Bath Half Marathon
Sun 16 Mar 2025 Bath, Somerset, UK Fundraising required

Bath Half Marathon

Fast and flat through historic streets on a two-lap course that avoids the city's hills. Voted 3rd best UK running event by the Daily Telegraph. Charity places now available for 2025.

Get charity place
  • Sun 16 Mar 2025
  • Fundraising required
Queen Square, Bath > Royal Victoria Park, Bath

Bath Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£55

  • 13.1 miles road running

Overview

Boasting heritage and beauty, Bath offers an idyllic setting for a half marathon. This event has a reputation for its wonderful atmosphere, fast course and fantastic location. Thousands of runners will be at this incredible race, consistently regarded as one of the best running events in the UK.

Highlights

  • Third best running event

    Voted Third Best Running Event by the Daily Telegraph and consistently voted one of the top in the UK.

  • World Heritage City

    Boasting ancient history and Georgian elegance alongside a modern cosmopolitan buzz.

  • Fast and flat two-lap course

    Ideal for those chasing down a PB, first-timers and charity-runners, with wonderful crowd support throughout.

  • Corporate Challenge

    Do it for friendly competition, workplace well-being, fundraising challenge and to boost morale.

Event video

  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Spectators
  • Teams

2025 details to be confirmed.

Corporate challenge

The Bath Half Marathon Corporate Challenge is a great way for businesses to get involved in the largest single day fundraising event in the South West.

Every year 750 places are reserved for business teams – some keen to have a bit of friendly competition with other local businesses, some looking to take part in a workplace fitness and fundraising challenge and others wishing to build team work across their departments.

Up for grabs are the coveted Bath Half Corporate Challenge Mens’ and Women’s Team trophies – fastest five runners to score. Mixed teams also welcome.

Family Fun Day

There's an exciting Family Fun Day with lots of free activities for all ages and abilities which takes place the day before the half marathon and aims to inspire the new generation to a healthy, active lifestyle and includes:

  • Family Fun Run
  • Wheelchair and frame races to follow in association with Nova Sports and Coaching
  • A traffic free cycle ride to finish the afternoon’s events

  • Bag storage
  • Cafe
  • Changing facilities
  • Entertainment
  • Paid parking
  • Park
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Royal Victoria Park
Marlborough Lane
Bath
Somerset
BA1 2NQ
UK

  • 2 laps
  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • PB
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Water stations
  • Wave start
  • Way markers

The Bath Half Marathon is a 'big city' race, starting and finishing in Bath city centre. This course is fast and flat with proven potential to set a new personal best.

Route description

The half marathon will start in the north-east corner of Queen Square proceeding down Chapel Row, Charles Street, Green Park Road, Corn Street and the Ambury. On the first lap you will turn left after crossing Churchill Bridge along Rossiter Road, Pulteney Road and into Great Pulteney Street, turning round the fountain in Laura Place before returning on the same route to Churchill Bridge.

You will then follow two laps westbound along the Lower Bristol Road, returning from the Twerton Fork eastbound along Newbridge Road and Upper Bristol Road. At the end of your first lap you continue along Monmouth Place turning right down Chapel Row, before turning right again onto Lower Bristol Road after crossing Churchill Bridge. On the second lap you will turn left up Marlborough Lane, finishing in the park alongside the Victoria memorial.

Route map

Bath Half Marathon route map
BATH HALF MARATHON ROUTE MAP
Route map from a previous year. 2025 route to be confirmed.

  • Bring your own cup
  • Lift sharing scheme
  • Plastic bottle free
  • Plastic-free event
  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

2025 sustainability policy is likely to be different due to the takeover.

Sustainability overview

  • Plastic-free pledge
  • Refill, not landfill
  • Cupped water
  • Recycle race number
  • Good goody bags
  • Energy that's good for you and the planet
  • Got a spare seat?
  • The BioBee
  • Reusable chip timing

Plastic free pledge

Running High Events Ltd, organisers of the Bath Half Marathon, have made a “Plastic Free Pledge” in alliance with SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) and Bath & North East Somerset Council. This is a collective community action by local businesses, organisations, schools, clubs and groups to eliminate single-use plastic and increase the use of sustainable alternatives.

Refill, not landfill

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bottle to the event. Refill points, provided by Wessex Water, will be available at the two on-course “Hydrozones”, at the finish and within the Runners Village. Single use plastic bottles have historically been used to keep runners hydrated during road races, creating huge volumes of waste each year. By changing habits a closed-loop system of reuse can be created. A limited number of 330ml running bottles will be available to purchase on race day at the Merchandise Tent.

