What is this, then? The Under the Bridge Challenge is a six hour challenge, where you run as many 5km laps as you can within a 6 hour window. You can run as many or as few as you like, all participants get a result and a medal, and if you run further than 42.2km within the cutoff, you can count it as a marathon! In fact, we’re trying to get a short loop measured so that you can run a proper 42,195m marathon, if you so wish.
When is this happening? Watch this space. We hope to announce new dates for this event soon.
What’s in it for me? Apart from the joy of completing a marathon, you mean? You will receive each day…
- A flat course, off-road but on well-surfaced paths;
- a custom finisher’s medal;
- a feeding station every 3 miles, approximately, with water and nibbles, cola, crisps, nuts, cake and more – including Darren’s wife’s now-famous brownie, much of which will be vegan, for all our plant-based friends;
- If the budget will allow, we’d hope to be able to provide a goody bag, but as this is a pilot event this year, we’re going for a no-frills approach.
How do I get there? The Humber Bridge Park in Barton upon Humber, located at the side of the river and at the foot of the Humber Bridge. There will be plenty of parking available. Barton has a railway station, although no trains will arrive in time for the race start on Sunday.
When do I get my race number? You’ll pick this up on race day morning from the race HQ by the start.
Are there time limits? It is a 6 hour challenge, you must begin your final lap before 3pm, but you will be permitted to complete this lap. Times will be taken from a massed start at 9am, but if you wish to start later than this you may, although your time will be based on the race clock. As this is a timed challenge, there’s no opportunity for an earlier start, I’m afraid.
Do you have secure baggage facilities? No. However, the start/finish area will be manned permanently from the start of the race to the arrival of the final runner. The car park is also very close to the course, so you might prefer to keep your kit there, especially if it is wet.
What’s the running surface like? Surfaced public footpath alongside the river. It’s as flat as can be and the surface is good.
Is the course traffic-free? Yes, although please note that you will be sharing the path with other people, dog-walkers, cyclists, hikers etc.
Will there be feeding stations? Once every lap you will return to base, where there will be water, cola, squash and other goodies for all runners. This event is cupless, please bring your own drinking vessel.
Are there any facilities at the start/finish area? There’s somewhere to store your bags, and some first aiders. There’s a little cafe just yards away for after the event, and there’ll be toilets.
Are there any toilet or drink facilities on the route? Public toilets will be available at the start/finish area, and therefore every 5km or so. Please don’t irrigate the grass or bushes on the course, or they won’t invite me back.
Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course? Yes. Though please be aware that the we share the path with others, so there might be the odd child on a bike, family group walking a dog etc and we’d ask you to pay attention to hazards.
Are these events official? Yes. They are held under ARC Rules. Permits from the Association of Running Clubs will be available for inspection if required. Full third party insurance is provide by the ARC, and full professional medical cover is provided by Singleton Event Services of Lincoln.
Most importantly we will seek to ensure that this event is recognised as an eligible event by the 100 Marathon Club.
Can I run with my dog? Yes the course is open to dogs. There will be other dog walkers out. Please clean up after your pet. The ARC permit requests that we see evidence of third party insurance for the dog.
Is this a commercial marathon? No. We’re putting this event on out of the kindness of our hearts. Any surplus after costs will go into upgrading the running experience or refreshment station, and if there’s anything left, extra mementoes. If there should still be anything left, the few pennies will go to good causes. Leftover food and drink are donated to the local foodbank the day after the event, except for leftover squash which goes to the oncology unit at Castle Hill.
Hopefully our philosophy is straightforward and our aims are clear. Below, we should be able to answer any questions you have about our event. However, if you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Ready to enter? Watch this space…