Bristol & Bath Railway Races

Bristol & Bath Railway Races

The Bath & Bristol Railway Races sees the return of our partners Relish Running. Following the route of the original train line from Green Park Station in Bath to Bristol Temple Meads it is the flattest event series in the Bristol running calendar. The route is 100% tarmac, offering a road race like experience through the green countryside and into the heart of Bristol. This trainline was in use from 1869 - 1971 and between 1979 and 1986. Sustrans converted the railway path into what would become the first route on the National Cycle Network. 

Along the route you will find historic and active nods to the routes heritage and off course a big tunnel! The 450m long Staple Hill Tunnel is on the route of the 25 K, Marathon and 50 K race. It is significantly larger than the other tunnels in the area, as the route had two railway lines running through the tunnel. The Staple Hill Tunnel is well lit.

The 25 K, Marathon and 50 K run alongside the active heritage Avon Valley Railway line, Bitton station and onwards to Bristol, passing restored signal boxes, and picturesque stations at Warmley and Mangotsfield. The finish line for the 25 K - Bristol Temple Meads Single Ticket and the 50 K - Bristol Temple Meads Return Ticket both bring you to the edge of the new University Temple Quarter Campus.

The marathon and ultra distances qualify for the Bristol Series Classics medal.

Event details

  • Date: 11 October 2026 from 9 am
  • Location: Green Park, Bath, BA1 1HZ - NO ON SITE PARKING. What3Words /// snow.volume.orange
  • Transport: The nearest train station is Bath Spa Train Station which is 900m from Green Park.
  • Ticket deadline: Subsidised University of Bristol entries will close: 20 September 2026 [or before if the event reaches capacity] 

Distances

  • 25 K
    • Aged restricted event: 18+
    • A point to point which runs from Bath and finishes outside Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. 
  • Marathon
    • Aged restricted event: 18+
    • An out and back format, starting and finishing in Bath at Green Park, with a 3.5hr cut off for runners to start the return leg of the marathon, targeting an overall finish time of 7.5hrs.
  • 50 K
    • Aged restricted event: 20+
    • An out and back format, starting and finishing in Bath at Green Park, with a cut off of 4hrs for runners to start the return leg of the 50 K, targeting an overall finish time of 8.5hours.

Baggage

The 25 K race is a Point to Point event, starting at Green Park in Bath and finishing outside Bristol Temple Meads Team Station and we will transport a bag for you for free to the finish line at Bristol. There is a static bag drop at Green Park for the other distances which start and finish in Bath.

Drinks Stations

There are 4 feast stations on the 25 K, 8 feast stations on the Marathon and 9 feast stations for the 50 K. There will be water, electrolyte to drink and a mix of food including GF, DF and vegan snacks around the course and again at the finish. 

Payment information

Ticket prices vary depending on what distance you select. View the different prices below.
 
Ticket categoryTicket price exclusive of VATVAT* valueTotal ticket price
25 K - Bristol Temple Meads Single Ticket£32.50£6.50£39
Marathon - Eastville Return Ticket£40£8£48
50 K - Bristol Temple Meads Return Ticket£43.33£8.67£52

*VAT is a tax added to most products and services sold by VAT-registered businesses in the UK.

Your ticket price will be confirmed after you select your event distance in the next stage of the transaction. Please note that the total price will not be displayed until after your card details have been entered in the final stage of the transaction.

Participant declaration

Race Entries are non transferable and non refundable, including in the event that the race is cancelled. I am over 18yrs old. I accept that any costs incurred by myself are not recoverable from the event should the event be cancelled under any circumstances. 

The route has been fully and carefully risk assessed and all steps have been take to reduce the likelihood of any injuries, but they can not be completely eliminated. I understand the hazards, risks and the challenging nature of the event that I am entering. I am medically fit to take part, I do so of my own volition and at my own risk. I am willing to take full responsibility for any injury that may be sustained. If I am not willing to accept liability for this the I will not participate in the event. Relish The Great Outdoors Ltd has a duty of care to the participants and spectators and nothing in the disclaimer exempts us from negligence which may lead to injury or death. 

You agree that Relish The Great Outdoors Ltd, our respective staff, volunteers and subcontractors will not be held accountable or responsible for any loss or damage to your personal possessions/ belongings. You give Relish The Great Outdoors Ltd permission to use photographs or video captured of you during the event and any photography captured during the event shall become our property. If any section of this document is not deemed legitimate or is found to be incorrect in any way shape or form by a court or any other legal authority then that section shall be removed or changed to meet the necessary requirements. The changes to this section will not affect the legitimacy and enforceability of any other sections of this policy. The Marathon, and Ultra are held under UK Athletics rules Minimum age for racing is 50 K is 20, Marathon is 18.

Additional products

Committed to improving our sustainability, subsidised #WeAreBristol performance running t-shirts are available as an optional purchase via the University online shop to wear during the run. Don't forget your exclusive access to our Bristol Run Series support hub.

Support

Contact the Sports Events Team on sports-events@bristol.ac.uk

Price:

£43.33