Last weekend, I had the pleasure of running the East Yorkshire’s largest half marathon – the Humber Bridge Half Marathon. This wasn’t my first time; in fact, it was my third, but it felt like a totally new experience. After spending the past 11 weeks recovering from injury, I found myself standing at the start line feeling completely unprepared. My training had been limited, consisting mostly of gym workouts and short recovery runs, so this race wasn’t about beating personal records. Instead, my goal was simple: enjoy the event, soak in the atmosphere, and assess where my fitness stood after injury.
The Humber Bridge Half is known for its tough route, including some challenging hills and the infamous Cardiac Hill, a grueling 1-mile climb at mile 9. It’s definitely not the easiest course out there, but if you’re looking to test your endurance and push your limits, this race will deliver. It’s also a beautiful route, offering panoramic views over the Humber Estuary as you run across the iconic bridge – the highlight of the course for me.
Pre-Race Preparations
The race starts at The Humber Bridge Country Park in Hessle, which is a really accessible location for most participants. There’s ample parking nearby, so I didn’t have to worry about finding a spot, and everything was well signposted, which is always a relief. If you’re new to the area or feeling unsure, you can’t go wrong by just following the other runners in their race gear!
One thing to keep in mind: the loos at the start line had a bit of a queue, though it wasn’t unbearable. A quick tip – if you don’t want to deal with the not-so-pleasant smell, maybe bring some tissues or wet wipes! It’s all part of the race-day experience, right?
Just before 9 am, we were directed to the start area, and while there were no specific time zones or pens, the event was really well-organised. I actually liked the relaxed vibe of it – no stress about positioning yourself, just runners coming together for a great race. The Humber Fun Run kicked off shortly after our start, offering a 2.5-mile route for those not quite ready for the half marathon but still wanting to join in the action.
Humber Half marathon – The Route
One of the main draws of the Humber Bridge Half is its unique route. The race begins and ends at the country park, taking runners over the Humber Bridge – one of the longest suspension bridges in the world – and into Barton on Humber before looping back. Running over the bridge is hands-down the best part of the race for me. The views are stunning, and even though I was battling with the heat and hills, the sense of achievement as you cross the bridge is unforgettable.
Starting at 9 am was ideal because it meant we avoided the worst of the heat. If you’re someone who struggles in warmer weather, you’ll definitely appreciate the earlier start. That said, there’s no escaping the hills. From Cardiac Hill to the smaller inclines, it’s a race that will test your legs and lungs. But honestly? That challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding.
The Challenge of Running Without Headphones
Headphones are banned, as some sections of the route aren’t fully closed to traffic. Initially, I was a little disappointed by this, as I rely on music or podcasts during tough races. However, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Running without headphones gave me the chance to chat with other runners and really engage with the race atmosphere.
I was a bit surprised by how many runners ignored the no-headphones rule, but it didn’t detract from my experience. I actually spent much of the race chatting with fellow runners, and we motivated each other to keep going through the tougher sections of the course.
Staying Cool on a Warm Day
Despite the early start, it was still a hot day, so I took the race at a steady pace. Heat can be a real challenge, especially on hilly routes, so I made sure to stop at every water station. Pro tip: Don’t try to run while drinking from a cup. I always end up spilling water everywhere, so I took my time, walked through the stations, and rehydrated properly. This made a huge difference in my ability to stay cool and keep going.
Another highlight was the support from the local community. People lined the streets with garden sprinklers, cooling down the runners as we passed. At mile 9, there was even a sponge station, which felt like heaven. I crossed the finish line soaked but grateful for all the ways I managed to stay cool throughout the race.
Post-Race Thoughts: Crossing the Finish Line
I finished the race in 2:10:53 according to my official chip time – not my fastest, but considering my injury and lack of training, I was thrilled with the result. If I’d remembered to bring my watch and a gel for mid-race energy, I might have pushed a bit harder, but overall, I was just happy to have completed the race.
At the finish line, there were no goody bags, which I actually appreciated because it cut down on unnecessary plastic. Instead, every finisher received a medal and a t-shirt, which are perfect mementos of the day. The volunteers were fantastic as always, cheering us on and making sure everyone felt celebrated as they crossed the line.
One small request for next year – a Mars bar instead of a banana at the end would be perfect! After a race like that, I was craving something a little more indulgent to celebrate.
Would I Run the Humber Bridge Half Marathon Again?
Absolutely. The Humber Bridge Half Marathon is a well-organised race that’s perfect for both experienced runners and those looking to push themselves. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply want to enjoy a beautiful course, this event delivers. I’ll definitely be back next year, and I’d encourage any runner to give it a go – just be prepared for those hills!
