We have taken the difficult decision to withdraw our running team from this weekend’s Bath Half Marathon.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the cancellation of mass participation events, including similar events, we feel the responsible course of action is to withdraw.

We have made this decision as we know there are runners who don’t feel safe to run but at the same time don’t want to let down Bath Rugby Foundation. We would rather take the difficult decision on your behalf. None of you have let us down in any way – we don’t doubt your commitment to our cause.

To everyone who has signed up to either run or volunteer for Bath Rugby Foundation we say thank you. We will always be incredibly grateful for your ongoing support.

As you know the team at Bath Rugby Foundation have been in discussion for days and the decision for us is simple: We do not want to put any of our supporters or their loved ones at risk.

Consequently, our staff will not be at the event tomorrow and the Bath Rugby clubhouse will not be open.

We know that one of the reasons people want to run is to raise money for Bath Rugby Foundation’s work with young people.

We already know most of you are finding alternatives in order to fulfil your commitment to sponsors.

Each runner will receive their Bath Rugby Foundation running vest and we would love to see the pictures of you all running at some point in our colours. Please send us pictures or share them on social media.

Later in the year we will be arranging a celebration event for all our registered runners.

We would like to thank you for your understanding. Please rest assured that this has not been an easy decision for the Bath Rugby Foundation team to reach.

We really appreciate all the hard work you have put into your training and fundraising. We also appreciate the dedication of our volunteers who were giving up time to help at the event.

The Bath Half Marathon is a vital fundraising event in the Bath Rugby Foundation calendar and we are disappointed with this outcome for all concerned.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]