Blackpool illuminations run

[Pianism]

Well, tonight's run was sheer indulgence!

I've been wanting to run Blackpool sea front for ages and my friend happened to remind me that the lights are on at the moment. Then I was reading up that they were 10k long, and you know those round numbers are like red rag to a bull for runners!

Realised that tonight would be a very rare free evening where I haven't got to be up at the crack of dawn the next day. Plus the forecast was that the Fylde coast would be in a little dry spot between rainy days.

And so everything aligned for me to be at Bispham tram stop at 7.15pm tonight. The plan - tram to Starr Gate, run back, dinner at the Bispham Kitchen. Winner all round!

Definitely not a PB... in fact a distinctly gentle bimble through the lights. But, oh my goodness, was it enjoyable! I have NEVER experienced the lights like I did running through them. All the sights and sounds and smells of Blackpool washing over me as I slipped through almost silent and invisible. Legs strong. Breathing never straying from my comfortable-pace 5/4 rhythm. Not a drop of rain (although apparently it did rain in Blackpool tonight... just not on me!).

And the fish and chips afterwards were divine!

I actually think that was the greatest experience of my life so far! I'm not exaggerating. I'm really quite emotional!

EDIT: ps - it's only 8.1k!

[Rogie55 Graduate]

I want to do that. I was thinking about a park run, but a run to see the lights perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Rogie55]

You're very welcome! It's a brilliant run if you can get decent weather!

[RunaroundSue]

Sounds like a good night for you. I have only seen the lights once - on a cold, wet and windy night. So you had much better weather

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

I was extremely lucky!

[Katnap Graduate]

It should be made a proper fixture. Much healthier than driving up and down!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Absolutely. It was quite quiet on the pavements too tonight so perfect running!

[Franglaise Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Just before the illuminations open there is a bike ride through them....very family orientated....but agree, a run should be a fixture too...would be fab

[Runningroni Graduate in reply to Katnap]

There are a couple of organised events to run the lights. They are usually at the start of illumination time. I prefer Ian's option.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Runningroni]

Especially fish and chips recovery food! 👍😁👍

[Runningroni Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Absolutely

[Buddy34 Graduate]

How lovely running under the lights it must have felt amazing. Well done you 😊😊 Great photo

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

It was proper amazing!

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Sounds fabulous. A memory made

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Absolutely. One to add to so many!

[Franglaise Graduate]

Loving this post for several reasons....that must be the best way to see the illuminations and can feel your joy from your post.

I could picture every step of your run.

It has made me,a little homesick though as where you were is 20mins from my uk home,and family....and boy have you made me crave fish and chips....well done on your different run.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Franglaise]

Thanks you - I do love thinking.up runs that have an additional meaning or element.

[Runningroni Graduate]

How good. I love the picture. You look great.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Runningroni]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Fish and chips my favourite !😋👍 Congrats on your run🏃‍♂️🤗🤗

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - they were delicious.

[Granspeed Graduate]

Fabulously vivid. What an experience. 💕🎉

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

It was amazing!

[Annieapple Graduate]

Wow! 😮 I feel emotional just reading it! Amazing experience 👍👏

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you

[Bluepup1 Graduate]

How fantastic! I could ‘feel’ the excitement & awe as I was reading about your adventure! I so wish I had somewhere like that to run - I have no doubt it’s as thrilling as you describe!

🤞🏻 you can experience it again 🤗 x

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Bluepup1]

I do hope so. There's nothing like a first time, though, is there?

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

What a brilliant post Pianism! I’ve always wanted to see the illuminations - even more so now!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Oh, run them! No other way to see them in my book!

[Tommyslowcoach]

I did my first 7.5K down the prom. It took it out of me but did it in under an hour. Well pleased

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Tommyslowcoach]

Well done! Speed doesn't matter a jot when you're upping your distance!

[Beansy24]

That was a really cool read! Sounds like a fantastic run. Well done to you. Savour that feeling of being alive!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Beansy24]

I've never felt more alive in all my life!

[Not60yet]

Wow,you’ve inspired me to think I should try to move up from 5 to 10k.I love Blackpool and this run sounds amazing.Is it the same sort of date every year?Ive got a year to graduate up to 10k.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Not60yet]

I think they run from August to November every year. Of course, in August you have to go late in the evening because it's still light late. Last night they switched on at 7.30pm which made for 8.30pm chips - perfect!

[XT31]

Awesome! So happy it was perfect for you. Very inspiring 👍

[Pianism Graduate in reply to XT31]

Thank you

[Run46 Graduate]

Brilliant, so good that when you finally found the time it was everything you expected and more, fab 😀🏃‍♂️👏

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Run46]

It was most definitely worth the effort.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Oh wow, I'd love to do that. Maybe it can go on next year's to do list. It sounds terrific. Great idea, well done. Did you eat 3 less chips to make up for the fact it wasn't a full 10km?

[Pianism Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Haha, no I ate all the chips and bread and butter as well!

[Dexy5 Graduate]

That sounds brilliant Pianism. I’ve never seen the lights but I’ve always imagined it would be really busy when they are on.

Fish & chips after a run - perfect 👌

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

They are one of a kind and, yes, it can be really busy. Fortunately a week night where the weather is a bit touxh and go proved perfect for running through.

[Cantstopmenow Graduate]

Fabulous. What a great experience. I've not been to the lights for years. You do some really interesting runs. I live in the north west and must start taking an interest in local events.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Cantstopmenow]

I do try to make runs a really big part of my life and so make an effort to run in places that mean something to me. It's a way of motivating myself to keep going and not lapse back to the couch (there's one in the house somewhere but I've forgotten where!!).

[Cantstopmenow Graduate in reply to Pianism]

😂😂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Lovely! Sounds like a great experience and nice to just run

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Loved it!

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

That sounds quality mate, 🏃‍♂️ on Blackpool prom, Illuminations on and then fish & chips afterwards 👍👍

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Dalmorangie]

I just want to do it again now!

[Ssasqueen]

Wow - awesome- I want to run the lights too now AND as luck would have it ran 8k for the first time last week. I’m feeling a half term trip to Blackpool. Which way did you run? I’m thinking of starting in Bispham and running to Stargate as I think, please correct me if I’m wrong, that way will be downhill/flat... I’d go the other way and end at the Bispham Chippy but the hill at the end might finish me off!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Ssasqueen]

I parked at Bispham, got the tram to Starr Gate and ran back. I didn't even notice the hill until I was driving back! Haha