The Vitality Bath Half Marathon returned to the streets of Bath yesterday, Sunday 12th March, with a record number of 12,748 runners crossing the finish line, though the increased number led to a shortage of medals and t-shirts for finishers.
Each year, there are 15,000 entrants to the Bath Half, and normally 3,000 who have entered do not run the race. The organisers ordered 12,500 t-shirts and medals, as the most finishers there have been until this year is 12,100 people, meaning there is usually enough slack.
This year, the race had 12,748 finishers, meaning there were nearly 250 people who did not receive a t-shirt and medal at the end of the race.
Organisers of the Bath Half released the following statement: “We’re really sorry for any disappointment that this causes and hope this hasn’t detracted from your enjoyment of the day.
“Rest assured that a medal and t-shirt will be in the post to you soon.”
An overcast but dry morning provided perfect running conditions for what is one of the longest established and most iconic city centre road races in the UK.
The Vitality Bath Half Marathon was started at 11am by Greg Ingham, Chief Executive of Media Clash, with a mix of first time runners, charity runners, club runners and elite athletes taking on the traffic-free two lap course. Claudia Ratcliffe and ‘Shoe Barker’ from Cancer Research UK sent the Family Fun Runners on their way at 11.20am.
Ben Fish of Blackburn Harriers AC dominated the men’s field and took the lead from the start, claiming the men’s title in a time of 1:05:16. Runner up Peter Huck of Run-Fast crossed the finish line in 1:06:35, and Dominic Nolan of Croydon Harriers claimed third place in 1:08:28.
Ben Fish claimed the men’s title, and Ruth Barnes the women’s.
The women’s race was closely fought and saw the top five finishing within less than a minute of each other. Ruth Barnes of Avon Valley Runners ran a strong race and secured the women’s title in a time of 01:15:32, ahead of Amy Clements of Kent AC who took second place in 01:15:55 and Rachel Felton of Run-Fast who finished third in 01:16:10.
The Family Fun Run set off shortly after the Vitality Bath Half Marathon, at 11.20am, and saw 930 participants of all ages and abilities run the ¾ mile distance of the first section of the half marathon course.
As always, the Family Fun Run was greeted by huge support from spectators, and delighted many young runners who were able to experience the thrill of race day. The winner of the Family Fun Run was Max Watson with a time of 0:04:15.
Race Director Andrew Taylor from Running High Events said: “The 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon has, once again, been an absolutely brilliant year for us with the biggest ever turnout of runners, and it looks to be yet another record-breaking year for charity fundraising.
“We would like to congratulate the winners and everyone who crossed the finish line. The Bath Half is a much-loved event within the community and attracts a large number of runners from further afield for its flat, fast course and incredible atmosphere.
“Our thanks go to all the runners for choosing to run the Bath Half, the spectators for their unfailing support, and all the local volunteers, contractors and partners who work so hard behind the scenes to make the event the success that it is.
“I would also like to thank all the bands who gave their time for free to support the event, and to all the venues who generously donated the use of their premises. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2018!”
The date for the 2018 Bath Half Marathon has been confirmed as Sunday 4th March, and early bird entries for the 2018 race are open from today, Monday 13th March.
The race sells out each year and the organisers are expecting places for the 2018 event to sell out quicker than ever before.
