Round The Bridges

The city has many bridges. This is due to the large river that runs up the center of our city. Obviously, we have to cross over the river if we want to get to the 'other side'. There are only 5 bridges in this city crossing the river.

Doesn't sound like a lot to some of you, but in a town of a population of only 180,000, whilst we have some traffic jams at home time, it clears very quickly.

One main thing that is done each year is a run/walk around some of the bridges. You can do a 6km course that goes across one bridge, down to the next and then back across to the start line or you can do a 12km course, which follows the same line as the 6km but instead of crossing back over the next bridge, you continue to the next one south, and then cross over and come back up to the start line, but via a slightly long incline hill!

I have done this event a couple of times now in the years that I have lived here. I have done the 6km twice and the 12km once before back in 2017 in a time of 1hr 40 mins

This year, it was a pleasure to do the 12km again, and in the company of my running club (even though I am a walker)

There were 7000 participants across the two courses. The sun was shining bright with blue sky the whole day. There was music around the course at different locations entertaining us as we passed and so many high vis vested marshals that allowed no one to get lost or in danger whilst walking on the road.

A bridge that you do not get to usually walk down the middle of the road. It is usually very busy with traffic.

And then a dip into a tree lined path that gives us some much needed shade.

Finally over half way, always a great feeling when you know you have less to go that you have already done!

Encouragement along the way, even if it is just counting down the kms

Hot and happy

In a time of 1 hr 50 mins (just 10 mins slower than 8 years ago) I finished and achieved a great event. It was so nice to finish and mingle with friends from my walking/running community and offer and receive praise for all that we committed to and achieved.

Next year, I think I will offer my services as a volunteer, they are always looking for hands to help. I like helping to keep events running so others can achieve them.