Elite runners got proceedings underway in bid to qualify for the World Athletics Road Running Championships, with the masses and charity runners following in what is the city’s biggest annual sporting event.
Joe Wigfield and Alex Bell took the honours in the elite men’s and women’s races, to secure their Great Britain vests for September’s world championships in Copenhagen in what was an official British Athletics trial race.
Wigfield held off fierce competition in a four-way fight for the title to win in 62:14 while Bell’s 69:15 was a new personal best over the half-marathon distance. Read more about the elite races.
Joanna Wales, Event Lead for the GetPRO Bath Half, said: “The 2026 GetPRO Bath Half Marathon has been a memorable weekend, rich with incredible stories of participants throughout the event, from the brilliant elite performances from Joe and Alex, which earned them selection for the World Athletics Road Running Championships Half Marathon, to the special individual achievements of more than 12,500 everyday runners.
“The beauty of this event is that it brings people and communities together and that was evident on both the course, and the roadside, where the atmosphere and camaraderie were truly special. Entries are open for 2027 already and I am already excited for what will undoubtedly be another wonderful occasion next year.”
Danny Kay, 84, maintains his Ever Present run while thousands run for good causes
The mass field included Danny Kay, who was the event’s Official Starter. The 84-year-old was running his 43rd consecutive Bath Half, and is already counting down the days until next year. Danny said: “I shuffle more than run these days, but I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I absolutely love it.”
Behind Danny were more than 12,500 people, all with a story to tell and a reason for running 13.1 miles. Participants exited Royal Victoria Park, heading west along the north of the River Avon, and looping back towards the city at Great Pulteney Street. There was a second loop past Royal Victoria Park, before the grand finish on Royal Avenue just past the famous Royal Crescent.
Participants were raising money for a host of good causes, with about 100 charities represented on the route, in what is the biggest charity fundraiser in south-west England.
Among the charity runners was Georgina Chandler, 28, from Bath, who was fundraising for the end-of-life-care charity Dorothy House, which looked after her father, Tim.
“Last year, in May, my Dad’s cancer returned. He was the most amazing man – he paraglided, he did a half Ironman, [climbed] Mount Blanc, he is incredible.
“Dorothy House gave him the best care in the entire world. It was the worst eight weeks of our lives but we felt so safe, they were so reassuring, so knowledgeable in everything they do. Since the funeral, we’ve raised £13,000 but since the Bath Half, we’ve raised £7,000 from doing the event. There are 15 of us [running]!
“Today is just fantastic – there are so many families and children with their hands out. It just makes me proud to be from round here; it is a lovely community.”
Martha Page, also from Bath, marked Mother’s Day with her family at the GetPRO Bath Half.
“I found it hard, but it was really good,” she said. “I’m here with my boyfriend, mum and step-dad. It’s Mother’s Day, so it means I’ve sort of taken precedence slightly today, but Mum got a card this morning. Having her here to support me definitely put an extra spring in my step. I saw my family four times on the way round, and that was really good.”
Martha’s Mum, Hilary, added: “I loved it; I’m so proud of her. This is her first half marathon, and she took on all of the advice and all of the training leading up to it.
“And she looked so happy – apart from that last hill! It was such a nice thing to celebrate as a family on Mothers’ Day.”
Entries for next year's GetPRO Bath Half, on Sunday 14 March 2027, are open now. The 2026 event sold out in record time and early bird entry for next year is £55.99.
Free, family-friendly GetPRO Bath Miles raises curtain on weekend
The day before the Bath Half, hundreds of families got moving as part of the GetPRO Bath Miles presented by Bath College.
The free event welcomed children and young people to run, walk, jog or wheel around a one-mile route in the grounds of Royal Victoria Park. Read more about the 2026 event.
Entries are open for the free 2027 GetPRO Bath Miles, to be held on Saturday 13 March.