Ironman Chrissie Wellington starts thousands of runners off at the first ever Sanlam Bristol + Bath Marathon!

Race report:  Sanlam Bristol + Bath Marathon - October 25, 2015

Four time Ironman World Champion, Chrissie Wellington delighted crowds in Bristol, as she started thousands of eager participants off on the challenging first ever Sanlam Bristol + Bath Marathon, before making her way to Bath to welcome in finishers of the city to city marathon, and present the winners with their trophies.

The men’s race was won in style by Adam Holland from Notfast Running Club, in two hours thirty one minutes and twenty nine seconds. Speaking of his victory, he said: “This was my two hundred and fortieth marathon, and the second fastest time I have ever completed the distance, which I’m really pleased with. The organisation on the day was fantastic, and I particularly enjoyed the initial sections in Bristol where I had a lot of friends cheering me on! The hilly section at mile twenty was tough, but they worked out to my advantage as I was able to take the lead here, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I will definitely be back again next year!”

Second place went to Elly Tarus from Salford Harriers AC in two hours thirty one minutes and twenty nine seconds, and Charles Houston took third in two hours forty two minutes and four seconds. The women’s race was won by Clare Prosser from Wells City Harriers in two hours fifty two minutes and fifty seconds, followed by Elior Phillips from Lliswerry Runners in two hours fifty five minutes and eleven seconds, and Bethany Skinnard who took third.

Jamie Warren, Head of Marketing and Commercial at GO2, said: “The course for the Sanlam Bristol + Bath Marathon was purposely designed to celebrate the outstanding natural beauty and rich history across two iconic cities, and the beauty of South Gloucestershire. For a first year event, we are extremely pleased with the turnout, both in terms of our runners who took on this challenging half marathon, and the spectators across the whole course who came in out their thousands to show their support, and spur our participants on. We hope to return in 2016, and really put the event on the South West running map!”

The brand new event boasted a completely closed-road route throughout the entire 26.2 mile course, and will saw competitors start at 9.00am on Prince Street, Bristol, before making their way through the beautiful and rolling countryside of South Gloucestershire, and on towards the finish line in Royal Victoria Park, Bath.

Race starter Chrissie Wellington said: “I’m delighted to have be part of the inaugural Sanlam Bristol + Bath Marathon, and it’s been fantastic to see all the crowds come out and support such a unique event to come to Bristol and Bath. As a proud Bristol resident I know first-hand the immense sporting passion that envelops both cities, and the marathon connecting them both acts as a celebration of this passion and the unity that running creates. Congratulations to everyone that took part, you should feel immensely proud of yourselves for completing such a challenging course!”

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol said: “It was a huge pleasure for Bristol to host the start of the inaugural Bristol and Bath Marathon and my heartfelt congratulations go out to all those who took part. Having worked closely with the race organisers to bring the run to the region, I was particularly pleased to see the event become a reality and see so many turn out to support to what I hope becomes the first of many, possibly running West to East next time!”

Lukas van der Walt, CEO of Sanlam UK, said: ““What a day! Great weather, amazing support, beautiful locations and unbelievable performances. It’s been a real treat to be involved from start to finish. We’re already looking forward to next year. We’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone involved. The runners, all those who’ve lined the route to lend their support, all those who’ve worked so hard to put this together. You’ve been brilliant!”

If you feel inspired by this year’s run, pre-registration is now open for next year’s race at www.bristolbathmarathon.com where you can sign up to be first to hear when entries open for the second instalment!

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results