RUNNERS representing Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire were thrilled to have completed the Bath half-marathon having reached their fundraising targets.

Krystal Jarvis and Maya Prowse-Hall took on the challenge of completing the Bath Half last Sunday (15th October) to raise money for the advice charity.

They completed the event along with thousands of other runners on a brilliant day featuring cheering crowds and the historic sights of Bath.

Some runners could be seen in outfits including Buzz Lightyear, firefighters, a postbox and a unicorn.

Between them, Krystal and Maya have so far raised £735 for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, - well above their target of £200 each.

There is still time to sponsor them at the joint Justgiving page or the individual pages for Krystal and Maya.

The money will go towards Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s new premises fundraising appeal.

Moving to a new, bigger home near Yate Railway Station will allow the charity to double the number of people it can help face to face each week.

It needs to raise £30,000 to cover renovation costs to get its new building ready for seeing clients.

Money raised by Krystal and Maya is a big help towards reaching that goal.

The change is needed because more people than ever before are needing help from the charity.

It is helping ten times as many people in need of foodbank support each month as it was prior to the pandemic.

Krystal, 35, a Sales Adviser from Yate, completed the run in 2hr 20mins and said: “Personally, the Bath Half Marathon was an amazing experience for me.

Gazette Series: Yate's Krystal Jarvis who ran this weekend's Bath half-marathon for Citizens Advise South“I started off at the back of the Orange Wave at 11am. It was very congested, which was beneficial as it allowed for not taking off too fast to preserve energy.

“My goal was to run 5km then walk 0.25km, repeating this in total four times to complete the 21kms.

“The route was beautiful and very scenic with wonderful architecture. I really enjoyed going over the River Avon and seeing all the allotments.

“There were spectators cheering you on throughout the whole route, which was so supportive and kept you going.

“The energy was fantastic with many people offering sweets and even Super Mario power up signs to high-five, which were great fun to keep spirits running high.

“It was lovely to see others come together to support many meaningful charities, especially the fire fighters in full gear and even a hockey player in a goalie kit. That's got to be hard.

“I'd like to thank Katie from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire for coming to cheer for myself and Maya.

“Also a special thanks to my partner William and my sons Cooper and Malachy  supporting me throughout all of my training and being there for me on the day.

“The last kilometre had a brutal hill climb in it, just before reaching a lovely straight stretch back into the beautiful Royal Victoria Park to a buzzing finishing line, full of smiling, proud runners celebrating by collecting their medals and finisher tees.

“Well done to all participating and to the crowds and bands for keeping us motivated. I only wanted to run a half marathon once to tick it off my achievements list, but the Bath Half left me feeling I would consider doing it again, so a big well done to all that helped host and support this event.

“A massive thank you also to all that sponsored me towards my chosen charity - to help support and raise awareness of Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire relocating, so the charity can help many more in need of valuable crisis support and advice at their drop in sessions.

“You never know who is discretely seeking help, it could be yourself, someone in your family or your best friend, for this reason I feel it's so important to help this charity and its volunteers continue their hard work within our community.”

Maya, 25, an Adviser at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire who lives in Frenchay, completed the run in 1hr 55mins.

Gazette Series: Maya Prowse-Hall from Frenchay also ran the race for the Yate-based charity

She said: “I can confidently say that I felt incredibly uncomfortable the entire way. Normally I really enjoy most of a run - especially event runs - but Sunday was one of those days where I felt incapable.

“The atmosphere was incredible - it really does spur you on. I think that the unsung heroes of races are the people that hand out sweets  - life savers.

“Bath is such a beautiful city to run through as well, especially on a day as lovely as Sunday - crisp air and bright blue skies.

“I would do it again - but I would do more training!”

Katie Collier is Individual Giving Fundraiser at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, who organised Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s involvement in the run.

She was there at the event to cheer on Krystal and Maya. She said: “The atmosphere was quite calm but busy.

“People were lining the tiny streets of Bath to get round the course and spectators lined the grassy banks to watch the runners in three start times at Royal Avenue.

“The runners snaked down the hill to cross the start line and the crowds were really encouraging.

“The streets were lined with spectators all hooting and cheering away.

"Each of the runners had their first names on their race numbers so we could all cheer for each one individually. Such an incredible achievement!

"We are so grateful to both Krystal and Maya for training hard and raising sponsorship for us, and I'm personally proud of them for all their hard work.

“Not many people realise we're a small, independent charity so their efforts go a long way.

“If anyone is interested in running for us in the future, please get in touch - we hope to be at the Great Bristol Run and the Bath Half next year."

Anyone in South Gloucestershire seeking free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can call 0808 278 7947.

The charity’s opening times and contact details are available at: www.southgloscab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/