
Last weekend marked the culmination of my ‘long’ Sunday runs with a 13-mile session on my training plan. I couldn’t bear the thought of running the same 3-mile loop repeatedly for another week, so I decided to find a half marathon to enter. With a quick online search, I stumbled upon the Bridlington Half Marathon – combining a race with a day at the seaside is hard to resist. Plus, the Yorkshire Coast is famous for its spectacular views and, of course, the best fish and chips!
Before the Race: Stormy Conditions and Nerves
The lead-up to race day wasn’t smooth sailing. Blustery winds and torrential rain greeted us in Bridlington, where we huddled under ponchos at the Leisure Centre wondering if the race might be canceled. Thankfully, at 10 am, we were herded outside, and with the whistle’s blow, we were off!

The Bridlington Half Marathon Course: Seafront, Hills, and Open Roads
The Bridlington Half Marathon kicks off on the picturesque seafront, winding through quaint villages like Sewerby, Flamborough, and Bempton. The start was tough due to puddles and rain, but the skies cleared around mile 4. We had to keep to the left of open roads (where the puddles were!) to avoid passing cars, making the first few miles a challenge.
Despite the rainy start, I loved the scenic course, with Yorkshire’s countryside and seafront views. While the support was limited, the marshals were so energetic, keeping our spirits high.
The Bridlington Half Marathon course is described as ‘undulating,’ but after weeks of training, it felt more hilly to me! The toughest part? Running back out to Sewerby and Sewerby Hall Gardens with the rain starting up again. But as I hit the final stretch along the seafront, I found a burst of energy. My last mile was my fastest at 7:36, spurred on by the thought of dry clothes and fish and chips!
Post-Race: PB Glory and Seaside Celebrations
Despite looking like I’d just emerged from the sea, I crossed the finish line with a shiny new PB: 1:56:14! The harsh conditions somehow gave me that extra push, and I was thrilled with my time. Plus, the Bridlington Half Marathon medal, which doubles as a bottle opener, is a fun keepsake! Huge thank you to Bridlington Road Runners for a fantastic event, even in tough weather.
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Race Breakdown
Entry Cost: £20.00 affiliated, £22.00 unaffiliated
Water stations: 3 – cups
Parking: Plenty, but you do have to pay.
Photos: No official ones
Baggage Facilities: None
Post Race Goodies: Medal
Highlight: Well organised, good course.
Low point: I should say the bad weather – but it kept me going and earned me a PB