2011 Race Report

Report courtesy of the Bath Chronicle 7th March

Thousands of runners pounded the streets of the city today for the Bath Half Marathon.

The event is now in its 30th year with 11,000 competitors taking part in the 13.1 mile race seen as a warm-up for elite athletes ahead of the London Marathon.

The race was officially started by Bath Chronicle editor Sam Holliday with runners greeted by cold and breezy conditions.

Kenyan Edwin Kipkorir came in first in the men’s race

And while the elite crowd athletes battled it out dozens of charities were also winners with the race which has become a key event in the fundraising calendar expected to bring in around £1.5 million for good causes.

Among those taking part was Radio 1 DJ and television presenter Fearne Cotton who had signed up for her first half marathon in support of breast cancer charity Coppa Feel.

“I am really nervous but hopefully we have done enough training and we will get through it,” she said before setting out.

“I have never done a half marathon before so it is the thought of the unknown (that makes me nervous).

“I have done lots of lots of training for other charity work so hopefully it will stand me in good stead.”

The star’s training paid off and she completed the race in around 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Friends Amie Jackson and Julia Brenard also ran the half marathon in aid of Coppa Feel, with many runners wearing giant boobs to get home its message of regular self-checks and better screening.

“One of our friends is a friend of the girl who started Coppa Feel and we heard about the Bath Half marathon and signed up,” said Amie.

“I think because she (Coppa Feel’s founder) had cancer at such a young age it is good to raise awareness for people to check themselves.

“The race is also a fun way to raise money for a good cause.

“I’ve been to Bath once before and I am looking forward to seeing it on the route, it is something that will keep us going."

She added: “We are hoping to have enough energy to go out later.”

Weird and wonderful outfits were the order of the day with camels, dinosaurs, bananas and a hula get-up just some of the costumes sported by competitors.

Tim Haysom, who lives near Bristol, sported a superhero costume for the race and said the outfit meant that he was guaranteed plenty of support from the thousands of spectators lining the route.

“I wore the same costume last year and the support you get is incredible, the crowd would be really quiet and then I’d come along and they’d all cheer,” he said.

Bath Opportunity Pre-school (BOP) teacher Sarah Barclay was supporting her son Luke who was running in aid of the charity.

She said: “It helps raise BOP’s profile and it is lovely for people to help and support us.

"We do struggle for funds and events like this help us with things like music therapy which makes a real difference to the children with all their many needs.”

A family fun run also took place with around 1,000 entrants enjoying the chance to run along Great Pulteney Street.

Umbareen Daniels from Dursley took the chance to run the short race with son Rowan, age seven, while her husband was competing in the main event.

“I don’t think my mum will do very well but she will try,” said Rowan.

Race director Andrew Taylor said that the pressure was always on to make the Bath Half a memorable one.

He said: “This sort of job is probably one of the most stressful jobs in the world but it is a lovely venue to work in and the city comes out to welcome the runners to their hearts which is a lovely feeling."

One entrant that drew a lot of attention was 40-year-old RNLI worker Pete Carter who completed the race wearing nothing more than a pair of red speedos.

“I work for the RNLI and am involved with the training of lifeguards so I thought I would put my work clothes on for the race,” he joked.

The RNLI had 200 runners in the race and hopes to raise £50,000 for its work which includes a water safety education project in B&NES.

A big screen in front of the Holburne Museum provided a chance for crowd to pick out loved ones and cheer them on.

And while the event had a fun atmosphere it was a poignant time for many runners and spectators.

The Newman family from Bath took part in the fun run to thank Clic Sargent for the support they have had since their daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.

And spectator Kim Crispin from Paulton was there to support friend Alan Hughes.

“My husband Keith died last year from cancer and his best friend Alan is running the race to raise money for Dorothy House.

“It is a comfort and I feel he is here with me.”