HI, Great running the course in reverse. This was the 8th year I have done the race and was much better. Liked the 2 shower units on the course. The beginning was a little conjested as the roads were narrow but it was good running alongside other athletes for the first 3 miles. It worked well but the portway was a drag as per usual. Goodie bag was good. I know you like working with local trades etc, and i know someone that would like to work with you in designing the next years medal say of concorde or something that resonates with Bristol! The person does live in Bristol and happy to share her details. Good for the Great run to work with localism! Hope all the charities had a great day as well and raised plenty of money!

Course was in reverse this year and there were more runners, as a result it was very crowded all the way, even on the portway! To their credit i think they tried to filter the start but with going though the city first , narrow run ways and slower runners over estimating their times (it happens) the gaps never opened up.

It was a much improved event in 2026 compared to 2025, when I did the half marathon. The organisers had clearly thought about ways to reduce heat exposure, had reversed the course, so the hotter urban environment was done before the natural surroundings alongside the river, and had increased the number of water stations. Even if the weather was cooler, this year so not much need for hydration. The music and entertainment was encouraging around the course. Difficult to provide any critical feedback, but the start did feel overcrowded, with many people trying to push past runners and get to the front. It did feel like a possible crush situation could happen if panic set in at the back of the crowd, so maybe the event could benefit from using at least 5 waves for the 10k and half marathon, and limiting the numbers in each wave. A more staggered start. The finish was very overcrowded and difficult to move, and areas like St Pero's Bridge full to capacity- this made me think the bridge could be tested close to it's weight limit. Great Run could also look at providing energy gels for half runners at the first aid station on Portway, if this hasn't already happened. There was enough room on the course to run, and everyone seemed to be in the correct wave for their pace. It wasn't as bad as some past events, where I've started behind people who can't maintain the pace, and have ended up walking in lines blocking the whole road. The event could look at providing water in cans- infinitely more recyclable than plastic, or using pouches (although these can be hard to open on the move)- or large refill containers- cardboard outers with plastic inner liners for people who don't mind stopping to refill bottles/flasks. Or they could ask people to bring their unwanted Great Run finisher bags, to donate at start of runs to be reused if in good enough condition.

Absolutely Amazing event. 1st time attended and would like to do it again. In regards to the goody bag that was given at the end, had an alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, I do not consume Alcohol as I am from a different faith. There should have been a non alcoholic option. Otherwise an amazing experience overall.