Everyone else has written brilliant posts on the Race Support Forum but here is version 4 and I’ve put it on the Bridge Forum to give those on the journey to 10k an inkling of the excitement of a 10k race!
I have been wanting to do the Severn Bridge 10k for years, having read many race reports by cheekychipmunks on the HU forum . Well this year the stars aligned and UpTheStanley and I entered as soon as we could. Hotel room booked and then waited for the big day. Then Katnap and TailChaser jumped in to join in the Half Marathon , and booked into the same hotel. We had another friendly meet up to look forward to.
Cheeky had kindly collected our race numbers on Saturday and handed them out when we met in a village pub that evening, so when she picked us up at 7.00 on Sunday we were all ready to go.
There was a sharp intake of breath as we approached the Severn Bridge as the signs started saying “Bridge Closed” earlier than expected! Brave Cheeky kept going and we got to the bridge before they completely closed the access with cones. Phew!
We parked in an industrial estate and walked up a hill to a green park. Great music, plenty of portaloos, and an air of anticipation. We briefly met Week7 while I was going through pre-race and baggage drop faffage. Then we were called up a steep bank to the now deserted motorway. Climbing over the crash barrier was not easy for us shorter of leg! I probably ran the whole race with a mucky bum as I had to swing my legs over while sitting on the top.
I said I’d start running with Cheeky as I wasn’t sure how I’d get on, having not run 10k since June for various reasons. We were off and after stepping on the startlng pads, it became more spacious and we were able to run at our own pace, rather than be dragged along at everyone else’s. There is a gradual climb on the bridge, and you could see for miles on either side. Cyclists on the other carriageway cheered us on and we chatted to a Welsh runner who had started C25K before having a kidney transplant this year. She was doing brilliantly and I found out when I came across her later she was now training to work in a transplant department.
I was a bit dubious when I found out we weren’t allowed headphones on the race (even bone conduction) but I think runners were more interactive as a result. Some people played music loudly on their phone but most enjoyed the experience of running on a quiet motorway above the River Severn. The bridge flattened and after about 3k we started going down the other side and I picked up speed , stepping ahead of Cheeky. I saw UTS running in the opposite direction and we waved, and then came across Cheeky again as I doubled back towards the midway water station near the closed motorway services. The marshals were all enthusiastic and supportive. It was then a climb up to the bridge again, I walked a short distance while drinking my water and then dropped the bottle into the last bin as we couldn’t take them on the bridge. The return run was along the closed shared cycle/pedestrian path and I started seeing the HM runners coming along the carriageway. Loud cheers and waving to Katnap and TailChaser. I started overtaking others and came across mothers and daughters, club runners and couples running hand in hand. We then started going down the slope back in Wales and I made the most of running down a steep slope to the underpass. But what goes down must go up and I decided it was quicker and easier to walk up the final uphill (so cruel) than run it. As I got towards the top I started running again and I was sprinting through the funnel with UTS cheering me on, along with all the other supporters, until I reached the finish line. Beautiful medal, bottle of water, banana and a goody bag. And a finish time of 1.16:39, which I was delighted with, considering the lack of training. UTS had run in as 2nd in his age group at 53:11.
All I can say is this race was everything we hoped for and we were so lucky to have perfect running conditions. Cloudy, 14C and a light westerly. The sun came out later which was great for us finishers but probably not so welcome for those on the HM, but then a passing shower while we were in a coffee queue which they probably enjoyed.
After showering and changing at our hotel we then moved on to Mr and Mrs C’s for Sunday roast and apple pie, and meet her lovely family. A great end to a wonderful day
We’ve stayed on to enjoy exploring Bristol for a few days.
Bridge to 10k app.wanted advice
My Bridge journey
