Bath Half Marathon 2020: Route map, road closures and everything else you need to know

It's that time of year when athletes from across the UK put on their running shoes and lycra (or an elaborate fancy dress costume) and take on the Bath Half Marathon.

Despite fears surrounding the coronavirus, organisers of the Bath Half have confirmed the race will still go ahead this Sunday (March 15).

Among the many fantastic fundraisers and runners taking part, you may even spot a famous face or two along the route - with a former X Factor contestant, a rugby legend and a double Olympic gold medallist among the lineup.

Here is everything you need to know about the event - including start time, road closures and who to keep an eye out for.

  • Where and when does the Bath Half Marathon start?

The team has 'reluctantly' decided it is more responsible to postpone the event. Credit: ITV News

The 13.1mile race starts this Sunday (March 15) at 11am.

The course itself is fairly flat, running through the centre of historic Bath.

Due to ongoing development works at Bath Quay, the course is slightly different to previous years - but it has been adjusted to ensure that it is exactly the right length.

The full address for the start and end point of the race is Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2.

Runners are advised to plan ahead and arrive at the Runners Village before 10am, which is when the half marathon start pens are opened. The Bath Half Marathon help desk will be open from 8am.

The route for the 2020 Bath Half Marathon. Credit: Bath Half Marathon

  • Will the event be cancelled because of coronavirus?

With many other large public events being cancelled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, organisers sought advice from Public Health England, the local council, the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Additional hand wash stations and medical facilities have been installed, while runners and supporters have been encouraged to follow good hygiene practices.

READ BELOW: Bath MP Wera Hobhouse urgers organisers to re-think and cancel half marathon.

  • Where are the road closures?

For the following roads there will be road closures and parking suspensions from 6am-6.30pm, with footpath closures from 8am-4pm.

  • Argyle Street

  • Edward Street

  • Great Pulteney Street

  • Grove Street - adjacent to Argyle Street

  • Henrietta Street

  • Johnstone Street

  • Laura Place

  • Pulteney Bridge

  • Pulteney Mews

  • Riverside path -from North Parade to Spring Gardens Road

  • Spring Gardens Road

  • Sunderland Street

  • Vane Street

  • William Street

Residents will be allowed access on foot to their properties, but no bicycles will be permitted.

On Saturday, March 14, from midday there will be additional parking suspensions on the south side of Great Pulteney Street and on both sides of William Street for setting up.

For the following roads there will be parking suspensions from 6am-4pm and road closures from 9.45am-4pm.

  • A4 dual carriageway

  • A4 Newbridge Road

  • A36 Lower Bristol Road

  • Ambury

  • Broad Quay

  • Charles Street

  • Chapel Row

  • Charlotte Street

  • Churchill Bridge

  • Churchill Bridge Gyratory

  • Claverton Street eastbound

  • Corn Street

  • Darlington Street

  • Green Park Road

  • Lower Bristol Road

  • Midland Bridge Road

  • Midland Road

  • Newbridge Road

  • Pinesway

  • Pulteney Road

  • Queen Square

  • Queen Square Place

  • Rossiter Road

  • Sydney Place

  • Upper Bristol Road

  • Windsor Bridge Road

  • Where can I park?

According to the Bath Half website, there are seven designated car parks for the day.

They include:

  • Newbridge Park and Ride: 700 places - this area, which is on the course route, will be closed during the race from 9.45am-2pm.

  • Odd Down Park and Ride: 1,250 places

  • Lansdown Park and Ride: 880 places

  • Charlotte Street: 1,100 places

  • Avon Street: 500 places - access in and out of this car park will be closed from 9.45am until 2pm.

  • Podium: 550 spaces

  • Manvers Street: CLOSED

  • SouthGate Centre: 870 places

The website states: "City centre car parks will be busy, both for competitor and spectator parking (city centre hotels are full on race day) and displaced residents parking from the course route (and access routes).

"So allow extra time for your journey and plan an alternative car park where possible.

"Please note that there is no parking at Bath Sports & Leisure Centre or Bath Cricket Club.

"Live parking updates for city centre car parks are available on www.bathcarparks.co.uk."

  • Why do people take part in the Bath Half Marathon?

Many participants run the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for charities or organisations.

In 2019, runners raised more than £2million for various good causes. Among those taking part last year was Bath's Harmonie Rose, who lost her limbs to meningitis B.

Harmonie Rose completes the Bath Half Marathon. Credit: PA

The brave six-year-old - who will be taking part in the race again this Sunday - completed the run alongside her family, friends and teachers from school.

The team were raising money for the Time Is Precious charity, which supports children and their families in hospital or at home.

  • Who else is taking part in the run?

X Factor host Dermot O'Leary is due to run the event. Credit: PA

Actor Ben Aldridge, best known for playing Captain Charles James in BBC military drama Our Girl, will be running, as well as former British Olympic rower James Cracknell, former England rugby star Lewis Moody and X-Factor host Dermot O'Leary.

  • What is the weather forecast?

On Saturday night, it will be raining - and that wet weather is expected to continue into Sunday morning.

It will be about 8 degrees Celsius and it is expected to rain during the marathon - so don't forget your waterproofs!

You can check the full forecast here.