Great Bristol Run

This was my first half marathon race. And it was a great introduction to this distance. There was a great crowd cheering us on and bands of all descriptions peppered along the way. It is a relatively flat race, only about 270m ascent in total. Great warm up atmosphere, followed by a run straight out along the Avon under the famous suspension bridge. The return leg brings you back into the city and across some of the historic bridges over the Avon. At the 8 Mike mark the crowds thicken and the support swells to give us a boost to nail the last third of the race, which runs through the heart of the city. The final stretch corrals the athletes between the buildings. The crowds and PA system calling our your name as you approach the finish line really heightens the sense of the occasion. Great run. I will be running again next year.

Loved the samba drums as I approached the 8 miles mark.

It is one of the best halfs in the UK.The organisation is superb - the water stations are where they are supposed to be, different the pens start at different times so there are no crowds to dodge while running and the route is pretty flat, allowing for a nice PB. The views are spectacular - you can see the suspension bridge and the Avon Gorge on route, the crowds are cheering and the bands aplenty. I was running/dancing to banghra band and they came out of their little tent and cheered me on. The drummers were amazing and just where they were supposed to be - next to a small hill, adding tempo to my run. the goodie bag is the best one I had so far and apart from the usual goodies had a voucher for a free Wagamama meal. Result!