Fun Run
Sat 5 Sep 2026 Bedford, Bedfordshire, UK

ATW Bedford Running Festival | Fun Run

Don’t let the grown-ups have all the fun. Join the fun run for all the family as part of Bedford's Running Festival with kids zone and fun fair too!

  • Sat 5 Sep 2026
Russell Park, Bedford
Fun Run

16:30

All ages

£12

  • 1 mile road running + 0 ft ascent

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

This event is part of ATW Bedford Running Festival.

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.

event village

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?

live music

  • No headphones
  • Out and back
  • GPX available

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

runners hugging

  • 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!

  • Goody bag
  • Medal

There are so many reasons to run!

Included

  • Traffic-free course
  • No cut off time
  • Access to post-race festival
  • Town centre location
  • Kids Zone
  • Free yoga and wellness
festival goers

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

  • All ages
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Race numbers will be available for you to collect at registration from 1:30pm on Saturday, in the event village. You can then decorate your race number and write your name on your bib there too!

Age

Under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult with their own ticket.

Entry fees

Entry fee

£12.00

Other races at event

  • Sat 5 Sep 2026
  • #2 of 0
Russell Park, Bedford
5K

15:00

Age 11 & over

£18-£20

  • 5 km road running + 33 ft ascent
  • Sat 5 Sep 2026
  • #3 of 0
Russell Park, Bedford
10K

17:30

Age 15 & over

£24-£26

  • 10 km road running + 66 ft ascent
  • Sun 6 Sep 2026
  • #4 of 0
Russell Park, Bedford
Half Marathon

09:30

Age 17 & over

£32-£34

  • 13.1 miles road running + 59 ft ascent
  • Sun 6 Sep 2026
  • #5 of 0
Russell Park, Bedford
20 Mile

09:30

Age 18 & over

£35-£37

  • 20 miles road running + 72 ft ascent

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