Bedford Running Festival
A
From ATW
4.1 ·
7 reviews
Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd September 2023
Past event
15:00
Bedford
£12.72–£40.28 · 5 races
5km, 10km, Half Marathon
Event summary
Join the excitement at the Bedford Running Festival, taking place from Saturday, September 2nd to Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, in the beautiful town of Bedford! Organised by ATW, this vibrant event promises an unforgettable weekend of running, attracting thousands of enthusiasts eager to participate in one of Bedfordshire’s most popular running experiences. Whether you’re looking to conquer the Bedford 5k, challenge yourself in the Twilight 10K, tackle the Bedford Half Marathon, or take on the impressive Bedford 20, there’s a race for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this exhilarating celebration of fitness and community!
Bedford Running Festival
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Previous editions
Add your review
Reviews
4.17 reviews
LC
Leslie Carter
Reviewing the 2024 edition · 2 years ago
Event Village had lots of things for kids. Set in a picture rest country park. 20 mile course was good and challenged. Thoroughly enjoyed the running festival and all the crowd and marshal support during the race. Great day out. Would recommend to other runners. Will be returning in the future.
SJ
Samuel James
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 2 years ago
Amazingly run, great route, wonderful festival feel and great rewards at the end! I PBd here!
AF
Artiom Furdui
Reviewing the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
It was my first half-marathon, and in general, I was pleasantly surprised by the organization, on the day of the race the weather outside was good, and a big part of the route was not on asphalt (in case of rain that can be a problem for shoes so if organisers will keep same route next year, you may consider trail shoes, depends on weather). Another thing that caught my attention and maybe should be improved in the future - there are very narrow sections of the road where no more than 2 people can fit at the same time, because of this you lose your pace. Another unpleasant moment, one of the ladies with the medals - she seemed extremely disinterested in her duties, I don't know if it is boring to put a medal on every finisher but for somebody, this may be a very important moment and maybe one of the brightest memories in future.
AF
Artiom Furdui
Reviewing the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
It was my first half-marathon, and in general, I was pleasantly surprised by the organization, on the day of the race the weather outside was good, and a big part of the route was not on asphalt (in case of rain that can be a problem for shoes so if organisers will keep same route next year, you may consider trail shoes depends on weather). Another thing that caught my attention and maybe should be improved in the future - there are very narrow sections of the road where no more than 2 people can fit at the same time, because of this you lose your pace. Another unpleasant moment, one of the ladies with the medals - she seemed extremely disinterested in her duties, I don't know if it is boring to put a medal on every finisher but for somebody, this may be a very important moment and maybe one of the brightest memories in future.
SJ
Shaun Jelley
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
Good level run, all levels of runners so slow is fine if that's what you want to do, plenty of help available, helps to have a nice sunny day....good atmosphere all round 🏃♂️😎
SJ
Shaun Jelley
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
Easy level run and a good course, a mixture raod' grass and easy gravel, great location in the park and by the river, well organised and plenty of help, runners of all levels...walk it if you want, nice medal and the sun was shining too (and plenty of loo's) would have liked some water available before the start 💦👍 🌤️🏃♂️😎
RH
Rachel Hobson
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
A really vibrant, well supported and very well organised event. Will definitely be coming back next year.
Races
-
5k
Entries closedSaturday 2nd Sep 2023 (15:00)
£20.14
-
MiniMile
Entries closedSaturday 2nd Sep 2023 (16:30)
£12.72
-
Twilight 10k
Entries closedSaturday 2nd Sep 2023 (17:30)
£27.56
-
Bedford 20
Entries closedSunday 3rd Sep 2023 (09:30)
£40.28
-
Half Marathon
Entries closedSunday 3rd Sep 2023 (09:30)
£36.04
Event information
Closed Road Race.
