Now in its 27th year, the Bath Half Marathon is one of the longest established and most popular city centre road races in the UK, and the largest mass-participation sporting event in the city, this year attracting 15,000 registered entrants (40% from the Bath area), and an estimated 10,000 spectators.

It is also one of the largest charity fundraisers in the South West, last year raising over £1m for various charities and voluntary groups (50% of which is targeted for charities within Bath and North East Somerset).

The event also brings an estimated 20,000 extra visitors to the city to the benefit of local hotels, restaurants and shops.

The half marathon starts and finishes in Great Pulteney Street, looping down Pulteney Road then following two laps out and back along the Upper and Lower Bristol Roads up to the Newbridge Turnpike (Twerton Fork) via Churchill Bridge, Green Park, Queen Square and Newbridge Road.

To ensure the safety of competitors and spectators road closures and parking suspensions were in operation on the entire half marathon course route and on venue streets adjacent to Great Pulteney Street. Further parking suspensions operated on designated alternative access routes for ambulances and buses in Oldfield Park, Bathwick, Walcot and Newbridge.

Any vehicles remaining parked on designated streets during these hours were removed. These restrictions applied to all vehicles (except emergency services and authorised event vehicles) including residents parking permit holders, disabled and pay and display parking. Warning notices were placed on the affected parking bays and streets before the event.

Arrangements for parking enforcement for the 2008 half marathon were changed as a result of the detailed review and consultation carried out after each year’s race. This year, enforcement and vehicle removals were carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council following the Council’s recent adoption of towaway and clamping powers.

A formal appeal procedure and a fixed penalty notice of £60 has also been introduced which is in addition to the removal charge of £105.

"We are anxious to minimise any inconvenience caused, and would also be grateful for any feedback or comments on these proposals, or suggestions as to how arrangements for the event could be improved" Andrew Taylor, Race Director, Running High Events. Please e-mail:traffic@runninghigh.co.uk