Trail Escape: Bristol to Bath

The marathon and the 25km will start from Bristol & Bath Science Park.

The routes will follow a traffic-free ‘green corridor’ to pick up well established and maintained trails. Participants will enjoy stunning views over Bristol as well as relatively ‘gentle’ first sections as they head into the picturesque and relatively flat South Gloucestershire countryside.

The tougher (but most rewarding) final section enters the Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

This will provide participants with breathtaking views back over to Bristol (and even further into Wales) before the descent into the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and an amazing finish in Royal Victoria Park, amongst its iconic Georgian backdrops.

MARATHON AND 25KM START: Bristol & Bath Science Park
FINISH: The Bandstand in Royal Victoria Park

Both start and finish venues have good connections to public transport however shuttle buses will be offered from Bath to the Start village pre-event and post-event. Bags can be dropped at the starts and will be delivered to the finish.

Head out on traffic-free routes to escape city streets and explore the vast expanse of rolling hills, fields and woodland beyond.

Enjoy the rare opportunity to take part in a trail event that offers city convenience! Book a place to stay, enjoy the city, the trails and celebrate with friends & family.

Choose to run or hike / walk.

The routes will suit all levels of runners and experienced walkers. (We would recommend you can walk for at least seven hours non stop before taking part in the marathon event.)

If you sign up to run, don’t worry if you need to walk some of the way – that’s encouraged so you can properly take in the beauty of where you are running! The climbing, descending and overall terrain will be challenging in places, but we assure you that slowing down to take in everything that is Trail Escape is more than acceptable.

Race Pack Collection

YOU MUST COLLECT YOUR BIB NUMBER WITH TIMING CHIP.

WE WILL NOT BE POSTING ANY RACE PACKS.

Collect on:

Friday 25 September 2026, 4pm – 7pm from Bristol & Bath Science Park (Info Tent where the event will start)

Saturday 26 September 2026 – Info Tent at the start – from 7am

Numbers will be allocated upon collection.

Fully supported route

All of the events will be fully supported with way-finding and marshals just like a traditional road event.

There will be Aid Stations in place with fuel, food, hydration & toilets to help you along the way. Cheer points and music will enhance the experience that is Trail Escape.

Friends and family can support participants at the start. They can then take the train to Bath, which is a short journey, to see finishers cross the finish line and celebrate inthis beautiful city together!

Timing & Medals

This will be a timed event but not necessarily a race.

Your goal is to enjoy running or walking on these incredible routes. Stopping to enjoy the views is strongly encouraged.

Forget the pressure of chasing PBs or worrying about split times. Trail Escape is about enjoying the environment we are taking you through on your way to getting that medal for finishing a Trail Escape.