A look back at our 25th Circuit of Bath
On Sunday 20 September, around 300 people signed up and supported this year's Circuit of Bath, coming together to walk, run, fundraise and volunteer for Alongside.
This year marked 25 years of the Circuit of Bath, with three ways to take part: the 35km Walk, the new 35km Run and the 11km Mini Circuit.
After months of planning, training and fundraising, it was brilliant to see everyone out on the route.
Three ways to take part
The 35km Walk once again took participants around Bath and the surrounding countryside. This year, the Circuit travelled clockwise, with five checkpoints along the route where teams of volunteers welcomed participants and provided refreshments and support.
For the first time, people could also officially run the Circuit. Fifteen runners set off early in the morning, with all 15 completing the 35km route within seven hours.
Also new this year was the 11km Mini Circuit. Starting at The George Inn Bathhampton, the route followed the canal to the Visitor Centre in Limpley Stoke before returning to Bathampton.
The shorter route gave families, dog walkers and people with less time another way to take part and raise money for Alongside.
Some special moments from the day
Across the three routes, there were plenty of personal achievements to celebrate.
Seven-year-old Connie completed the Mini Circuit as her first sponsored event and raised more than £250. Her mum sent us a photo of her proudly holding her medal after finishing the route.
Pam and Vic travelled all the way from Georgia, USA, to take part in this year's Circuit of Bath.
And for Eddie, the day marked a different milestone. This was his 20th year volunteering at the Circuit of Bath.
Raising funds for Alongside
Everyone who signed up, collected sponsorship or made a donation has helped raise funds for Alongside.
Fundraising is still continuing, with more than £11,000 raised so far.
Among those fundraising this year was Alex Lucas, who took on the Circuit of Bath for the third time and has raised £625 so far, the highest individual fundraising total from this year's event.
The money raised will support Alongside's work with people facing homelessness, domestic abuse and other forms of social exclusion across the South and West of England.
Our teams provide accommodation and practical support, working alongside people as they build greater safety, stability and independence.
Keeping everyone going
Behind the walkers and runners was a team of volunteers helping at the five checkpoints around the Circuit.
Terence Murray led our volunteers, while Sally and Colin Marsh and the Lions volunteers looked after the checkpoint at Newbridge Park & Ride. Many other volunteers gave their time throughout the day, welcoming participants and helping to keep everyone going.
The helpers from Woolley baked delicious cakes for the event, raising nearly £200, while The Whent provided water for participants.
One of the volunteers joining us through GoodGym Bath was Ruth, who was based at St Gregory's School. She described what helping at a checkpoint involved:
“We clapped the participants in, took down their numbers and made sure they were fed and watered. My job was to stamp their maps to make sure each achievement was registered.”
Jelly beans were also among the refreshments on offer. Ruth put them to the test herself and reported that they gave her enough fuel for the walk home.
Support around the Circuit of Bath
The event also relied on local organisations and venues giving their time, space and practical support.
Staff at St Gregory's Sixth Form and Kingswood School Upper Pavilion opened their doors early to host us. The George Inn Bathampton provided the use of its car park and terrace, while our friends at The Angelfish Restaurant / Café and the Visitor Centre in Limpley Stoke supported us along the route.
We are also grateful to Pulse Events and Bath & North East Somerset Council for their support, and to Wessex 4x4 Response and Toadpit Medical Services (Events) Ltd for providing emergency response services.
And, of course, thank you to all the other volunteers who helped at the five checkpoints and behind the scenes throughout the day.
Thank you for being part of it
Twenty-five years after the first Circuit of Bath, it was wonderful to see people out on the route again, taking on their own challenges and supporting each other along the way.
Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, fundraised, donated, volunteered or helped make the day possible.
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
What's next?
If you would still like to support this year’s Circuit of Bath, you can make a donation through our JustGiving page.
Want to take part in another Alongside event? Take a look at what’s coming up and find your next opportunity to get involved.
