5 races
Event overview
Join thousands for Bedfordshire’s biggest weekend of running at the Bedford Running Festival — a vibrant mix of races, live entertainment and family fun in Russell Park.
With distances for all abilities, from the Fun Run and Bedford 5K to the Twilight 10K, Half Marathon and 20-Miler, there’s something for everyone. Every finisher earns a bespoke medal and race goodies, and those completing multiple events receive an exclusive double finisher reward.
But this festival is more than just running — it’s a weekend celebration of fitness, music and community spirit. Enjoy live bands, delicious street food, a funfair, family activities and a buzzing festival village. Whether you’re running, supporting or soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a weekend to remember.
Highlights
- Choice of Fun Run, 5K, Twilight 10K, Half Marathon and 20-Miler
- Festival village with live music, street food, funfair and entertainment
- Custom-designed medals and rewards for all finishers
- Special bonus medal for completing two or more races
- Family-friendly atmosphere in Russell Park, Bedford
- First weekend of September — the ultimate summer running celebration
Event photos
Event video
- Average fitness
- Event village
- Families
- Newcomers
- Spectators
On the day
Get your stretch on at one of the free yoga classes then grab a beer and some street food and party to live music from local Bedford musicians while the sun sets over the stunning Embankment and river area of the town.
You're not guaranteed a PB but you are guaranteed fun. And don’t forget your medal and finish line goodies! What more could you want?
- Paid parking
- Park
- Secure bag storage
- Toilets
Event HQ
Russell Park
The Embankment
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK40 3RH
UK
Parking
Longholme Way car park is available for the day at approximately £5 (pay on exit). The Gates will be locked at the time of the car park closure.
On foot
The Event Village location is just a 12 min walk from Bedford High Street.
By bike
Secure bike parking will be provided inside the Event Village.
By rail
Bedford is just 40 mins from London by train! Bedford train station is on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to the East Midlands.
By taxi
There are no drop-offs in Russell Park. You are advised to be dropped off at Aspects Leisure Park (MK41 9LN) and walk in. This will be a perfect warm-up for your race!
Great event, very well organised throughout with friendly staff and great Marshall’s and water point staff. David W
Well organised. Friendly. Value for money. Great atmosphere. Great event village. Everything very easy. Damian F
Bedford 5K was a great race, flat, fast course. Definitely a PB chasing run. The festival atmosphere at the event village was incredible. Even the weather was glorious. Well marshalled, plenty of clear signage. Petra W
Just a fab fab fab event. The most massive medal, great tech tee, full goody bag, busy race village, awesome support throughout from spectators and marshals. 100% a PB course - flat flat flat! Leanne S
Thoroughly enjoyed this race and its uniqueness of being an evening race. Location was perfect.. Will definitely be signing up for next year. Alan V
My favourite running festival of the year. I loved my visit to Bedford in September. Adam J
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
- Bring your own cup
- Optional t-shirt
- Recycling
- Sustainability policy
Here are the ways this event cares for the environment:
Summary
- Recycling bins
- Recycling gets separated from general waste
- Finish line water bottles made from recycled material
- Refill taps are provided so participants can bring their own bottle and fill up during the event
- The choice of paper cups at water stations
- Signage including course marking attached with reusable garden wire instead of plastic cable ties
- 'Dynamic bib assignment’ removes the need for envelopes, sticker labels and excess waste
- Bike racking is provided to promote cycling to the events
Races at event