Advice for Bath Half runners: Allow time to get to the start line - enough extra trains to transport half the Rec

Advice for Bath Half runners: Great Western Railway is to run enough extra trains to transport half the Rec this weekend, helping competitors and spectators attend the Bath Half Marathon.

Eight additional early morning trains will help take runners to the start line for 11am, while there will also be an additional 14 services to take runners and supporters home after the gruelling race; providing over 7,500 extra seats in total.

Additional services between Westbury and Bath; Swindon and Bath and Bristol Temple Meads and Bath will operate. First services of the day will depart earlier than usual:

• Swindon to Bath Spa at 08.45, arriving at 09.14
• Westbury to Bath: 08.58, arriving at 09.22
• Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa: 07.45, arriving at 07.56
• Cardiff Central to Bath Spa: 08.08, arriving at 09.30

Bath Spa Station Manager Todd Graham said:

“The Bath Half is one of the most beautiful city centre marathons on the running calendar, starting in Great Pulteney Street, and it is great to see it prove ever popular.

“While our friendly and approachable staff will be on hand to help keep people moving as people return to the station, I would urge customers to allow time for their journeys, as a queuing system may be needed to allow passengers to board trains in safety.”

The race starts at Great Pulteney Street, in the heart of the World Heritage City at 11am and loops around the city.

Great Western Railway will have 21 members of staff running in the race in support of Prostate Cancer UK; Cots for Tots; and the British Heart Foundation. So far over £4,900 has been raised by GWR staff.

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.

We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.