Bath Half Marathon 2013 runners have yet again increased the total amount raised for charity at this year’s race, with a record £2million being raised for good causes.
When Bath based family business, Running High Events, took over the organisation of the Bath Half in 2000, the event was raising just £30,000 a year for charity, but since then the event has grown year on year, pushing new boundaries and smashing fundraising targets much faster than anticipated.
Funds raised by dedicated Bath Half runners has increased every year for the past 13 years, bringing the total raised in that time to approximately £14million.
Mel Taylor, Charity Director at Running High said: “We are delighted to have reached the £2m mark in 2013, and to see funds raised through the half marathon increase year on year since we took over the organisation of the race.
“We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of those who donate to BATHALF entrants each year and the passion instilled into our runners to continue fundraising for our featured charities. The BATHALF remains the biggest single day fundraising event in the South West, which is testament to the determination and dedication of our runners.”
The money raised benefits more than 50 carefully selected local and national charities each year, evolving from just one when Running High first took over the event. Around 15% of the half marathon entries each year are reserved for Golden Bond charities, allowing runners to choose a cause close to their hearts and to offer their fundraising commitment in return for a place.
Andrew Taylor, Race Director for the Bath Half added: “If you have just secured a place in the 2014 Virgin London Marathon following the recent ballot, and you’re looking for a training run, the Bath Half is perfectly timed six weeks prior to the race. Similarly, for those of you who missed out on a place, the Bath Half is a great alternative if you want to focus on a half marathon in the early part of the year.
“For those who are looking to run for a good cause at the 2014 BATHALF and help to yet again top this year’s fundraising totals, we will be announcing details of this year’s featured charities later this month”.
The 2014 Bath Half Marathon is on Sunday 2nd March, and the lead charity is CoppaFeel!. Entries are still open at www.bathhalf.co.uk.
