A huge well done to everyone locally who took part in the Bath Half Marathon last Sunday, 1st March. Nearly 13,000 runners took part in the 13.1-mile race, either hoping to beat a personal best, or helping to raise thousands of pounds in the process after months of training hard.

Local charity, Time is Precious, had 78 local runners taking part in the Bath Half and this year, they were joined by comedian, Russell Howard, who returned to his home town in aid of the charity, which provides much-needed equipment and toys for children's hospital wards. The charity was set up by Coleford parents, Neil and Nicky Halford, in memory of their son, Ben, who fought for three-and-a-half years with a brain tumour. Time is Precious has raised thousands and thousands of pounds over the years and made a huge difference to local hospitals and the families which use them.

Russell Howard said: "I think Time is Precious is a brilliant charity, not only giving families with young children the opportunity of being together during the stressful time of hospital treatment, but also raising the funds needed to provide carefully chosen pieces of equipment, making the life of those young people a little easier and happier, where possible."

Speaking after the race, Nicky Halford said: "Last year, we raised £18,000, so we hope to do the same again. However, we are grateful for every single penny raised by our runners. Russell Howard went down amazingly. We also had John Reynolds, who ran 100 miles leading up to the day, from Friday to Sunday, which is absolutely fantastic. He is such an inspirational man!"

Other charities included the Forever Friends Appeal, Teenage Cancer Trust, the Bath Rugby Foundation and CoppaFeel!, which Radio 1 DJ, Greg James, was running in aid of. The charity was founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga following her diagnosis of secondary breast cancer at the age of 23.

This was the 34th year of the Bath Half, which saw over 30,000 supporters come out in force to watch the runners. Paul Martelletti took the top spot for the men, completing the course in 65 minutes and 28 seconds, with the women's first place going to Emma Stepto who finished in 1:13:50.

Next year's Bath Half takes place on Sunday, 13th March 2016, with the lead charity having been announced as Macmillan Cancer Support.

Comedian, Russell Howard, pictured with John Reynolds, from Radstock, at this year's Bath Half.