The Bristol to Bath Trail Escape follows established trails into the Gloucestershire countryside, before a more challenging final stretch through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Soak up sweeping views back across Bristol, before a rewarding descent into the historic city of Bath.
Choose your challenge: a 25km or marathon (42km) distance. Both start at Bristol & Bath Science Park and finish at the Bandstand in Royal Victoria Park, Bath. Sign up to walk/hike or run either distance.
Enjoy a fully supported event with clear signage, friendly marshals, and well-stocked aid stations offering food, hydration, and toilets along the route.
Save up to £25 on event entry when you take part for Southmead Hospital Charity:
25km entry: £30
25km sponsorship: A minimum of £200
Marathon entry: £55
Marathon sponsorship: A minimum of £300
Bought your own place from Trail Escape? Select the self-funded entry during registration (no charge!) to receive the same dedicated fundraising support as our charity place supporters.
Not only will you have a fantastic day out, but you will have a great sense of achievement having made a real difference to patients, their families and hospital staff here in Bristol.
Join us in the Bristol to Bath Trail Escape and receive:
There is a proposed merger between University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT). Consequently, their charities – Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) and Southmead Hospital Charity (SHC) – are exploring a potential merger, with BWHC becoming the principal charity partner for the new merged organisation.
If your registration is taking place ahead of any merger, nothing changes for your fundraising. The money you raise will be ring-fenced to support patients and staff across Southmead Hospital and other North Bristol NHS Trust Hospitals.
You can find more information about the proposed NHS Trust merger, here.
Do I need to be an experienced walker or runner to take part?
The routes are suitable for runners and experienced walkers. If you’re taking on the marathon, we recommend being comfortable walking for up to seven hours.
Runners are welcome to walk sections of the course. The terrain can be challenging in places, but taking your time to enjoy the scenery is all part of the Trail Escape experience.
Can I enter or join a team?
Yes! The more the merrier. When you register, you can create a team and prompt email invitations to your friends, family, or colleagues. Once they sign up, they’ll automatically be added to your team. You can also join an existing team by searching for the team name during registration.
Each team member will have their own fundraising page, all linked together under a team page with a shared fundraising total so you can track your progress and hit your goal together.
How do I receive my race pack?
All participants must collect their bib number and timing chip in person (packs will not be posted). Bib numbers will be allocated at collection.
Collect from the Info Tent at Bristol & Bath Science Park on: Friday 25 September, 4:00pm – 7:00pm or Saturday 26 September (event day), from 7:00am.
Is this a timed event?
Yes, but it’s not necessarily a race. Forget the pressure of chasing PBs – Trail Escape is about enjoying your surroundings on your way to getting that medal at the finish.
There is a 10hr time limit to complete the trail, which is less than 3 miles per hour.
Can I book a parking or a return shuttle bus back to the start?
While we encourage you to use public transport, we know that is not always feasible. There is limited parking available at Bristol to Bath Science Park and there will be a shuttle bus from the finish back to the start which you can book via Trail Escape: Book Buses / Parking | Trail Escape
Can children take part?
All 25km participants must be 16 or older on event day while marathon participants must be 18 or older on event day.
Can I walk/run with my dog?
Yes, one dog (please note, dogs are not allowed on the shuttle bus).
If you’re thinking about bringing your dog, please read the guidance set out in the Trail Escape FAQs here: FAQs | Trail Escape
