The Bath Half Marathon Fund
The Bath Half Marathon Fund is a way for participants to support the growth and development of small, local voluntary organisations in Bath & North East Somerset.
The Fund was established by the previous event organisers, Running High Events Limited, in 2003, with donations from Bath Half participants used for grants to drive sport, active lifestyles and play.
These are awarded where the contributions can make a real difference to those who are isolated or disadvantaged, with the maximum amount awarded £2,000.
The grants can be life changing for local projects and the people they support.
How can I contribute to the Fund?
During the event registration process for the GetPRO Bath Half you will be able to choose how much you wish to donate.
The 2026 GetPRO Bath Half will be held on Sunday 15 March.
How much has been awarded since the Fund began in 2003?
In the last 22 years, more than £570,000 has been awarded.
How are grants supporting the local community?
In 2024 alone, Bath Half participants helped raise more than £20,000 for local projects, including towards creative play activities in local community hubs, Zumba sessions for adults with learning disabilities and physical education sessions for vulnerable and homeless people.
The total amount and the recipients of the next round of grants will be announced later this year.
Here are some of the organisations that have been recent beneficiaries of grants.
Keynsham & District Mencap Society has started the Super Saturday Club, a weekly club in Bath for children with a learning disability.
Clare Anderson, a fundraiser at the Keynsham & District Mencap Society, said: “The Super Saturday Club continues to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities aged five to 18. As a self-funded charity, which subsidises costs to members by around 75%, this funding is vital. Recently, the club organised a sensory morning, offering members a unique and stimulating experience tailored to their needs.
“These diverse activities not only provide enjoyment but also contribute to the members' personal growth, social skills, and overall wellbeing. The Super Saturday Club continues to be a cornerstone of support for families in the community, offering respite and enriching experiences for children with learning disabilities.”
The Genesis Trust has used the funds to champion three core physical activities to support vulnerable and homeless people in the Bath area.
Hilary Long, Community Manager at the Genesis Trust, said: “The activities funded by the Bath Half Marathon Fund are a multi-week Men’s Group, which includes a healthy community meal a week and physical activities; an inclusive cycling day at the Odd Down Cycle Track supported by All Cycle Bath and West; and a walking group, which explores the canal.
“Supporting people’s physical and mental wellbeing by engaging in meaningful activity and being part of a community are at the heart of what Genesis Trust offers for homeless and vulnerable people in Bath. 100% of participants told us that these activities made a difference in their lives.”
Feedback from the Men’s Group included:
“The Men’s Group has helped me connect with lovely, friendly people who I would never have met otherwise.”
“Playing games socially for fun as greatly improved my mood.”