Great Bentley Friday 5
Part of the Friday 5 summer series, the Great Bentley Friday 5 is an open five-mile race held on July 3, 2026, with chip timing, prizes, and junior races.
Event Details
The Friday 5 Series is a popular series of 6 open races each of approximately 5 miles in length, all held during the summer on Friday evenings. These races are always family friendly and are a great way to spend a summer’s evening. Prizes are awarded to individuals and teams at each race, and also for the series as a whole (based on a points system).
The 2026 GBRC Friday 5 will be held on Friday 3rd July and will start and finish at Great Bentley Village Hall, Hall View Rd, Great Bentley, Colchester CO7 8LW. Please note there is no participant parking at the Village Hall. However, there is ample parking near the Village Green which will be clearly signposted and marshalled. Runners please be aware there will be a road closure for the junior race at 18:40 for up to 20 minutes. The closure will take place on Weeley Road. This could effect your access to the main car park. So please try and plan your journey accordingly.
Start time – 19:30 hrs
Distances
- 5 miles main race
- 1 km junior race for school years 4 and below
- 2 km junior race for school years 5 and above
Entry Fees
Main 5 Mile Race:
£16 – members of UKA affiliated athletics club
£18 – non-members of UKA affiliated athletics club
The Race Limit is 500.
Junior Run:
Entry fee: £6
We offer 2 junior races which will start together at 6.40pm:
School year’s 4 and below – 1 km
School year’s 5 and above – 2 km
All off road – one road is crossed for 2km race but road will be closed. Held on Great Bentley Village Green (close to parking area). Cost £6.00 for both races.
What to expect:
Main 5 Mile Race:
Flat, fast 5 mile course
Chip Timing
Minimum age 15 yrs
UKA measured – 5 Miles
Baggage storage
First aid
Marshalled course
Water stations
Refreshments available
Course suitable for wheelchairs
Memento for all finishers
Ample free parking near village green
Junior Run:
Memento for all finishers
Safe off road course
Water available
Marshalled course
Visit www.friday5series.com for more details about the series, current rules and series scoring.