GREAT Western Railway is running 18 extra trains to support runners and their supporters for Sunday's Bath Half Marathon.

Nine additional early morning trains will help take runners to the start line for 11am, and there will be another nine extra services to take runners and supporters home after the race; but passengers are warned that services immediately before and after the event will be busy.

Additional services between Westbury and Bath; Swindon and Bath and Bristol Temple Meads and Bath will operate. First services of the day will depart earlier than usual:

• Swindon to Bath Spa at 08.45, arriving at 09.15

• Westbury to Bath: 08.55, arriving at 09.25

• Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa: 07.45, arriving at 07.56

• Cardiff Central to Bath Spa: 08.010, arriving at 09.27

Bath Spa Station Manager Todd Graham said: “In the lead up to the London Marathon, the Bath Half is proving ever popular, with more competitors completing last year’s course than ever before.

“While our friendly staff will be on hand to help keep people moving as they return to the station, I urge customers to allow time for their journeys, and warn them that a queuing system may be needed to allow passengers to board trains in safety.”

The race starts at Great Pulteney Street, in the heart of the World Heritage City, at 11am and loops around the city.