More than 12,500 runners completed the 43rd GetPRO Bath Half Marathon by London Marathon Events on Sunday, 15th March 2026, with Joe Wigfield (Tyne Bridge Harriers) and Alex Bell (Pudsey & Bramley AC) taking the honours in the elite men’s and women’s races.

Wigfield and Bell (pictured below) automatically secured their selections for Great Britain in September’s World Athletics Road Running Championships Half Marathon in Copenhagen in the official British Athletics trial race. Wigfield, whose winning time was 1:02:07, already had the qualifying standard of 1:01:30 under his belt, while Bell's personal best of 1:09:15 beat the target of 1:09:30 set by British Athletics.

Among the athletes chasing a faster time to clinch their selection were the men's runners-up Phil Sesemann (Leeds City AC, 1:02:13), Alfie Manthorpe (Hallamshire Harriers, 1:02:14) and the early pacemaker and defending champion, Jake Smith (Pontypridd Roadents AC, 1:02:31).

Also hoping to gain GB vests were the women's podium finishers Jessica Warner-Judd (Blackburn Harriers, 1:11:21) and Lauren McNeil (Hallamshire Harriers, 1:11:50), with Verity Hopkins (Tonbridge AC, 1:12:29) not far behind.

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.”

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.”

Runners exited Royal Victoria Park, heading west along the north of the River Avon, 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. Entries for next year's GetPRO Bath Half, on Sunday 14 March 2027, are open here. The 2026 event sold out in record time, and early bird entry for next year is £55.99.

Results and previous reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Images courtesy Bath Half Marathon website press release