Two thousand runners lined up on the Severn Bridge last Sunday (24th August) to take part in the inaugural Severn Bridge half marathon, organised by Rogueruns. A perfect day dawned for the runners, who set off at 9am on the closed M48 carriageway. It is the first time the bridge has been closed for a running event since it opened in 1966. Having crossed over the bridge, the runners headed out towards Thornbury on the closed B4461, before doing a loop around scenic country lanes taking in villages such as Kington and Elberton, before returning on the pedestrian access-way of the bridge, back to Chepstow and the event headquarters. Runners coming through the finish line looked by turns elated and exhausted, and certainly satisfied with completing a historic first-ever running race across the bridge. There were many marshals and helpers both out on the course, and back at the event village. There were also many spectators cheering on the runners from the pedestrian access-way. Each runner received a locally made ceramic medal, a memento technical T-shirt, and a goody bag containing drinks and snacks, very generously donated by Tesco. The event village had a real buzz with upbeat music to inspire the runners. Redbull provided drinks to fuel the runners, sports massage was available to limber the runners up, and give post-race easing of tired muscles. There were many catering vans, home-made cakes, and an Event Headquarters' marquee where the prize giving was held, and results displayed. First man home was Stephen Paterson of Les Croupiers Running Club in a time of one hour, 14 minutes and 26 seconds. Second home was James Bellward of Rafaa in 1:14:42, and third was Steve Davies from Belgrave Harriers in 1:15:07. The first lady was Kath Matthews of Chepstow Harriers in 1:21:00, second lady Emma Wookey was hard on her heels in a time of 1:21.13, and 3rd lady was Catherine Lee of Westbury in 1:23:00. Cash prizes were awarded to the first five men and first five women, with the first man and first woman each receiving £150. The veteran and team prizes were generously donated by Up and Running. Race directors Paul Dodd and Andy Creber were very pleased with how the event went. Andy said: "Paul and I have been planning this event for over a year, and it is very satisfying to hear so many positive comments. "It is the first time we have organised an event on this scale. It has been stressful at times, but the ultimate reward is for us to hear such positive feedback. "We are extremely grateful to all the runners that entered, many having raised hundreds for charity, and we are especially thankful to our many helpers, marshals and sponsors, without which the event simply could not take place. "The support from Chepstow Harriers in particular has been overwhelming." Basepoint were the Severn Bridge Half Marathon's main sponsor, and the organisers are enormously grateful for their logistical and financial support. Worldwide trekking holiday company Mountain Kingdoms also sponsored the event. St David's Foundation and Barnardo's were the event's two official charities and runners raised thousands of pounds for these, and many other charities.