We are Great Western Runners
Reasons to run with us...
Meet new people
We are a fun, social running club; new runners are always welcome.
Get fitter and faster
We provide lots of opportunities for our members to race, compete and get PBs!
Explore Bristol
Our regular routes visit Redland, Westbury and Clifton in the winter and Ashton Court and Leigh Woods in the summer.
Improve your mental health and well being
Our members say they always feel better after a run and catch up with friends.
We are Great Western Runners
About our club
Thinking of coming along for the first time? Please do! Runners of all abilities are welcome to come to our Wednesday night club sessions. If it’s dry, we gather outside the entrance, in the new outdoor seating area, or, if it’s wet, we meet upstairs at Redland Green Club at 7pm. If you’re thinking of joining us for the first time, aim to arrive a bit before 7 so we can talk you through the different routes we are offering that night. Come, run and try us out for free! If you do decide to become a member, you can sign up by going to our online shop.
Every week, we have a 4 mile beginners group which is led by one of our ‘Leaders in Running Fitness’. We also have 6, 8 and 10 mile groups.
In the winter, we run on well lit roads around our local area of Redland, Westbury and Clifton. Once it starts to get lighter in the evenings, our routes go across the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and into Ashton Court or through the stunning trails in Leigh Woods.
We’re really sorry, but we don’t allow dogs to come with us on our runs – and they’re also not allowed in the club house.
At the Redland Green Club, there are changing rooms and showers for runners to use. After our runs, everyone is welcome to stay behind in the inside or outside bar for a drink or some food (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available).
Our History
Great Western Runners was founded at The Myrtle Tree in Hotwells in July 1984 by a group of Bristolian running enthusiasts.
We were originally based at Kingsdown Sports Centre. Over the first 15 years, our club’s membership grew rapidly.
Over the years, the GWR members have participated in cross-country leagues, road races and relays. The club also organised races and soon gained a valuable reputation for excellent organisation and fun, friendly marshalls.
In April 1999, GWR moved to its current home in Redland where it has use of shower and changing facilities and, most importantly, our own bar for post-run catch ups!
The club has continued to grow and we now have over 200 members!
Committee
The Great Western Runners committee is elected once a year at our AGM (usually in October).
The committee meets once a month, on Monday nights, to discuss all matters relating to the running of the club.
We are keen to know what you think about our club and if you have any questions or suggestions please either send your message via our Contact page or speak to one of the committee members at one of our club sessions.
Your committee for 2023/24 is:
Chair: Mark Watts
Vice Chair: Ian Haynes
Treasurer: Janine Cooke
Secretary: Callum Moore
Membership: Martin Bennett
Committee members: Chris Taylor, Rich Barnett, Rosie Clarke, Elena Holmes and A Rashid
GWR Club Constitution & Rules incl Appendices as at 16th October 2019