The Hell on the Humber endurance race is unlike any other. Participants run laps of the Humber Bridge, covering 2 miles out and 2 miles back, for up to 36 hours. Whether you choose to run for 6, 12, 24, or 36 hours, the goal is to complete as many laps as possible within your time frame.

At first glance, running continuous laps of the bridge might sound monotonous, but this race tests your mental strength and endurance in unique ways.

Hell on the Humber: Pre-Race Preparations

Finding race details online can be a bit tricky. While the Hell on the Humber Facebook group provides information, not everyone uses Facebook. For evening races, timing your meals is key. A pasta dinner around 4 pm proved to be ideal fuel before tackling the course.

The Route: A Simple Yet Challenging Course

The race route is straightforward but effective. A cone marks the start line, turnaround point, and finish line. After each lap, runners log their race number at the check-in tent.

A well-stocked snack table featuring sausage rolls, crisps, and Haribo adds comfort to the experience. While many come to push their distance limits, others, like myself, focus on staying on their feet for the entire 6 hours.

As the laps pile up, the physical challenge is met with increasing mental toughness. The repetitive nature of the route can make each lap feel longer than the last, testing your endurance not just physically, but mentally. With each pass of the Humber Bridge, the mental battle intensifies, making this race as much about resilience as it is about running.

 

Hell on the Humber Race Experience: Night Running and Mental Endurance

Running at night adds a whole new dimension to the Hell on the Humber experience. As temperatures cool and the daylight fades, each lap brings a fresh challenge. The incline at both ends of the bridge tests your strength, growing steeper with every lap.

Even though earphones are not allowed, the encouragement and support among runners makes the event more enjoyable. Whether you’re pushing for the 6-hour goal or aiming for the 24-hour mark, the journey is as much about mental toughness as physical endurance.

Post-race

Crossing the finish line after 6 hours, I walked away with a t-shirt, medal, and the satisfaction of knowing I’d taken part in something truly unique. For those looking to test their limits, Hell on the Humber is the perfect race to challenge both your endurance and mindset.

*Apologies for the bad-quality photos in this post – it was the middle of the night. 

Key Race Information:

  • Water stations: Bring your own cup for tea/coffee.
  • Parking: Yes, but the car park closes at 9.30pm.

You can find out more about the race here