergy sufferers.
T-Shirt Opt Out
If you selected ‘No T-Shirt’ at the time of entering the event, you will not receive a finishers’ t-shirt. Please follow the signage to the ‘No T-Shirt’ lane. This will be clearly indicated on your running number and there will be volunteers and stewards on hand to help direct you.
PLEASE NOTE: If you selected no T-Shirt, you cannot take a T-Shirt on the day. There are only enough on site for all those who requested one at the time of entering.
Event & charity village
The Event Village, located in the Lloyds Amphitheatre is open to everyone and features a range of activities and exhibitors for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to pop in to check out the stands. Family and friends will be able to wait for runners on Explore Lane as they cross the finish line and exit the finish system.
Après Run
The fun doesn’t stop after you’ve crossed the finish line. Continue the highenergy celebration and embrace the post-run high by stepping into our Après Run Zone, located in Millenium Square, where we’ve got a Heart Radio DJ truck providing club anthems, lots of partner activity and food and drink offerings on site.
Fundraising
If you haven’t already, make sure you set up your official fundraising page on Enthuse, our official fundraising platform. Personalise your page with an image, your story and share to friends and family who can donate to your chosen charity. Now is the perfect time to get started on your fundraising journey or have a last push to raise some money for your chosen cause ahead of the big day.
Click here to start fundraising
Meeting Point
Please arrange to meet family and friends at the Meeting Point in Millennium Square. Look for the large A-Z banners and stand by the one that corresponds to the first letter of your surname.
Missing Persons
A missing persons point is located on Waterfront Square near the Medical facility. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official or police officer.
Recycling
We’re constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and are making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event.
We work with local partners to remove waste (plastic, cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage) from the run site. We reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled. Clothing discarded by runners at the start of the race is collected and donated to local charities.
• We ask that you please use the recycling bins on site to discard any waste accordingly.
• As part of our sustainability drive, there will be no bottled water at the start area. Please arrive hydrated, or bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run. A water bottle refill point will be located in the Amphitheatre.
• There will be a number of Aqua Pura water stations along the route (see map for details)
• Look out for our new on-course bottle collection points after each water station, and drink, drain and aim to help us recycle your Aqua Pura bottle.
• If you opt to bring your own standard, single-use plastic water bottle, please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that will be available in the start and finish area.
Have a happy & healthy run
Please talk to your doctor before the event if you have any long-term health conditions or any health concerns. Don’t run if you feel unwell or have been ill recently. If you experience heart palpitations, light headedness or dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, excessive wheezing, or severe joint and muscle pain during or after your run, this can be a sign of a serious condition.
Seek advice on taking part in the event after a bout of flu or gastroenteritis. Don’t be tempted to start just because you’ve collected sponsorship to raise money for charity - staying fit and well is the most important thing.
Event day tips
Make sure you’re comfortable. Ideally, run in your shoes for around a month before your Great Run challenge.
Stay warm. Bring old clothes to wear on the start line and throw them away when you start (we donate these to charity).
Avoid chafing. Apply Vaseline to any areas prone to chafing – e.g. groin, upper thighs, under your arms, around your bra band or toes.
Protect your skin. Use weather resistant sun cream.
If the first few miles are crowded, don’t tire yourself out dodging in and out. Try to maintain a steady, even pace to help you enjoy the event.
When you finish, collect your bag ASAP. Put on some warm, dry clothing and don’t get cold. Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.
British Heart Foundation is the official charity partner of the AJ Bell Great Run Series in 2025.
A massive thanks to all of our incredible runners taking on the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run. You’re helping us to get one step closer to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
It’s not too late to join Team BHF and together, we can power lifesaving research to give people more time with the ones they love.
