Race date Sunday 7th October 2018. Report by Philip Swirles

I decided to take the opportunity to coincide the Bridlington Half Marathon on the 7^th October with our annual weekend family break.

First held in 1983, by Bridlington Road Runners. The course which starts on the main promenade, takes you out of Brid, through Flamborough and then out to Bempton. From here you run back towards Bridlington, before taking a (touch demoralising) turn away heading towards Sewerby (sure many of you know the Parkrun!). Finally you run through the park and back along the costal path to the sea-front finish at the prom. There was also a fun run which started 15 mins after the half.

On the day the weather was good, with the sun out, but a touch of sea breeze kept you cool enough. The route was beautiful, especially on the descent back into Bridlington. Spoke to a couple of runners who complained about the ‘hills’, they aren’t the Sheffield variety though! There was good support along the route and despite the roads not all being closed it was well managed by the friendly and supportive marshals! There were excellent facilities in the leisure centre for changing/showers/lockers and toilets.

The winner was Michael Dowson, from Scarborough Athletic Club, who completed the course in 1:18:18. First lady was Carla Stansfield from City of Hull in 1:21:57.

Although, probably for the first time, I did not see any other Striders on the day, Scott and Joanne Graham also appear on the results who yield from our great club – well done to you both. NIDD Valley runners (Harrogate) had a group shot, looking out over the beach/sea, one of them had inscribed ‘NIDD AT BRID’ in the sand. Maybe a future Strider challenge to show what a real assemble look like!

On a personal level I finished 136 out of 412 runners with a new PB of 1.46.21, which is a 5 min improvement and full testament to being a member of the Striders and the support you provide (especially running up Cobnar on a Wednesday night with Graves!).

Would thoroughly recommend this race to anyone looking for a Half Marathon around this time of the year and prefers a smaller local type race.

Striders’ results: