More than 1,000 runners enjoyed the unique experience of running nearly 50 metres above the River Severn estuary – taking their running to a whole new level – in the 10th annual Severn Bridge Half Marathon and 10K on Sunday 27 August 2023.

This unique race requires the full closure of the M48 Severn Bridge for several hours on the August Bank Holiday weekend and this huge logistical exercise is carried out with minimal fuss by Severn Bridge 10K & Half Marathon Ltd.

The 10K was the most popular event with 668 classified finishers in 1:42:01. More than 300 beat the hour and the top three men were Matthew Rees (Swansea Harriers, 33:49), Arron Kearney (Bideford AAC, 34:19) and Marcus Bennetto (Forest of Dean AC, 35:16) – with Wales winning the battle in the race from Wales to England and back!

Lucy Williamson (Ilkley Harriers, 38:42) took the top prize in the women's race from W55 Niki Morgan (Chepstow Harriers, 40:41) and W50 Nicola Jukes (Parc Bryn Bach RC, 41:27). The team prizes went to Bennetto's Forest of Dean AC and Jukes' Parc Bryn Bach RC.

The half marathon requires two out-and-back 'laps' of the famous suspension bridge that connects England and Wales, plus a start loop of just over a kilometre, and is quite a challenge with the deceptive climbs involved.

The champion this year was Glen Stallard (unattached, 1:12:00) who we first discovered as the winner of the East Peckham 10K in Kent earlier this month – runABC South report here. Sam Richards (Pontypridd Roadents AC, 1:13:22) and Callum Moore (Great Western Runners, 1:13:51 PB) were the closest opposition.

The first two women were among the 46 athletes inside 90 minutes. W40 Clare Patterson (Parc Bryn Bach RC, 1:27:06) and Kelly Dicks (Great Western Runners, 1:28:45) were joined by W45 Sarah Bell (Chepstow Harriers, 1:32:30) on the winner's rostrum.

There were 462 finishers in less than three hours. Great Western Runners beat Chepstow Harriers in both men's and women's team competitions.

Previous results and race reports at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy Severn Bridge 10K and Half Marathon on Facebook