Bath Half 2025 Race Report 😍🏅

[cheekychipmunks]

At long last! This race has been a long time coming, with multiple road blocks, the biggest of which was of course Covid, then it got moved to the autumn, then there was a course change with a horrid hill. That was fixed and I entered for 2024 but I had to defer (I forget exactly why I must admit!) 😅

Soooo today was the day. Bright and sunny. 🙏 I’d hoped to be in tip top shape, but with the abysmal winter weather we’ve just endured, my running miles were way way down. I even ditched the NRC HM Plan I love so much, as I simply had no desire to do the long runs in the wind and rain, and no way would I run beyond 10k on the treadmill again (I did 10 miles once 😳). I managed a handful of 10k runs but no more.

One thing which gave me a glimmer of hope was the fact I’ve been doing more strength and conditioning work, so it was with nervous trepidation that Mr Cheeky and I hopped on the train for the 15 minute journey across to Bath. I really hoped being slightly stronger would make up for the lack of running. 🤞

We were so early that we had time for a yummy breakfast (healthy scrambled eggs on sourdough with avocado for me, full English for Mr Cheeky 😋).

We then made our way up to Victoria Park/the event village to get our bearings. It was very busy and I made note of the rather unwelcome final uphill stretch! Mr Cheeky then headed off to find a cafe/vantage point and I queued for the loo to kill some more time. Before long though we were called down to the start, and boom we were away. 😀

My goal is always to run the lot, but I was doubtful I’d manage today. I’d even given myself permission to have walking breaks if required, but I engaged my trusty chipmunk trot and kept on going, and going! It’s not a pancake flat course by any stretch. No massive hills, but several undulations. I made note of the one at 12 miles and realised it would run into the hill at the finish. I doubted I’d make it up. But I did! 💪 I even managed a sprint finish of sorts. 😀

I’m so pleased as yes my legs were screaming at me towards the end, but they were fine up to 10 miles which is further than the usual 12-14km. 🙏

The medal is gorgeous, and was placed around my neck! We did have to walk 300m to get it which I found a bit cruel 😅 Let’s just say the walk back to the station was very slow! 😅 🚂

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Hi CC. Well done on your run. I was there today to see my son doing it, and that final hill looked like an absolute killer. I don’t know how anyone could handle that after 20K. Hope you are recovering now.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen_UK , I hope your son did well! The support was fantastic and people were calling my name out even without it being on the bib - they have looked up my number on the app I suppose. Yes, the final mile wasn’t my favourite - but it felt good to have made it up! 🙏

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, CC. Yes, he enjoyed it. I agree it was a great atmosphere. Not sure Bath could handle the number of people who suddenly arrived from nowhere. A lot of very jammed areas. So glad you enjoyed it and had a good day.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

I’m not sure how you travelled there Stephen_UK , but apparently it was carnage at the Lansdown P&R and some people missed their waves. We chose the train and it worked well, but I had considered the P&R. Glad I didn’t now!

Yes, little Bath was teeming wasn’t it?

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It took a long time to get into the race village as the crowd was being channeled through such narrow paths. We came from the station in plenty of time but if I did it again I’d want to get there earlier as it was a little tight in terms of timing.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

the Duracell bunny has done it again. Well done cheeky, you well and truly deserve that amazing bit of bling. I hope you have a long soak in the bath and don’t feel too achey tomorrow. X

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 , I have to admit the bling was a huge lure and it kept me going. I also remembered the well wishes and pom poms from all my pals on here and didn’t want let you all down! 🥰

My bath was very welcome. Showers just don’t do it for me after running! 🛁

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Congratulations to you CC on completing the Bath Half Marathon, well done ✅✅pity you couldn't take Flossie but I do understand that dogs aren't allowed at those events, I am so happy that you enjoyed your run today and may consider running it again next year.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr , there were quite a few dogs in the event village, but I think Flossie was happy at home lazing on the sofa! 🐕🥰

I’d definitely run it again, it was such a great event. 😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Yee ha Cheeky, you absolute beauty; you smashed it! Your diesel engine kicked in, and once in gear, it just doesn’t know how to stop! You need a hot bath, slap up meal and plenty of wine, not necessarily in that order! I couldn’t be more pleased. Just look at that medal! 👏👏👏👏👏 🥇🏆🥂 You are an absolute 🌟

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ahh thanks Beachcomber66 ! Kind words indeed 😀

Yes the old engine did its best and I was happy with how my legs carried me up until 10 miles when I must admit they weren’t as keen 😅 Still, the “only a PR to go” mantra kicked in and I counted down the kms one by one, thinking about the bling with every step. 😍 🏅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Plenty of miles left in that engine cheeky!!🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

It chugs away happily with minimal servicing! I’d like to think that I can get better training in ahead of Cardiff in October - I don’t want to push my luck!🙏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You have a whole Spring and Summer to do that Cheeky…..but you probably have other things to think about too……🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’ll find a way BC, it’s so much easier with the light mornings. 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

At least another 5k for the metric, then on to 20 miles right 😅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Err….was that reply meant for cheeky (me and 20 miles in the same sentence doesn’t fit! ). 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Err? Hmmm? Let me think ... 🤔

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

🫣………….

[TailChaser Marathon]

I didn’t realise you hadn’t managed to run it since Covid! How brilliant you’ve finally been able to get it done! And with such style too 🤩 Very well done Cheeky 😍😃💪

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Yes, that long TailChaser ! A few of us had gone as far as booking a restaurant for the Saturday night in March 2020 and it all went pear shaped when Covid reared its ugly head and we decided to pull out. Done now though and it was such fun! 🥰

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Brilliant! Well done Cheeky. I followed you on the results page and have to admit it seemed like an awful lot of running even from my comfy vantage point. You are a shining star. It seems such a long time ago now since our attempt at Bath was cancelled ... but you finally got the real deal! Congratulations 👏 🎊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you linda9389 ! It did feel like a long way but I’m relieved that my little pins didn’t let me down today. 😀 It felt wonderful to get it done at last. 🥰🙏

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

I am staggered that you can do so little in terms of long runs in the lead up and then turn up and engage your trusty chipmunk trot and complete 13+ miles!!! I am intrigued about your strength and conditioning too, but one way or another what a super star runner you are! 🌟🏃‍♀️Such lovely photos as well 😊

Many many congratulations! 🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏁🏅👏🏻👍💪🌟 💥⚡️🎉😊🍾🥂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you over61andstilltrying ! Yes my running was sadly lacking but I really believe that my weekly group circuit training (called Battle Box), plus some regular sessions on the machines and some upper body workouts on YouTube kept my body strong enough to complete the HM. I also do a weekly yoga class. 😀

It was a wonderful day! 😍

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

woo hoo Cheeky, look at you!! Amazing performance well done. 🥳😍🥂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thanks Shake-and-run , no records beaten speed wise, unsurprisingly, but job done and bling earned! 🥰

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks - so glad you did this, despite less than ideal preparation. Those legs just remember what is expected of them don’t they! Brilliant!🙂👏🏅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you Sandraj39 , you’re right, legs don’t forget do they? 🙏

[Cantstopmenow Half Marathon]

Well done Cheeky on your half marathon today. Your legs did a marvellous job, aided and abetted by your strength, fitness and determination. The weather looked kind, the breakfast yummy and the bling sparkling. Enjoy a well earned rest 🎉 xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Thanks so much Cantstopmenow ! Yes the weather was perfect, albeit cold for the spectators (confirmed by Mr Cheeky 🥶), but I trusted my little legs to help me out and they did. All worth it for the bling. 🏅😍

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Wonderful, congratulations 👏😀 What an achievement, especially since your preparation was not as you had hoped 🌧️ 💨 🥶!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thanks so much skysue16 . I had a serious attack of the gremlins last week, wondering what on earth I was doing running on such limited training. I clung onto the slightly more strength and conditioning card, and literally ran with it! 🙏

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Woohoo!! 🎉🎉 congratulations, I knew you’d do it, piece of cake 🍰😍. Love the bling 🥇👌🏻 xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Ahh thanks Mudita11 , I’m not sure about being a piece of cake! 😅 I think grim determination is more like it, oh and the lure of the bling. I saw people milling around wearing theirs and that spurred me on to get my own. 😍

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Congratulations. Great run, Amazing bling !Never doubted you for a second but pleased to hear you nit only ran it but enjoyed it too.

🏅 🏆 🐿

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thank you Week7 , oh yes I really enjoyed it - I love big events and even though yesterday was a lot smaller than the London Winter Run, with Bath being so small in comparison it gave the impression of a massive event. I recommend it! 😈

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you RunWillie , done at last! 🙏

[Krissie Marathon]

Well done CC. You did so well both in your half marathon and in sharing the event with us. I can feel the buzz of running in Bath. It is such a great event and you did do well to triumph after a difficult winter 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Krissie]

Thank you Krissie ! I’ve just read your post and wow your achievement is something else! Makes mine look puny in comparison, but yes I was really pleased with how it went. Weren’t we lucky with the weather? Perfect for runners I’d say. 🙏

[Runnin-g Half Marathon]

