RUNNERS and spectators attending Sunday’s Bath Half Marathon should plan journeys in advance due to the number of people expected to descend on the city.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is running additional train services to cater for the increased demand this weekend.

To help ensure people arrive on time, GWR will operate nine additional trains, providing more than 4,500 extra seats. These extra services will significantly increase the number of trains arriving in the city before the race begins.

Operating from Swindon, Bristol Temple Meads, and Westbury towards Bath, the extra trains will depart at the following times:

Travellers are urged to leave themselves enough time to pass through the station and get to the start line, which is a 20-minute walk (1.2miles) or short bus journey from Bath Spa Station.

Those travelling are, however, warned that trains will still be busy immediately before and after the event.

Bath Spa station manager Oana Apetroaie said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bath Half runners and supporters alike to our world-famous city; letting the train take the strain out of travelling on the day.

“We provide lots of extra trains to cater for the increase in demand, but those travelling should be aware that services immediately before and after the race will still be really busy – so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.

“There may also be some changes to our usual, planned timetabled services, so if you are travelling on Sunday, please check before you travel so you’re not caught out.”

The race start will start at 10:20am with the first of three waves of runners at: 10:20am, 10:35am and 10:50am on Sunday, March 16.

Additional trains will also be laid on to support the return journey home, as well as extra stops put into other timetabled services. More than 50 trains will leave Bath Spa between midday and 7.30pm for stations on the route towards Bristol, Swindon and Westbury this Sunday.