The GWR Towpath Series
The GWR Towpath Series is a series of four fun and inclusive races: three 10k and one 5k, taking place between May and August. The route is along the Towpath next to the River Avon; on the other side from the Portway. The first race includes a mob match, where running clubs compete against each other as teams.
Race Dates
EARLY BIRD OFFER JUST £25.00 FOR THE SERIES!
The whole series is just £30.00
Single race entries are £15.00
- Race 1 (10k, including Mob Match) – Friday 23rd May: Enter here
- Race 2 (10k) – Friday 20th June: Enter here
- Race 3 (10k) – Friday 25th July: Enter here
- Race 4 (5k) – Friday 15th August: Enter here
This is a highly popular series of 10k races (with a 5k to finish off with). Whether you feel up to the challenge of all four races or just want to enter one or two when you have a spare Friday night, please do come along.
All abilities are welcome. There is no cut off time and we always have a tail runner so you don’t have to worry about coming last!
Please don’t wear headphones (of any kind); the course is narrow in places and you need to be able to hear the marshals (and soak up the atmosphere!).
For 2025 we are delighted to, once again, have the use of the sports centre at Ashton Park School (BS3 2JL) as our race HQ where parking, changing and toilet facilities will be available for all competitors. The Race HQ and car park closes at 10pm.
There is a short walk to the start – half a mile – so please leave yourself a bit of extra time to be ready at the underpass for the 7:30pm start.
We welcome entries on the night (we take cash and card payments). Simply arrive at Ashton Park Sports Centre between 6:30 and 7:15pm to register.
If you have entered online, you must collect your number from the sports centre between 6:30 and 7:15 pm.
If you have entered all races, you will need to keep your number safe so you can use it at each race.
The route is a simple out and back along the Towpath. You can’t get lost! There will be plenty of enthusiastic marshals to guide and support you. The route is gently undulating and the surface is a mixture of tarmac and gravel footpaths with some roots and rocks.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each race. At the end of the series, vouchers and trophies will be awarded so try to come along to as many races as possible to be in with a chance of winning your category!
Prizes will be awarded for:
1st, 2nd and 3rd woman and man.
1st male and female vet 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80.
Every finisher will also earn themselves free raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning a spot prize so do hang around after the race.
See you there!
Race Timetable
- 18:30: Number collection and on the night entry opens
- 1915: On the night entry and number collection closes
- 19:30: Start Of The Race
- 19:30 : 21:00 : (approx.) Race Presentations followed by a raffle (all runners get a free raffle ticket!) at THE FINISH
- Remember, you have to be there in person to collect any prizes otherwise, the cry goes up “They’ve gone home!” and it gets redrawn.
The Mob Match
Local running clubs and teams are invited to bring as many members as possible to compete in the team event. The first 20 runners will count for your team and the club with its counters in the highest finishing positions will win a trophy!
All runners must enter the race by clicking on the link above (entries for 2023 are not yet open)
In partnership with:
The race limit per race is 400
Due to the off-road nature of the course, it is not considered suitable for wheelchairs – sorry.
Race Permit: ARC 14/169
Statements of Course Measurement: 06/313 and 06/314
Held under ARC Rules for Competition
Category Prizes for:
Male: First 3 and then First V40,50,60,70, 80
Female: First 3 and then First V40,50,60,70, 80
Series category based on age as at the date of Race One
Three out of four races to count
Results calculated on finish position
GWR MEMBERS – Your club needs you! There are various volunteering roles available throughout the series – see the volunteer coordinators at Wednesday club nights to sign up.