Organisers of this year’s Bath Beat, Ralph Allen School, welcomed hundreds of people of all ages and abilities to this popular annual walking event when it took place last Saturday, 27 April
Marking the event’s 25th anniversary, over 400 members of the school and Bath community walked in step with visitors from across the country. Together, they covered a collective 8,000 miles and raised more than £8,000 in the process.
Walkers including families and young children from near and far, as well as students and staff from Ralph Allen School, were able to choose from four planned routes – 12.5 miles, 17 miles, 21 miles and 26.5 miles. Happy volunteers were on hand to distribute homemade baked goodies and other refreshments generously donated by local businesses, including Morrisons, Parson’s Bakery and Arthur David, at pitstops along the way.
Everyone who crossed the finish line received a certificate and a T-shirt sponsored by John Moore Sports (in Bath) to commemorate the occasion.
This popular walking event traces its origins back to 1999 when members of the Bath Police Station formed a walking group. Over the years, the event has grown from its humble beginnings of 40 local members to hundreds of people nationwide. Ralph Allen School’s increased involvement has been instrumental in shaping this memorable event.
This year, the event began with a minute’s silence to remember Phil West. Phil ran the event alongside Ralph Allen School for over 10 years, and sadly passed away this February. This fitting tribute was held in recognition of his immense efforts and contributions to this wonderful event.
Funds raised from the Bath Beat walking event will be used to support additional educational and personal development activities and opportunities for Ralph Allen School students. Past contributions have funded counselling services, welfare initiative, and new computers for the art and photography block.
This year’s proceeds will support the school’s ambitious reading scheme and boost its collection of books, to further engage students from Year 7 to Year 11 in daily shared reading sessions.
As a Palladian Academy Trust school, Ralph Allen shares in their vision to provide ‘excellent and equitable opportunities so everyone can flourish’. It is at the heart of everything they do.
Nathan Jenkins, Headteacher at Ralph Allen School, expressed his delight by saying, “This is my first experience of being part of this legendary and annual event, and it was a real honour. It is events like these that bring our community together – where strangers become friends and connections are formed.
“The smiles and sense of accomplishment and joy that radiated from all the participants were truly contagious. I thank everyone who continues to support our school and this event. I can only hope that next year goes as well as this year!”