This is a press release from Hull Marathon.
Art, Music and Culture will guide runners on their way through the 26.2 miles on 22 September, whether partaking in the Fun Run, Relays or full Marathon. Preceded by Race Registration and Expo on Saturday 21 it promises to be a fantastic weekend.
Runners to take to the streets with Humber Bridge start.
On Sunday up to 2,000 runners will take part in the 5th Hull Marathon & Relays and Fun Run when the new look route starts in the spectacular backdrop of the Humber Bridge with a new first for the bridge – a race which starts on the road deck.
Many runners will be raising thousands of pounds for various charities as they take to what could be their 1st, 100th (Guy Gibson from East Hull) or, in the case of Steve Edwards, his 883rd marathon. Alongside those running the full 26.2 miles will be over 270 teams in the 2 and 4 person relays offering the option to run half marathon each or distance between 5.3 and 7.9 miles in the 4 person team. And for those who find that too much, the fun run gives them the chance to still be involved with a 3km loop around East Park, where the marathon finishes.
Guest speakers.
Before race day runner’s will collect their race numbers and have a chance to hear from guest speakers at Malet Lambert School on James Reckitt Avenue between 10am and 5pm with other activities also taking place including local artist, Peter Naylor, painting a new piece of art as a “Marathon tube map”. Guest speakers include double Paralympic gold medallists sprinter, Libby Clegg, who is an ambassador for one of the supported charities, Guide Dogs. Ben Dave, who ran a lap of Yorkshire in 2018 and is a CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, ambassador will be on stage late morning. CALM are also a partner charity/ Ben is preceded by local runner and the oldest marathon runner this year at 85, Bob Thomson. Bob will also be race starter on the Humber Bridge on Sunday. They are followed by Jack Bristow, an LGBT in sport advocate who had a rule change about the use of the rainbow flag made in by the World Triathlon governing body.
Dove House, P.A.U.L for Brain and Nurture s Child are the three other charity partners, all of whom will have cheer points on route as well as a presence over the weekend.
Maritime theme.
This year’s new look route, which after a 4 mile loop out and back on the bridge deck, takes in Hessle, Pickering, Peter Pan and West Park, the Costello stadium, Albert Docks, passes the Arctic Corsair and Spurn light Ship, new features with Boulevard fountain and The Blade at Siemens along with The Three Ships Mural in the city centre, has a maritime theme with art work made of recycled rubbish, also on route. The Three Ships Mural will play a central part to the event being at the heart of the city as runner’s will discovered on Sunday.
The relay change over points will be in Pickering Park, Goulton Street just before entering Albert Docks and at Siemens on Earles Road. The Fun Run starts at 10:30am in East Park, enabling all ages to get involved in some way.
Volunteers.
The event would not happen without the support of over 500 volunteers across the route helping marshalling, hand out drinks, man relay points, oversee shuttle bus changes and help set up the event. Katie Atkins, Volunteer Coordinator, added “Runners really appreciate the commitment and support from our volunteers along the route”
Musicians.
As well as art and volunteers along the route, a record number of live music acts will feature with over 20 acts as well as other entertainment, along the route including a performance at Stage@thedock and All Gone South making a third year’s appearance at the finish line. BBC Radio Humberside will be commentating throughout the day with live broadcast links.
The route has been amended for 2019 to still offer a great cultural tour of Hessle and Kingston upon Hull whilst also minimising the impact on the city roads. Race Director, Lucas Meagor, adds “We are grateful to the residents of the city and Hessle for their support and planning around the road closures necessary to ensure a safe passage for the runners. Lucas added “It’s been important to ensure the event retains a Hullcentric feel and showcase the city while meeting the needs of its residents. I believe this change gives the runners a fantastic experience whilst retaining the many highlights included showcasing Hull as the UK City of Culture. The route offers runner’s a great chance for fast times and gives spectators great viewing opportunities, particularly for those final two miles within East Park.”
This race would not be able to happen without the ongoing co-operation of the many landowners and authorities who permit access for the route as well as Brainworks and Eon Visual Media’s sponsorship support.
For full details of the event programme, road closures and timings of where to watch when check out https://www.hullmarathon.co.uk/.
ENDS
CONTACTS
Lucas Meagor (pronounced Mayger)
Race Director
Email: media@hullmarathon.co.uk
Tel: 07850 453780