Tuesday 23-01-2018 - 11:47

As part of Varsity 2017-18, UWE and Bristol and encouraging the wider community to join us in a series of fun activities in order to improve health and wellbeing in Bristol.

The first event open to the public to take part in is The Big Colour Run on Saturday 3 March, which is the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved, right through from families, to students, university staff, community fundraisers and aspiring athletes. As well as being a great opportunity to bring the community together, The Big Colour Run, which is taking place at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, is fittingly hosted at the end of the colourful Holi Festival, helping to bring it to a close.

Further events open to the public include the Ashfords LLP Varsity Boat Race, held in the most iconic part of the city. This year the event will be a twist on the traditional boat race, with a sprint instead of the 1300m course, and will be re-introducing the Best of the West title, where spectators will have the chance to see the best athletes the region has to offer compete for the right to name themselves the ‘Best of the West’.

Bringing the series to a close will be the Ashfords LLP Harbourside 10K, which takes place on Sunday 29 April. The race, which is the only one to be held exclusively around the Harbourside, is the perfect opportunity for a fun and fit day out. The event is being supported by Bristol Water which will be providing the hydration station for runners on the day.

As well as working in collaboration with SugarSmart Bristol to promote healthy living choices amongst young people, this year’s Varsity Series will also be raising money for local mental health and wellbeing charity Off the Record.

John House, Sport and Student Development Officer at Bristol SU, commented: “I’m delighted to be able to offer so many participation events this year, from our Colour Runs to the 10K. With this all on offer, the Bristol Varsity Series 2017-18 is definitely going to be another one to remember!”

As part of the series, students from both universities will also be put through their paces in a number of nail-biting events, including Netball on 11 February, Varsity Day on 21 March and a brand new Total Varsity Wipeout on 25 April, which will see participants compete in teams across a variety of both dry and slippery giant inflatables.

To find out more about upcoming Varsity fixtures and tickets, please visit varsityseries.com