Rio Medallist Emily Diamond Starts Great Bristol Half
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Emily Diamond – whose heroic third leg of the women’s 4x400m relay helped secure a bronze medal for Team GB in Rio – will be the official honorary starter of this year’s Great Bristol Half Marathon.
Emily will be on the start line to encourage and inspire the expected 10,000 runners as they get on their way on Sunday 25 September.
The 25-year-old local athlete, who began her career at Bristol Grammar School and is a member of Bristol and West Athletics club, was part of the first women’s 4×400 relay team to win an Olympic medal in over 20 years.
Emily along with Eilidh Doyle, Anyika Onuora and Christine Ohuruogu impressively secured third in three minutes, 25.88 seconds and their bronze took team GB’s medals haul to 66, beating the 65 achieved in London four years ago.
Emily said, ”The Olympics has been a really incredible experience for me, and I hope I can bring some of that Rio magic home with me to inspire Bristolians taking part in the Great Bristol Half Marathon.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the thousands of people cheering and waving as they set off through the city centre. Whether people are running, jogging or walking, I hope they have been inspired by Team GBs performance to give it their best shot. “
The event will get underway at 9:30AM on Anchor Road; the 13.1-mile course will take runners along the Portway, through the stunning Avon Gorge, twice under Clifton Suspension Bridge and around the old city before returning to the Harbourside.
Project Manager Andy Graffin, from event organiser the Great Run Company said,
“We’re thrilled to have Emily on board as honorary starter of the event, her incredible performance in Rio had us on the edge of our seats.
“We know our runners will want congratulate her and catch a glimpse of that all important Olympic bling, and we’re sure she will be able to give them some top tips to enjoy their own finish line moment.”
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