Some people say the event should take place at a different time of the year(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Organisers of The Great Bristol Run have addressed concerns and complaints around the number of water stations at this year’s event.

The 10K and Half Marathon events saw some 23,000 people run through the city on Sunday (May 11).

The previous day saw the first ever standalone day for the Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run events, open to younger participants.

But following Sunday’s races, however, some who had been in attendance – either running themselves or cheering on loved ones in the crowd – shared their concerns around the number of water stations, saying that they didn’t think there had been enough.

According to the official event information, the Great Bristol Run had water stations ‘strategically placed along the 10K and half marathon routes’, with one Aqua Pura water point around the halfway mark of the 10K route and three evenly spaced water stations approximately every three miles of the marathon route.

This year, there were also on-course showers available for both distances, allowing for runners to cool off as they raced.

Some commenting on social media sites including Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) commented on the hot weather and shared their thoughts on how they believed the event could have done better.

One said: “I run often and did the half marathon, didn’t push myself so was okay… But they need an extra 1-2 water stops for when it’s that hot for a half marathon. The gap between the second and third is long.”

(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Another commented: “I was amazed when the announcer told us the number of water stations.

“Many of those taking part won’t be experienced runners. They need more opportunities to cool off.”

Meanwhile, some shared their thoughts and suggestions around the timing of the event, with regards to the heat.

One said there needed to be an “earlier start time”, adding: “10am for a half marathon this time of year is bonkers.”

A second added: “The half marathon needs to be moved back to late September.”

While a third commented: “That was a hot one… Great day and great atmosphere but the organisers could definitely make a few changes to slicken things up.

“I don’t think more water stations would have made much difference to be honest.

“I took a bottle each station and it didn’t touch the sides. It just needs to be a different time of year.”

(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Up until 2022, the half-marathon had normally taken place in late September, however in recent years the event has coincided with the 10K event, with both usually taking place on the same day in May.

This year saw the 10K runners leaving the starting line between 8.30am and 9.02am, while the half marathon participants started in waves between 10am and 10.40am.

Comment from The Great Run Company

A spokesperson said: “The Great Run Company put the health and safety of all participants at the centre of their event planning.

“All our event plans are subject to approval from the Bristol Safety Advisory Group for Events.

“This includes the deployment of medical resources and the provision of water at the event.

“The event was delivered in line with these plans, with additional runner messaging regarding warm weather and hydration communicated to all participants in the days leading up to Sunday, and additional water supplies and showers were provided during the event.”

The Great Run Company confirmed on Monday, May 12, that a 28-year-old runner had died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run on Sunday.

A statement from The Great Run Company said: “It is with great sadness that The Great Run Company confirms the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday, 11 May 2025.

“Jon Devereux, aged 28, collapsed during the event, received immediate medical treatment, and later passed away in hospital.

“His next of kin have been informed.

“The entire team involved in organising the Great Bristol Run extends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Devereux’s family and friends.

“In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released.

“The cause of death will be determined later, pending medical examination.”

The news comes almost a year after BristolLive reported that a 26-year-old man died after collapsing during the 2024 Great Bristol Run.

In a statement released by the organisers at the time, it was confirmed a man in his 20s collapsed after taking part in the run.

He was treated by medics at the scene and taken to hospital, but sadly died.