From Happyland to Harry Ramsden's!

Bournemouth Bay Run – it was fun in the sun

The sun shone, the warm-up was dynamic and the runners did their thing at a well-supported AXA Health Bournemouth Bay Run on Sunday (3rd April).

Bournemouth Bay Run comprises a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K Kids Fun Run in a busy programme on Bournemouth seafront, with the dramatic backdrop of Bournemouth's Victorian pier, miles of golden sand, and superb sea views.

A total of 2,000 contested the three competitive events, with just under 1,000 opting for the 10K race. This started outside Happyland Amusements and took runners past Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium, up Gordon Steps zig-zag slope (ouch!) before passing Boscombe Pier on the return leg to finish just before the Harry Ramsden's chippy on Bournemouth Pier Approach. It's a spectacular route but hardly conducive to fast times!

Despite the challenging route, a dozen breached 40 minutes, led by Elliott Robinson (33:54), Thomas Corbin (34:08) and Luke Terry (35:15). The women's top three were Emily Hilliar (40:07), Louise Harris (42:26) and Sharon Stewart (43:10).

The half marathon featured an extended route, in the opposite direction initially, taking in the delights of Durley Chine, Middle Chine, and Alum Chine before heading out to Southbourne and picking up the 10K course to the finish.

The leading men were Rob McTaggart (1:13:02), M50 Lee Wilkins (1:15:32) and Andy Leggott (1:16:04) while the top females were Lauren Baker-Little (1:26:26), Diana Leggott (1:28:23) and Agnieszka Loeff (1:32:40) as 700 completed this one.

The 5K field of around 300 were spared the climbing with a fast, promenade course out to Boscombe Pier and beyond before retracing their steps to the finish. M40 Lee Thomas (17:42) and Esmee Hurst Atkins (19:36) set the pace at the front.

This increasingly popular event is supported by the British Heart Foundation as the official charity partner and Hot Radio as the media partner. And that dynamic warm-up was led by the team from BH Live Active (pictured below).

Bournemouth Bay warm up 2022