This Sunday, March 16, 2025, the streets of Bath will come alive as over 12,000 runners hit the pavement for the annual GetPRO Bath Half Marathon. This event, which is the largest sporting and community gathering in the city, marks a new chapter as it is organized for the first time by London Marathon Events. This year, the marathon has the added excitement of serving as the official British Athletics trial race for the World Road Running Championships Half Marathon, drawing top endurance athletes from across the nation.
Among the participants is triathlon superstar Jonny Brownlee, the Olympic gold medallist and six-time world champion, who will be showcasing his incredible speed alongside elite runners like Jess Warner-Judd and Jake Smith, who are both among the fastest Brits ever to run the half marathon distance. The marathon is set to kick off at 10:30 AM from Royal Victoria Park, featuring a two-lap course along the picturesque River Avon.
Karolina Pakenaite, who is deafblind due to Usher syndrome, will not only fire the starting gun but will also participate in the race. The PhD student from the University of Bath expressed her ambition to break stereotypes around disability. "I want to break the stereotype around blindness and bring a greater awareness to the challenges we face," she explained. Pakenaite, who has previously completed the London Marathon and has plans to become the first deafblind person to summit Mount Everest by 2026, is excited to be part of such an impactful event.
Joining Pakenaite on the racecourse will be her guide, Tom Hutchison, who has recently come on board due to the injury of her previous guide. They share optimism about successfully completing the marathon, even as they prepare for unexpected challenges along the route. "The challenges will probably be things we can't expect," Hutchison stated, highlighting the need for flexibility as they navigate the event together.
Christine Lawrence, another participant, is running her first half marathon to raise funds for the neonatal unit at the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH), which played a pivotal role during the birth of her son. Lawrence's son was delivered via Caesarean section after she suffered from acute pancreatitis and she plans to express her gratitude through this charitable endeavor. "Without the care and help I received, I may not have been here to run my way to this goal," she reflected, emphasizing the personal stakes of her participation. Training for her first half marathon has presented some challenges, yet Lawrence feels ready and determined.
The Bath Half Marathon’s atmosphere will not only be buoyed by the excitement of participants but also by the presence of renowned athletes. The likes of Olympic gold medal winner Jonny Brownlee and up-and-coming star Marc Scott will accompany established figures like Abbie Donnelly, who came first among female competitors last year during the European Championships half marathon. Donnelly hopes to replicate her success during the race, where she enters with the focus of adding more qualifying times to her record for future competitions.
Throughout the course of the day, the event will raise awareness and funds for various charities, with approximately £2 million often generated for voluntary groups and causes each year. The community spirit and sense of togetherness exhibited during the event creates echoes of hope, accomplishment, and solidarity, as participants and supporters celebrate their collective efforts.
Logistically, the event necessitates the temporary closure of numerous roads to facilitate the runners’ safe passage. Organizers have assured clear signposting to guide detours for participants and bystanders alike. Meanwhile, Bath’s residents have been asked for their cooperation and patience as parking suspensions will be enforced from 6 AM until 5 PM with penalties for violations.
To accommodate the influx of runners and spectators, Great Western Railway is providing nine extra trains, facilitating over 4,500 additional seats on the day of the marathon. The timing of these additional trains aims to ease travel for participants heading to the starting line, as well as those returning home after the event. Bath Spa Station Manager Oana Apetroaie urged travelers to plan accordingly as trains to and from the event are expected to be busier than usual.
Organizers, including event director Hugh Brasher, have expressed excitement for their role as the new managers of this historic event. He stated, "We’re proud to be the new organisers of the event and are looking forward to welcoming more than 12,000 participants, many of whom will be raising vitally needed funds for charities in Bath and North Somerset." This race serves as not just a half marathon, but as a celebration of community, resilience, and charity, embodying the spirit of Bath and its runners.
With the first wave of runners set to begin at 10:20 AM, followed by two more waves at 10:35 and 10:50 AM, participants will be ready to tackle the two-lap route. They will embrace the challenges and triumphs of the half marathon as they weave through the beautiful streets of Bath, fostering connections among runners and supporters alike. This year's GetPRO Bath Half is poised to be both festive and competitive, drawing attention on the national stage as elite athletes vie for qualifying times and community members unite for personal causes.