The popular Bath Half Marathon returned last weekend, with 7,000 runners taking to the streets across the city.
Photo courtesy of Running High Events / Bath Half Marathon
This year’s race marked the 40th anniversary of the event, which was first staged in 1982, returning after a two-year break.
A new race village was created in Royal Victoria Park, and the start was moved from Great Pulteney Street to Queen Square.
Andrew Taylor, the Race Director, said: “After all the problems in the last couple of years, we are glad to be back!
“This year we introduced a number of changes to the event to reduce congestion, improve the runner experience and enhance the facilities of charity partners, including a new race village in Royal Victoria Park, wave starts and a re-configured course route, which appears to have been positively received.
Photo courtesy of Running High Events / Bath Half Marathon
“The larger venue gave us the opportunity to stage a smaller community event on Saturday, including our Family Fun Run, wheelchair, walking frame races and other taster sessions from local charities and groups, followed by a free-cycle event around the perimeter of the park in the afternoon.
“We’d like to thank our runners, spectators, local community volunteers, medical team, charity partners and all other staff involved for helping deliver this weekend’s events, and we’re grateful for the continuing support of Bath & North East Somerset Council and other key stakeholders.”
The men’s race was won by Kadar Omar in a time of 1 hour 5 minutes and 3 seconds.
The women’s race was won by Atsede Gidey in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes and 53 seconds.
Organisers have reported that over £1 million pounds had already been raised on JustGiving before race day, with significant further funds to follow in the next few weeks and on other fundraising platforms.
A total of 71 casualties were treated by the event’s medical team, though none were believed to be serious.
Entries for next year’s race on 15th October 2023 are already on sale on the event website at www.bathhalf.co.uk.
