Finding the Perfect Half Marathon: My Go-To Race in Bath
For me, the half marathon is the sweet spot distance. It’s long enough to really test your endurance and speed, but not so grueling that you spend the entire next week limping around. The challenge, though, is finding events that are well-organized and timed to slot perfectly around the cross-country season. One of my all-time favorites? The Bath Half Marathon—a brilliantly organized, fast race set right in the heart of one of England’s most picturesque cities.
If you’ve never visited Bath, or taken part in this event, it’s a trip worth making. Nestled in the South West of England, this UNESCO World Heritage city is just a 15-minute train ride from Bristol, and it’s packed with history, charm, and plenty to see and do. I’m a firm believer that if you’re traveling for a race, why not make a weekend of it?
Why Bath?
Top of my list for any visit is, of course, the Roman Baths. This historic site, dating back to around 70 AD, was originally developed by the Romans as a thermal spa and has been beautifully preserved and renovated. While you can’t actually take a dip in the original baths due to the presence of a brain-eating amoeba (yes, really!), you can relax at the nearby Bath Spa, where the spring water is cleaned and purified for safe soaking. Trust me, it’s a fantastic way to wind down after a long run, or even the day before to ease those muscles.
Beyond the spas, simply wandering around this beautiful city is a pleasure. Bath’s streets are lined with stunning Georgian architecture, made mostly from local oolitic limestone. Look closely and you’ll notice traces of soot from the Industrial Era, though most buildings have been meticulously cleaned to reveal their original honey-colored beauty.
The Race Course: What to Expect
A lot of runners eyeing up the Bath Half Marathon worry about the infamous final hill to the finish. Yes, that last stretch can be a real challenge, especially when your legs are already screaming, but it’s far from a deal-breaker. The course actually starts with a gentle downhill for the first mile, giving you time to settle into your pace. The majority of the race then flattens out, making it ideal for consistent pacing.
You’ll hit a few undulations on the second lap, but for 12.8 miles (20.5k) out of 13.1, this is a solidly flat route. With wide, sweeping corners and very few sharp turns, it’s definitely one for setting a personal best—if you’ve got the strength left for that last hill push!
Final Tips and Why It’s Worth It
If you’re dreading that hill at the 12.5-mile mark, don’t panic. Plenty of people end up walking it, and with the finish line just 500 meters after the incline, it’s a powerful motivator to keep pushing through. And unlike some other races, there’s no painful hill mid-race to sap your energy. Get over that last hump, and you’re done—a finish line you can literally see at the top.
Facilities are also great, with plenty of toilets (including urinals, which frees up portaloos for others), solid support from the crowds, and a friendly atmosphere that makes the whole experience a pleasure.
Why I Built This Website
If you’re wondering who’s behind this post, I’m Ollie—a keen distance runner and NHS emergency doctor. Running has been a passion of mine for years, and I’ve had the honor of competing in the World Cross Country and European Championships. I created this site because so many runners struggle to find structured training plans, or don’t know how to make the most of their time.
Whether you’re looking to train for your first half marathon, set a new PB, or just learn more about running, I hope you find something here to inspire you. Dive into my posts, try out the tools I’ve built, and let’s get started on smashing your next goal together. Enjoy exploring, and if you haven’t yet—go sign up!