Well done 👏🏽

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Runnin-g]

Thanks Runnin-g . 😀

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Oh my word.....undulating , but you carried on and wear the medal with pride.....well done Cheeky chipmunks? That breakfast sounds good too 😁👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

The seasoned pro would probably call it flat SueAppleRun , but there were definitely several inclines, and with HM being at the upper limits of my current distance (note how I said “current” linda9389 and Beachcomber66 😂), they weren’t that welcome, especially the final mile. 🥵

But yes, done, fuelled by the lovely breakfast, and bling safely on its hanger! 🏅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😎😎😎 watching you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Eeeeeekkk! 🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I'm supposed to be doing 22.5k this week ... you can watch me back!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Oh I shall - and you’ll smash it! 👀 💪🏃‍♀️😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yup; you will smash it!! Only 15k today for me. 20k next week!🤞

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🕵️‍♂️👀 we have spies everywhere!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

😅😅😅

[Mormor1 Half Marathon]

Well done you. The strength training really paid off. I was looking at the results for women aged 70-74 (my range) and very surprised to see only 11 entrants. 27 men in the same category. I wonder why that is? Are women less competitive when older? I'm working my way to 10 miles in the first instance....

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mormor1]

Thanks Mormor1 , yes I truly believe the strength training is what got me round. I never used to do any, and relied on my determination to get me to the finish line, but I did always put the required miles in. This time I didn’t, so it’s a good thing I started strength training! 😂 I’ll continue with it now (as I actually enjoy it - who knew?!)

Yes. I noticed there were way less older runners in comparison yesterday. I’m in the 60-64 age category. I swear there are more in the older categories at other races I’ve done. 🤷‍♀️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Woo hoo!!! 🥳🥳🥳 you did it Munks! Not that I had any doubt about it 🙂

I thought about you and was sad that I hadn’t entered again this year to join you but maybe next year…

Your training is clearly working so no doubt you’ll carry on with that. I honestly can’t remember a hill at the end, but you clearly managed it with no problem!

Fab looking bling 🤩 well done 👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks so much Irishprincess ! You don’t remember the hill? 😳 It’s Green Park/Charles St/Queen Square/Royal Ave, pretty much uphill all the way! You were clearly speeding through so quickly it didn’t affect you! 😂

The bling is truly gorgeous. I love the colour of the ribbon too. 😍 I’d love to run it again ….

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I hobbled/walked/ran the second half so maybe this section was where I was not running so much 😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😂😂 To be fair, lots of people were walking when I was there too. And lots of them faster than the speed I was running 🤣

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Hey cheekychipmunks ! Sounds like you completed it brilliantly ! 👏 big congratulations to you! Sounds like a wonderful day! ⭐xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you so much aliboo70 ! I’m so relieved it went so well after what I’d feared! It’s an amazing event and I’d definitely do it again. 😀

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

That's super, well done you! You did so well. I think it's always good to have a few plans - run it all, run most, run/walk, then you can adapt as you go, and won't be disappointed if you don't achieve one of them. Is this a nice route? I've always fancied it....

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you Curlygurly2 ! I’d told myself I could walk if needed - and I really thought I’d need to - but I didn’t and I’m really pleased about that. But having had “permission” from myself gave me an out if needed. 😀

It’s a nice course. Two big loops with an added bit at the end of the first one to take you into Great Pulteney Street which is lovely. It doesn’t take in many of the iconic sights of Bath (thankfully, because lots of them are on steep hills!), but it ends right by the Royal Crescent 😍 I’d recommend it. 😀

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Well done!!! The strength training definitely paid off then, there's definitely a lesson there for all of us. The medal looks beautiful, I bet you're enjoying ot all the more for having waited so long! 👏👏👏🎉

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Ahh thank you RiceAndPeas (btw I had rice and peas the other night for supper, and smiled thinking of your user name! 😂)

Yep, strength training is clearly necessary. I’d been avoiding it like the plague, but no more.

The medal is beautiful and definitely worth the wait. 😍

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Ah fantastic, you can't beat a,bit of rice and peas. 😂

[00marks Marathon]

Congratulations, well done!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to 00marks]

Thank you 00marks ! It was fabulous. 😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

If ever a medal was deserved, this is it! So happy for you Cheeky. You overcame so many obstacles and gremlins and made it! Manny congratulations to you 🥳👏👏👏😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

If ever a medal was deserved, this is it! So happy for you Cheeky. You overcame so many obstacles and gremlins and made it! Many congratulations to you 🥳👏👏👏😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you RunBrianRun ! The gremlins were coming thick and fast this time last week, but I squashed them all and got the medal. 🙏🏅