Winter Olympic Bronze Medalist To Start Bristol 10K
Entries for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k are still open, enter now at Greatrun.org/Bristol10k
Dom Parsons – who upset the odds to win Great Britain’s first medal of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games – will be the official honorary starter of this year’s Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k.
Dom, who took home the bronze medal in the men’s skeleton, will be on the start line to encourage and inspire the 13,000 runners as they take on their 10k challenge at the event on Sunday 13 May.
The 30-year-old local athlete, who is based in Bath and is currently studying for a PhD degree at Bath University, became the first British male to win a skeleton medal since John Crammond in 1948.
Dom impressively secured third in a dramatic men’s skeleton final in Pyeongchang, by finishing in a combined time of three minutes 22.20 seconds.
His bronze helped bring team GB’s medal haul to five, celebrating a record-breaking Games.
Dom said: “The Winter Olympics was a really incredible experience for me, and I hope I can bring some of that with me to inspire everyone who is taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the thousands of people cheering and waving as they set off through the city centre.
“Whatever people’s reasons for taking part, I hope that Team GBs performance has helped to inspire them to rise to the challenge.”
Dom is no stranger to running, having started out as a 400m runner before deciding to switch to skeleton in 2007.
The Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k gets underway on Anchor Road in the city centre. The 10k course makes the most of the awe-inspiring surroundings of the city, taking runners along the Portway, through the stunning Avon Gorge and twice under Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Participants then return to the Harbourside, where they’ll be given a hero’s welcome by spectators as they cross the line.
The event also includes the Simplyhealth Great Bristol Family Run, where children and their families can take on their own shorter running route through Millennium Square.
Andy Graffin, from event organisers the Great Run Company, said: “We’re thrilled to have Dom as the honorary starter of the event, his amazing performance at the Winter Olympics was one to remember and kick-started team GB’s medal efforts.
“As a former runner, we’re sure he will be able to give our participants some last-minute tips to conquer their 10k challenge and enjoy their own finish line moment.”
Entries for the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k are still open, enter now at Greatrun.org/Bristol10k
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