Back in June we reported that the Humber Bridge Half Marathon was to be postponed 16 weeks to an autumn race date (25 September) meaning it would coincide with the Hull Marathon scheduled to take place on the same day. In a further blow to runners in the area, it has recently been announced that the marathon will no longer be open to solo entrants.

Event director, Lucas, commented: "We have worked hard to retain a marathon for the city and have been determined to deliver it. We appreciate those who have trained towards the event and the disappointment this will cause at this stage. However it has become unviable to do so with infrastructure challenges causing increasing costs and availability of personnel to deliver a safe event.

"I had hoped we would see the usual late surge of entries but this has not occurred. Additionally, we have struggled to bring in the volunteer numbers needed and cannot justify the expense of employed personnel to deliver the marathon course."

In brighter news, the four-person marathon relay will be moved to the Humber Half Marathon course with two runners joining the mass start and passing on to a team mate at the changeover point in Barton upon Humber near the 6 mile point.

There is still time to enter the half marathon, which is set against the magnificent Humber Bridge, formerly the longest single span bridge in the world. Starting in Hessle, the route takes runners over the bridge, around scenic Barton and surrounding countryside.

In 2019 the half marathon attracted runners from all over the UK and abroad including Switzerland, Poland and Holland. The event is voluntarily organised by by the Rotary Club of Hull and since the beginning it has generated over £750,000 for charities and good causes.

You can find out more and enter the Humber Bridge Half here.

Image: Humber Bridge Half