For nearly 40 years Taunton Half Marathon was a highly anticipated annual event for the local running community. It saw many from the area take on the half-marathon distance for the first time, others set personal best times that would remain so for years to come and some seriously fast runners battle it out for memorable race victories. It was always well supported, with certain areas of the course being lined with cheering locals who would give the runners a boost when most needed. When the long-term race directors announced their intentions to step down there was definitely something missing from the local running season.

With the blessing and support of the previous organisers, it is our intention to carry on the wonderful legacy of this race but with our own stamp. We want it to feel like the race you know and love and an exciting new race all at once. The three new race directors are all from a background of putting on trail events, so we intend to bring some of the community feel of these to this popular road half marathon as well as keeping all of the professional touches that a good road race needs.

Adding to the excitment and the community feel, we'll be introducing a 'Kids Kilometre' fun run into the proceedings. This will start just after the main event and use the same start and finish lines to give the little runners that race day buzz.

Both races will move to the town centre for race HQ and the Start/Finish with all runners finishing along North Street with the iconic Taunton landmark of the Market House in view. This brings real theatre to the event and makes it very spectator friendly and community focussed. The town centre will be closed to traffic for runner and spectator safety so if you're running, bring uour entourage to see you off and cheer you across the finish line. 

We look forward to seeing you all in March 2026 for the 40th edition of the Taunton Half!