The Taunton Half Marathon will be returning to town in 2026 to deliver its 40th edition after a four-year hiatus.
Three Somerset-based businessmen have come together to bring back the 13 and a bit mile race after former race director John Lewis passed on the event with full support.
Alex Bennett of Prosper Events, Dan Brice of Channel UK Events CIC, and Dave Urwin of Albion Running will be taking the helm of the popular race from previous organisers, Taunton Carnival Committee, whilst Mr Lewis will remain behind the scenes in an advisory capacity.
The trio of local and experienced event directors are excited to bring this event back to the county town and the running community and have already planned on a few new changes.
One of the changes will be using the town centre as the start and finish point of the race whilst also utilising Castle Green, next to the Castle Hotel, as the event village.
Preparations are well underway for the event and the team will be looking to deliver the event in early March 2026 with final dates to be confirmed very soon.
After announcing the returning race the three new event manager spoke about the plans. Alex from Prosper Events said: “We want to make this a project that the town of Taunton can really get behind and be proud of whilst also encouraging more people to get regularly active outdoors to train for and then enjoy mass participation events like this.
“Local business, communities and individuals can come together in support for the event through sponsorship, volunteering at the event or bringing their talents/businesses along to support and be on show.”
Dan added: “We’d love to see this event get back to the glory days of over 1000 participants to create a real spectacle for our county town.”
Whilst Dave said: “We’re excited to involve many of the community’s businesses, groups, and charities to benefit from their involvement in the event and we hope to keep it going for many years to come.”
The team are also asking for help from the Somerset public who can show their support by entering the race, encouraging their friends or family to enter, sponsor the event, or volunteer on the day.
They are also asking for any local businesses who may be able to help supply the event.
For more information on Facebook or Instagram at ‘Taunton Half Marathon’, with the website and entry system coming soon.
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