Looking Forward to 2021
What is not changing at the Bath Half
The Bath Half is one of the longest standing and most popular road races in the UK
- A joyous celebration of running and fitness
- A serious endurance challenge
- A fast flat course
- Through the centre of one of the most beautiful cities in the world
- The largest charity fundraising event in the South West
- Making a difference in the Heart of Bath
The safety of runners, spectators, charities, volunteers and local residents remains our number one priority
These things will not change
What might be changing for the 2021 Bath Half
The coronavirus situation is continuing to change. No-one can predict with certainty the situation by the time of our event in March. So we are developing a number of different and flexible event plans to suit a range of possible scenarios.
We are working with Bath & North East Somerset Council and their public health team and other stakeholders to ensure delivery of the 2021 Bath Half as a COVID-secure event to ensure the safety of runners, spectators, charities, volunteers and local residents in accordance with government and public health guidelines.
We all hope that the coronavirus situation will be resolved by the Spring and we can return to our normal arrangements, BUT ….
If the current restrictions continue we will run a ‘BATHALF LITE’ in 2021
- Significantly reducing the number of race entries
- Maintaining social distancing throughout the event
- Planning alternative options to our traditional 2-lap course route
- Introducing a series of wave starts, giving runners individual pre-allocated start times over a longer event period
- Excluding spectators from the Runners Village, and significantly reducing the number of spectators at the start/finish and around the course
- Reducing or removing ‘contact points’ at the event, such as aid stations and hospitality
- Providing enhanced infection control measures such as increased hygiene (hand washing & facility cleansing) and PPE for volunteers
As we can no longer obtain event cancellation insurance for infectious disease, if we have to cancel the race because of coronavirus we will only be able to offer partial refunds, based on the costs already invested to date in event production. Full refunds will remain for all other cause of cancellation (for instance adverse weather) for which we are still able to obtain insurance.
We are also developing flexible plans to allow for event postponement or cancellation in the event of local lockdown.
We will update you as our plans develop, after ongoing stakeholder consultations. Further details will be confirmed as the situation becomes clearer, and in good time before the event.