Avon AA : Local Running News

April 2026: New UKA Rule Regarding Headphones


"RULE TR55 S5 UKA SUPPLEMENT HEADPHONES


"The wearing of headphones, or similar devices, other than those being used following a medical diagnosis supported by a recommendation from a medically qualified professional, is not permitted on any shared usage courses. This includes, but is not limited to, open roads, parks, recreation grounds, seafront promenades, public footpaths and other such areas where those not participating in the race may be present. Competition Providers of races held entirely on roads closed to traffic or on routes entirely closed to all but the competitors, may apply this condition where appropriate to local circumstances. Headphones that work by conducting sound through bones and do not sit in or on the ears are acceptable but must leave the ear clear of obstructions to hearing. A Competition Provider may determine that they cannot be used in their race even on a closed road or course subject to their safety assessment. " [End of Quote].

London Mini-Marathon


The 2026 London Mini Marathon will be held on Saturday 25th April, under the new UKA Age Groups of U14/U16/U18. For the South-West teams at this event:

  • One place was awarded to the winners of each U13/U15/U17 M/F race at the SW XC Championships on Saturday January 3rd
  •  
  • Three places per team were awarded following a Trials meeting on Sunday 15th February at Westpoint, near Exeter
    ..... Details
  •  
  • The remaining two places per team, plus two reserve spots, were allocated by the SW selectors

  • The 2025 South-West Team Results can be found Here.
  • The 2024 South-West Team Results can be found Here.
  • The 2023 South-West Team results can be found Here
  • The 2022 South-West Team results can be found Here
  • The 2021 Results for South-West athletes can be found Here.

A list of the running groups in in the South Glos. / Bristol area can be found Here. Some are affiliated to England Athletics and/or the Avon AA, some are not.

ParkRunThe concept of the ParkRun (a 5km Saturday morning run, free, as competitive or non-competitive as you choose) is best explained at Their Website.

Local Adult events are held at:

  • Ashton Court, Bristol
  • The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury
  • Pomphrey Hill, Mangotsfield
  • ‘Free Fields’, North Road / Claverton Down Road (opposite Shaft Road), Bath.
  • Wotton-Under-Edge
  • Eastville Park, Bristol
  • Mundy Playing Fields, Thornbury
  • Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham
  • Clevedon
  • Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare (depending on tides)
  • Blaise Castle Estate
  • Five Arches, Norton Radstock
  • Three Bridges, Bradley Stoke
  • Brickfields Park, Twerton, Bath
  • (please let the webmaster know of any additions needed to this list)

There are also Junior Parkruns over 2km., (4-14 years) on Sundays. Most start at 9.00am, but check local arrangements. For all Junior Parkruns anywhere, children under the age of eleven must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian or appropriate adult of the parent's choice. Children must place themselves appropriately at the start so that they will not be repeatedly overtaken. Events locally are:
  •  
  • Windmill Hill (Victoria Park, Nutgrove Avenue, Bristol)
  • Kings Weston Estate, Kings Weston Lane, Bristol, BS11 0UR (10.00am start)
  • “Neighbourhood Open Space”, Walford Avenue, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 7YZ.
  • Odd Down, Bath
  • Eastville Park, Bristol
  • Page Park, Staple Hill, Bristol
  • Yatton Recreation Ground
  • Little Stoke Park
  • Wotton-under-Edge
  • Horfield Common, Bristol
  • Greville Smyth Park, Ashton, Bristol
  • Golden Valley Park, Nailsea

Just as with events in mainstream athletics, Parkruns may have to be called off if weather conditions or other issues (e.g. Goole on July 24th 2021: a nearby unexploded WW2 bomb) make courses unsafe. Also, venues may sometimes be reserved for non-athletic events. Try checking at This Web Page.

There may be extra (or possibly fewer) events around Christmas / New Year.

Helen Newberry has been appointed as the Run! City (Bristol) Activator for England Athletics. Her objectives include getting more people active in running, including around workplaces, FE Colleges, etc.

Beginner Running Sessions: England Athletics are working with a number of local providers to increase participation in running.

Individual leaders, coaches or clubs currently with beginner programmes or looking to run beginner courses or start up Run England groups are encouraged to make contact with our partners or activators who can assist with marketing, promotion, leader support and may be able to assist funding for leader training. Your contacts are: