Humber Bridge Half Marathon takes new direction

After a 2 year gap due to we all know what, the iconic Humber Bridge Half Marathon & Fun Run are back on Sunday 26 June.

Starting in Hessle and crossing the bridge out and back with a loop of Barton upon Humber and the infamous cardiac hill in between, organisers are excited to see the event return.

First, run in 1999, the Rotary Club of Hull have brought the event to life in the 20 plus years since, with a continued growth which even included crossing on the road deck. This year sees the event move to a new event lead, with LKR Events fronting the race that’s seen in the region of £1,000,000 raised for a range of charities. Omnis Highway Solutions of Scunthorpe will also be supporting the event.

John Curry, who has been the organising team chair from The Rotary Club of Hull, add ‘having been unable to stage the event in the last two years, due to Covid 19, and the only feasible option to stage an event in June this year was for the rights to the event to be transferred to another event provider. The decision was also made to guarantee the longevity of this local annual event.’

One of the top races across the UK

The half marathon has previously been voted as one of the top events in the UK and has become a big draw for runners on a course which includes the iconic Humber Bridge. The communities of Hessle and Barton-on-Humber have always given their enthusiastic support on the day.

LKR Events director, Lucas Meagor, has been involved in the event organising team since 2012 and took on Race Director at the 2019 race. He had previously run the course 6 times since moving to the area in 2007 when it was his first race in Yorkshire. ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity being involved in this prestigious event has given me and am grateful to the Rotary Club of Hull and particularly John & Margaret Curry, for their support and now trust to take the event forward’. We also look forward to partnering with Omnis Highway Solutions to ensure the continuation of the race.

John Curry added ‘ The Rotary Club of Hull firmly believes that LKR Events share the same principles in staging the event in the future and wish Lucas Meagor and colleagues every success.’ LKR Events will continue to keep charity fundraising as a core of the event and have confirmed that 5 local charities will be partners this year, alongside Rotary charities continuing to benefit. Dove House Hospice, P.A.U.L for Brain, Downright Special, Hull Animal Welfare Trust and HER Breast Friends will be looking for runners to help boost their fundraising.

The Rotary Club of Hull would like to thank their event partners who have supported them over many years, the Rotary Club of Barton-on-Humber and the HEY Smile Foundation. Also the Humber Bridge Board, management and staff for all their assistance. In meeting essential costs, sponsorship has been vital, and the Club wishes to thank all sponsors who have been generous in so many ways, plus all the event service providers. It goes without saying that organising an event of this magnitude is not achieved without a multitude of volunteers.

This year’s event is now open for entries and alongside the Half Marathon, a 3km fun run will also take place for all ages. Half Marathon runners need to be 17 or over on event day. Callum Elson has won the last 3 races but has yet to confirm if he’ll be back from his sports scholarship in the USA to defend his title. Local runner, Naomi Bright of the City of Hull AC, is the defending lady.

Due to the ongoing covid testing site at the Humber Bridge car park, this year’s race HQ and finish will be in the grounds of Hessle High School and see a changed loop around Hessle at the start.

And if you can’t run, you’d be welcome to volunteer.