Autumn is one of the best times of year to race – the temperatures are cooler, the scenery is stunning and there’s nothing quite like crossing a finish line with leaves turning gold around you. With two excellent events coming up in October right on our doorstep, here’s everything you need to know about racing in Bath and Bristol this autumn.
Ashton Court Epic Trail – Sunday 4 October 2026
The Ashton Court Epic Trail takes place at the stunning Ashton Court Estate in Long Ashton, Bristol – a beautiful 850-acre deer park on the edge of the city with sweeping views across Bristol and beyond. Organised by Superhuman Sports and sponsored by GORUCK, this event offers distances from 6k to half marathon across trail and ruck run categories.
Distances available
- 6k Trail Run (Open and Pro)
- 10k Trail Run (Open and Pro)
- Half Marathon Trail Run (Open and Pro)
- Ruck Run options at 6k, 10k and Half Marathon distances – carrying a weighted pack (12.5/8kg Pro, 8/6kg Open) for an extra challenge
This event is sold out but worth bookmarking for next year if you missed it – and well worth getting along to cheer the runners. The trail format and beautiful Ashton Court setting make it one of the best trail events in the Bristol area.
What to wear for Ashton Court Epic Trail
Ashton Court’s terrain is mixed grass, woodland paths and estate tracks – trail shoes are strongly recommended, particularly if conditions are wet. The HOKA Speedgoat 7 or Salomon trail shoes are both excellent choices for this type of terrain. Dress in layers – October mornings can be chilly at the start but you’ll warm up quickly once moving. A packable jacket is worth having at the bag drop.
Bath & Bristol Railway Races Autumn – Sunday 11 October 2026
The Bath & Bristol Railway Races Autumn edition on 11 October follows the route of the original Great Western Railway line from Green Park Station in Bath to Bristol Temple Meads – one of the most scenic and historically interesting running routes in the South West. Organised by Relish Running Races, this is a brilliantly well-organised event with something for runners of every level.
Start location: Green Park Station, Bath
Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
Distances available
- 2km Fun Run – perfect for younger runners or those new to racing
- 10km – out and back from Green Park
- Half Marathon – out and back to Bitton Train Station, including a section alongside the Avon Valley Railway heritage line
- 25km – point-to-point from Bath to Bristol Temple Meads, passing through the 450m Staple Hill Tunnel
- Marathon – out and back on the full railway path route
- 50km Ultra – for the seriously ambitious
The course follows the Bristol and Bath Railway Path – a flat, traffic-free tarmac route that’s one of the best running surfaces in the region. The half marathon and longer distances pass restored signal boxes, picturesque stations at Warmley and Mangotsfield and the active Avon Valley Railway heritage line at Bitton.
Registration for the Autumn 2026 edition is now closed. Keep an eye on the Relish Running Races website for future editions – this is a brilliant event well worth entering next time around.
What to wear for the Bath & Bristol Railway Races
The course is entirely on tarmac and packed gravel path, so road running shoes are the right choice here. Given the flat, fast surface it’s a great event for chasing a PB – the Brooks Ghost 17 or HOKA Clifton 10 are both well suited to the course. Dress for October conditions – a lightweight long-sleeve base layer and shorts or tights depending on the forecast. The railway path can be exposed and windy in places, so a packable jacket is worth packing even if you don’t wear it from the start.
If you’re tackling the marathon or ultra, hydration planning is important – the course is largely exposed with limited shelter. A running vest or soft flask will keep you comfortable on the longer distances.
Getting Ready to Race This Autumn
Whether you’re toeing the start line at Ashton Court or Green Park, the right kit makes a real difference to your race day experience. Here are a few things to consider:
Get your shoes sorted now
If you haven’t run in your race day shoes regularly, now is the time to start. Never race in shoes you haven’t trained in – even a few long runs in your race shoes before the event will help avoid blisters and discomfort on the day. Visit us for advice on the right shoe for your event and distance, or book a gait analysis if you’re not sure whether you’re in the right shoe for your gait.
Check your kit
October racing means variable conditions. Have a lightweight waterproof jacket, moisture-wicking layers and appropriate socks ready. Read our guide to running in autumn for a full kit checklist.
Taper sensibly
Reduce your training volume in the week before your race – particularly for half marathon distance and above. Keep your easy runs easy, do one short sharper session mid-week and arrive at the start line fresh rather than tired.
Looking Further Ahead – Bath Half Marathon 2027
Once the October races are done, thoughts will turn to spring – and the Bath Half Marathon 2027 on Sunday 14 March is the big one for local runners. General entry is £59.99 with charity places also available. If you’re planning to enter, now is a great time to start building your base fitness ahead of a structured training plan in December.
Visit Running Bath for Race Day Preparation
Running Bath is Bath’s specialist running store, in the centre of Bath, close to Bath Abbey. Whether you need trail shoes for Ashton Court, road shoes for the Railway Races, or advice on kit for autumn racing, our team can help. Browse our full range online or visit us in-store. Free UK delivery on orders over £60.
Also useful: Running in Autumn – HOKA Speedgoat 7 – Trail Running Gear Guide – How to Train for the Bath Half Marathon 2027
Image credit
The Clifton Lodge gate by David Hallam-Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link