Bath Half Marathon: 10,000 hit the streets for city's biggest race

On your marks, get ready, go!

About 10,000 runners have taken to the streets of Bath for the city's 42nd half marathon race.

The 13.1 mile (21km) race drew large crowds in support of those taking on the challenge on Sunday.

Race director Andrew Taylor said the day, which he and his partner have managed for the last time after 25 years, was "amazing".

The Bath Half was forecasted to raise more than £2m for a large number of charities and local voluntary groups.

The team behind the London Marathon will take over Bath's largest sporting in the community event.

Alex Lawrence came third in men's race

Two former University of Bath students were among the elite athletes to finish high in their race categories.

Alex Lawrence came third in the men's race with a time of one hour five minutes 32 seconds.

"It was really what I was after at the podium here. Really chuffed with that," he said.

He added he would be training from Monday for the London Marathon in April.

Anna Domville, who came second in the women's race, said: "I feel exhausted but really happy."

Anna Domville came second in the women's race

Andrew Taylor has run the Bath Half with his wife since 2000.

Mr Taylor said the capacity for this year's event, which in the past has attracted about 30,000 spectators, was a "full house".

"Between us we have kept going," he said.

"It is an event within the city, community, runners and charities, contractors and volunteers - it is a community event.

"It gives back for the work we put into it."

Andrew Taylor is passing the event onto the team behind the London Marathon

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