Cupped water

All of the drinks stations this year will be providing water in compostable cups, replacing the traditional plastic bottled water. Plastic bottles not only result in a huge volume of plastic waste but water wastage too. Runners are advised to bring their own refillable bottle if they do not wish to drink from a cup on the course. Used cups will then be collected and composted by a local contractor and transformed into usable compost.

Recycle race number

What do you do with your race number once you’ve crossed the finish line? Some runners wish to keep them as part of the race day memory, but on the whole they are discarded in their thousands. Race numbers are made from a material called Tyvek which requires specialised recycling. Please look out for our new “Race Number Bins” at the recycling points this year and they will be recycled for you.

Good goody bags

The answer to that is ‘extremely good’ this year. Plastic bags have been switched to paper bags and the contents are better for the environment too. T-shirts are now packaged in biodegradable bags, medals are no longer wrapped in plastic bags and there are no single use plastic items. If that’s not good enough then don’t worry, all surplus and unwanted goody bag contents go for recycling and distribution to aid charities. Look out for the new “Goody Bag Bins” within the Runners Village.

The BioBee

Welcome GENeco’s BioBee to the Bath Half which collects and runs on commercial food waste; it demonstrates a real alternative to diesel by running on clean biomethane. Why not distract yourself from pre-race nerves by saying hello to the BioBee team at the event and find out more about innovative clean energy.

Reusable chip timing

Each runner is issued with a timing chip to accurately record their individual race time. Reusable plastic chips which attach to your trainer have been chosen. These chips are removed and collected at the finish line by the volunteers, where they can then be used time and time again.

What's included

  • Cash prizes
  • Chip timing
  • Eco goody bag
  • Eco t-shirt
  • Event app
  • GPS tracking
  • Medal

  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising required
  • Fundraising support

Since it began this event has raised more than £30 million pounds for charity!

Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

  • Branded running kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Support on the day

    When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

  • Post-race recovery

    Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general/ballot entries are closed.

Running a half marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Cancer

Orchid, Fighting Male Cancer

Raising awareness and saving lives for prostate, testicular and penile cancer.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Disability

Mencap

Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Children

Childhood First

For children aged 5-18 who have experienced severe abuse, neglect and early-life trauma.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Stroke Association

Rebuilding lives after stroke.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Environment

WWF

Global conservation work to ensure people and nature both thrive.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£275

Children

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

Helping the hospital offer a better future to seriously ill children across the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Human rights

Refugee Action

Helping refugees build safe, hopeful and productive new lives in the UK.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£350

Children

Smile Train

Supporting cleft surgery and other forms of essential comprehensive cleft care.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Meningitis Research Foundation

Defeating meningitis and septicaemia.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£250

Children

Dreams Come True

Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Free sign up Children

Samuel's Charity

Every sick child needs a smile. Helping seriously and terminally ill children, to bring hope and support across the UK.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

Royal Osteoporosis Society

Driving research into bone health to create a future without osteoporosis.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event meet-ups
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Refreshments
  • Certificate

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£200

Children

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

Providing nurses and support to help seriously ill children in the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£250

Children

Child Bereavement UK

Supporting bereaved children and families to help rebuild their lives.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Mental health

SANE

Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

No one should have to face cancer alone.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Parkinson's UK

Find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£250

  • Age 17 & over
  • Entries open
  • Charity entries open until 12/02/2025
  • Ballot
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Fundraising required
  • Race pack by post

Entry fees

Entry fee

£55.00

Bath Half (known as Bathalf) most certainly did not disappoint! From the anticipatory buzz at the Runner’s Village through to every street corner, support was in abundance. Jodi B

This was my first half and it did not disappoint, the crowds were so encouraging and the live bands on the route were fantastic, they really kept you motivated. Claire B

The Bath Half starting in the beautiful city of Bath. It's a 2 lap course, the start and finish are in a stunning Georgian mews and the section around Queens Square is equally attractive, the loop out of the city and back is pleasant rather than stunning, the route is predominantly flat with a slight rise in to Queens Square but nothing lung busting. Greg W

The Bath Half never fails to disappoint! The course is a 2 lap route around the city with phenomenal crowd support, plus bands, all the way around. Lil M

What a race it was this year!!! Had an absolutely cracking time!!! Damien M

An excellent half marathon. The spectator support was brilliant along the whole route. Marshalls were friendly and encouraging. The route was easy to navigate, Bath is a beautiful city and I saw areas I've never seen before. Kerry R

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

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