There is no better feeling than when a detailed plan really comes together well.

This time last week we were reflecting on the fact that after a lot of hard work in a space of just a few days, we were able to see a fantastic open-top bus ride for Bath's golden girl, Amy Williams, around the town centre.

It took a perhaps surprisingly large amount of work for it to happen – but it was all well worth it as the event slid along as smoothly as Amy in Vancouver.

To organise that trip only took about a week – but the organisation of Sunday's magnificent Bath Half Marathon began almost the minute the 2009 one finished.

And the results of that effort were there for all to see.

We have been inundated this week with comments from people – including many of our own staff members who took part or watched – saying what a tremendous event this was.

The sun came out and so did the runners and spectators and they all collectively enjoyed an event that must rank as one of the most successful in the half marathon's history.

The beauty of this event is that not only did it provide a healthy boost for those who took part but it will also give a very healthy boost to charities big and small throughout Bath, the UK and indeed the world.

For some people running the event is the main achievement in itself but for the vast majority their aim is not just to help their own fitness but to help their chosen charity. As such, all manner of different organisations will have benefited hugely as a result of Sunday.

It would take too long to thank and praise everyone who made the Bath Half Marathon such a success but as you can see on the facing page, the race director, Andrew Taylor, has done his best to salute as many people as possible.

The one person he couldn't praise, however, is the one that we can – Mr Taylor himself.

His leadership, enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism are one of the major reasons why the Bath Half Marathon remains a genuine source of pride in Bath.