Launch of 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon

The award-winning Vitality Bath Half Marathon has been launched and entries for the 2017 race are now open. The iconic race, one of the longest established city centre road racing events in the UK, will take place on Sunday 12th March 2017.

The 2016 race took place on Sunday 13th March, and the 35th anniversary race was a day of records and achievements with perfect running conditions.

Running High Events, organisers of the Vitality Bath Half Marathon, expect the 15,000 places for 2017 to sell out even quicker than ever before as the event continues to grow in popularity, and as the number of places pre-booked by charities has increased again this year.

Runners have until 1st April to take advantage of a £5 discount being offered to ‘Early Bird’ entrants.

The two-lap 13.1 mile course is enjoyed for being fast and flat, making it ideal for beginners, charity runners and athletes looking for a PB. Each year the race sees a strong British elite field and a large number of celebrities who are attracted by the stunning setting, fantastic crowd support and promise of a good finishing time.

Cancer Research UK has been announced as the Lead Charity for 2017, committing all money raised at the Vitality Bath Half Marathon to research and education in Bath and the South West. Over the next year the charity will be making a difference to the local area by inspiring local school children to lead a healthy lifestyle, educating local people about healthy living and bringing the CRUK Health Roadshow to Bath.

In conjunction with the Lead Charity, Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens will be the official Family Fun Run Charity for 2017. This sub brand of Cancer Research UK raises money for research into cancers affecting children, teens and young adults, in search of cures and kinder treatments for young people facing cancer.

Mel Taylor, Charity and Creative Director, said: “We are excited to confirm that Cancer Research UK is our Lead Charity for 2017 and Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens our official Family Fun Run Charity, and we would like to officially welcome them on board.

“We are proud that the Vitality Bath Half Marathon is the largest single day charity fundraising event in the South West and one of the top three fundraising road races in the UK, and we are looking forward to working with all the official charities in the lead up to the 2017 race.

“The Vitality Bath Half Marathon is one of the most important events in the British sporting calendar, not just for runners of all levels who get to experience a race at a UNESCO World Heritage site but also for over 100 local, regional, national and international charities and over 30 local community volunteer groups who raise invaluable income through the event.

“Places for the 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon are now selling quickly and we would encourage runners to secure their place as soon as possible. Entries are now open on the website.”  

Kathryn Hurrell, Senior Sports Team Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK are extremely proud to be chosen as the Lead Charity for the 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon and Family Fun Run. This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with the superb Bath Half team on this unique and groundbreaking approach, and to showcase us working together to beat cancer sooner. 

"It is our aim over the next year to engage, educate and inspire those in Bath and the South West about our research into all types cancer and the work we are doing in the local area.

"Right now, we know that by living a healthy lifestyle you are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. Our partnership with the 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon weekend will stand out as a unique year-long campaign that culminates with our largest ever team running and fundraising to ultimately beat cancer sooner in unity!"

Vitality continues to be the title sponsor for the 2017 Bath Half Marathon, for the third year running.

The official Vitality Bath Half Marathon fundraising website for 2017 will be JustGiving, the world’s leading online fundraising platform.

Minor changes will be introduced to the course route in 2017 to accommodate the redevelopment of the Green Park area, the first modification to the race since 2006.

The 2016 men’s title was won by Robert Mbithi of Run-Fast in 1:01:45, smashing the course record by 16 seconds. The women’s title was won by Lena Jerotich of Run-Fast in 1:12:24.

Go to www.bathhalf.co.uk for further race details and to register, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/BathHalfMarathon and follow @bathhalf #bathhalf on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news about the Vitality Bath Half Marathon.