STRATFORD Athletic Club’s Emma Bexson clocked a superb time of 1:34:16 to finish second in her age category – just 90 seconds behind the category winner – at the popular Severn Bridge Half Marathon.
Bexson was the sixth woman to finish and placed 122nd overall at the event, which starts on the Western (Chepstow) end of the Severn Bridge on the motorway itself and, after crossing the bridge and back, finishes at the event headquarters below J2 of the M48.
The route suits both first-timers and experienced club runners and provides something a bit different from the average city half-marathon. Runners experience stunning views, sea air, scenic country lanes and villages, plus the opportunity to participate in a unique running event on a closed motorway and across the iconic Severn Bridge.
Bexson’s Stratford AC team-mate Emily Adams found the course both brutal and undulating with a hugely challenging hill at 6.5 miles but she did find the scenery spectacular.
Her aim was just to finish. She had done no specific training and was a last-minute entry, so decided to take it steady to ensure she completed the course.
The race was won by Robert Mann in 1:10:45. Natasha Cockran was the top woman, placing ninth overall in 1:19:10.
