The Bath Beat
The Bath Beat returns on Saturday 24 April 2027. Bookings open January 2027.
Starting on the southeastern edge of Bath, The Bath Beat is more than just a walk or run, it’s a journey through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on the edge of the Cotswolds. Whether you’re taking on your first challenge or chasing a personal best, this event invites you to explore rolling hills, ancient woodland, river valleys, and timeless countryside.
Choose your distance:
- 12.5 miles (TBC pricing)
- 17 miles (TBC pricing)
- 21 miles (TBC pricing)
- 26.5 miles (TBC pricing)
Each route follows public footpaths that wind through farmland, along a historic disused canal, and across some of the region’s most scenic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll pass welcoming checkpoints stocked with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and plenty of encouragement to keep you moving.
For those taking on the full 26.5-mile challenge, the route offers a true tour of the countryside, passing through picturesque villages including Bathford, Avoncliffe, Hinton Charterhouse, Norton St Philip, Wellow, and Combe Hay before returning to Bath via the Somerset Coal Canal and the charming village of Midford.
Your entry includes:
- Fully supported checkpoints with food and drink
- A finisher’s medal for those who complete the challenge
- Recovery support if you’re unable to make it back under your own steam
- A welcoming finish with plenty more food and refreshments
Whether you run, walk, or take it at your own pace, The Bath Beat is about the experience—fresh air, great company, and a route that rewards every step.
What Have Others Said?
"On behalf of the New Forest Runners, of which there were at least 12 running/walking this year, can I please thank you for putting on what was once again a fantastic event. This is my favourite marathon and I have completed it several times over the years. The scenery, volunteers and food were all amazing and this year was even better. Phil West would have been so proud of all your efforts and I know of several first timers who are already looking forward to next year." – Ian (2024)
"The best long distance walking (optional running) event in the South West! This event is made memorable by its strangely inverse relationship between bargain entry fees and the large quantity of food available at the checkpoints! You won’t go hungry on this one. Great scenery and organisation. Makes the bath half marathon look overpriced and badly organised." – Compton in runners world
"Just to say how fantastic Saturday was! We were all so impressed by how well the event was organised & how helpful everyone was. So much time & trouble has obviously been taken to put some really fab routes together & the route planner was brill!! I didn’t realise how really lovely the area is & will definitely be re-walking in the future!" – Maggie
"Norton St Philips is the best checkpoint on any race in Britain" – Simon
"What a great day yesterday. Thank you for organising and running such an enjoyable event; I’m sure that everyone who participated must have been well pleased with all aspects of it – the beautiful route, the warm welcome and efficiency at check points, the superb food, the route description and the happy atmosphere I found all along the route." – Dennis
"Just wanted to say, it was well worth the efforts of driving from Surrey to do your event – again. I’d forgotten how pretty the route was, with some fabulous views, even if the wind was a little challenging – all day !" – Jackie
"My boyfriend and I did the Bath Beat at the weekend and I just wanted to get in touch to say how much we both absolutely loved it! It was my first experience of an event such as this and I am already planing on coming back next year. Everyone at all the checkpoints were friendly, encouraging and welcomed us so warmly, the route itself was breathtaking (in some points literally!!) and the directions were obviously the result of"
