2,300 runners lined up on the start line on the closed motorway of the ‘old’ Severn Bridge, for the Severn Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday 30th August. The overcast conditions were perfect for running, with the rain holding off until most of the competitors had finished.

The race was won by Steve Way, breaking the course record in a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 40 seconds. Steve competed in the Commonwealth Games last year, making headlines for breaking a British over 40s record and finishing 10th in the marathon. Steve has an incredible back story. In 2007 he was a self-confessed ‘flat bloke’ who had a 20-a-day cigarette habit and was over 16 stone. However, he turned his life and health around when he took up running.

The first lady was Emma Wookey from Lliswerry Runners in an excellent time of 1 hour, 20 minutes, 2 seconds, beating her time from last year. She was second in the race last year.

Second man home was Paul Griffiths from Kent AC, with last year’s winner, Stephen Paterson from Les Croupiers Running Club taking third place. Second lady home was Sally Wilder of San Domenico with Nicola Gething close behind in third place. All the winners received cash prizes and beautiful hand crafted wooden trophies, featuring the bridge.

Many runners reported really enjoying the race, and appreciated the signs dotted around the course with comments to divert them from the pain of running, such as “You are not nearly there!”

The run started on the Chepstow end of the ‘old’ Severn Bridge on the closed M48 motorway, looped through villages in England before coming back over the bridge on the pedestrian access-way.

Race organiser Paul Dodd said “I am delighted with how well the event went. There has been a great deal of hard work put in by our superb marshals and helpers, from Chepstow Harriers, and our charity partners, St. David’s Hospice Care and Great Western Air Ambulance. Tesco also gave amazing support by providing all the goody bags. Basepoint sponsored the event, and Up and Running provided the prizes. We are indebted to all of them because without them the event simply could not have taken place, and they have truly made it the success it is. It is also extremely heartening to see the runners achieving their aims, whether that’s just to get round, to break their personal best time or win the race.”