Medal
Chip-timing
Baggage
Toilets
Water
Finish line goodies
Chip-timing
Baggage
Toilets
Water
Finish line goodies
Russell Park, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3RH
5K 3pm SATURDAY
Mini-miles 4:30pm SATURDAY
Twilight 10K 5:30pm SATURDAY
Half Marathon & 20 miler 9:30am SUNDAY
Mini-miles 4:30pm SATURDAY
Twilight 10K 5:30pm SATURDAY
Half Marathon & 20 miler 9:30am SUNDAY
5K – 11 years
10K – 15 years
Half Marathon – 17yrs
20 Miles – 18 years (ages at 04/09/22)
10K – 15 years
Half Marathon – 17yrs
20 Miles – 18 years (ages at 04/09/22)
Registration and the information desk will be open on the day, Saturday from 1:00pm and Sunday at 8:00am
Entries before 25th August will be posted out to the address used on the registration form.
There will be race information made available before the event, it is mandatory to have read this. Any late changes will be advised on the day.
Early pack collection times and locations will be advised nearer the time.
Entries before 25th August will be posted out to the address used on the registration form.
There will be race information made available before the event, it is mandatory to have read this. Any late changes will be advised on the day.
Early pack collection times and locations will be advised nearer the time.
There will be full results on the chip timing website both overall and by category.
Custom designed medal for all finishers!
Add a medal insert to commemorate your time; whether it’s your first race or a new PB! Available to purchase for an additional £8.
Simply add MEDAL INSERT on your registration form and you’ll be sent the insert in the mail shortly after race day, for you to apply to your medal and display proudly!
Custom designed medal for all finishers!
Add a medal insert to commemorate your time; whether it’s your first race or a new PB! Available to purchase for an additional £8.
Simply add MEDAL INSERT on your registration form and you’ll be sent the insert in the mail shortly after race day, for you to apply to your medal and display proudly!
Health
It is important that you are fit to run and have not experienced any Covid-19 symptoms in the 14 days leading up to the event.
Race Numbers
Please wear your number pinned to the front of your vest.
Parking
Ample parking can be found in Bedford town centre, a short walk from the venue
Changing and Bag Storage
We will not be providing a changing area, therefore please come changed and ready to race. There will be a baggage area at this event.
Toilets
Toilets will be provided for the event.
Water Station
Water will be provided on the half marathon route in 330ml bottles made from recycled plastic.
Wheelchairs
Due to street furniture and pinch-points on the route, the course is unsuitable for wheelchairs
Headphones
Headphones are allowed, but bone-conduction headphones are recommended over in-ear and over-ear styles. It is essential that music is played at low volume to enable marshal and safety instructions to be heard
It is important that you are fit to run and have not experienced any Covid-19 symptoms in the 14 days leading up to the event.
Race Numbers
Please wear your number pinned to the front of your vest.
Parking
Ample parking can be found in Bedford town centre, a short walk from the venue
Changing and Bag Storage
We will not be providing a changing area, therefore please come changed and ready to race. There will be a baggage area at this event.
Toilets
Toilets will be provided for the event.
Water Station
Water will be provided on the half marathon route in 330ml bottles made from recycled plastic.
Wheelchairs
Due to street furniture and pinch-points on the route, the course is unsuitable for wheelchairs
Headphones
Headphones are allowed, but bone-conduction headphones are recommended over in-ear and over-ear styles. It is essential that music is played at low volume to enable marshal and safety instructions to be heard
Organiser's description
More than just a running race.
Join thousands at Bedfordshire’s MOST POPULAR weekend of running. Conquer the Bedford 5k, Twilight 10K, Bedford Half Marathon or Bedford 20 in 2023.
Join thousands at Bedfordshire’s MOST POPULAR weekend of running. Conquer the Bedford 5k, Twilight 10K, Bedford Half Marathon or Bedford 20 in 2023.
Location
Russell Park, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3RH
Butterfly Bridge, River Great Ouse, Bedford MK40 3QF, UK
Bedford Running Festival
A
ATW
ATW was started in 2011 by James Shipley - St Albans based runner and triathlete. The company started to promote and sell training plans for multiple endurance sporting disciplines. However, along the way, event organisation became a big part of the business. Today, we organise 80+ events per year and time 50+ more for other organisers, under the company Event Chip Timing. Happy racing!
On Find a Race
Since
2014
Events
420+
Avg. review
4.7
