Bath & Bristol Railway Races

Bath & Bristol Railway Races

The Bath & Bristol Railway Races take place on the historic railway route between Bath and Bristol. This shared-use path follows the original train line from Green Park Station in Bath toward Bristol Temple Meads. The course is characterized by its flat terrain and is composed of 100% tarmac surfaces, with the exception of small grass sections at the start and finish lines.

Participants run through green countryside and pass several landmarks of the route's railway heritage. The Half Marathon includes a section running alongside the Avon Valley Railway, an active heritage line. Runners participating in the longer distances will pass restored signal boxes and picturesque stations at Bitton, Warmley, and Mangotsfield. The 25 km, Marathon, and 50 km routes also pass through the well-lit, 450-meter-long Staple Hill Tunnel.

The event offers several distances:

• 2 km Fun Run: Open to all ages.
• 10 km: Known as the Kelston Park Return Ticket.
• Half Marathon: Known as the Bitton Station Return Ticket.
• 25 km: A point-to-point "Single Ticket" finishing at Bristol Temple Meads.
• Marathon: Known as the Eastville Return Ticket.
• 50 km: Known as the Bristol Temple Meads Return Ticket.

All distances except the 25 km are out-and-back formats starting and finishing at Green Park in Bath. The 25 km race is a point-to-point event; participants finish in Bristol and are responsible for their own return travel, though bag transfer from the start to the finish is provided. Logistics at Green Park include bike racking, toilets, and refreshment vans. The start area is located approximately 900 meters from Bath Spa Train Station.

The event utilizes a wave start format with approximately 100 runners per wave. "Feast stations" are positioned along the routes, offering water, electrolytes, and various snacks including vegan and gluten-free options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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