Bridlington Half Marathon
Report by Kim Brown
Two members competed in the Bridlington Half Marathon today – Gary Wilks and Kim Brown.
A race by the coast always attracts my attention and the Bridlington Half Marathon fell perfectly for me personally with it being two weeks before the Langdale Marathon which I have been training for the last sixteen weeks.
The weather was perfect for running today – six degrees, sunny and a light breeze. The start of the race is on the newish, attractive promenade at the north end of Bridlington. We set off in a north easterly direction towards Flamborough village. In simple terms, the first seven miles follow a slightly uphill course with the second half of the course being slightly downhill (of course, you say)! and back to the finish.
The on-route support was certainly minimal with just the odd person leaning over a gate and giving us a bit of a clap, but the plentiful marshals certainly gave plenty of support! The route is virtually all on public roads which are not closed on race day, so plenty of cars flying by are to be expected! After climbing up through Flamborough and Bempton villages, the first proper downhill section is reached which is most enjoyable!
Once Bridlington is reached at about the ten mile point, there is a brief but pleasant detour through the grounds of the impressive Sewerby Hall before the tough section (into the ever present westerley wind) along the cliff tops and along the promenade to the finish. The support along the final half a mile is fantastic with lots of supporting families and friends.
Prizes are generously awarded to the first seven runners and in the usual veterans categories. Every runner got a nice medal too.
For a race starting and finishing in Bridlington, there is hardly any coastal running to be had unfortunately, so sea views are minimal, but as a day out with the family and a race to enjoy too, as well as generous prizes, I can certainly recommend the Bridlington Half Marathon.
Kim Brown finished 3rd overall in a time of 79.40 with Gary Wilks finishing in 118th position in a time of 1.44.45.