Over 1000 runners contested the recent Humber Bridge Half Marathon, including a willing band of a dozen Viking Striders who mostly struggled to cope with high temperatures and a far from easy course. The race starts on the Hull side of the bridge, then goes across to Barton for a circuit which accounts for most of the 13.1 miles, including a hill at 9 miles which seems to go on for ever, before going back across the bridge to finish in the Bridge car Park.

Giles Harris led the Striders in with an excellent personal best in 26^th place. Andy Masterman wasn’t far behind in 34^th, but it was another Masterman Masterclass from his wife Julie which really caught the eye. First in her age group, 7^th lady overall, and yet another massive personal best, once again confirmed her status as the Striders’ fastest rising star. And the bad news for the other Striders’ ladies? Julie’s getting better all the time.

Striders’ times: Giles Harris 84.49, Andy Masterman 87.11, Simon Griffin (injured) 90.54, Julie Masterman 96.01, Nigel Warner 98.14, Ray Smith 100.55, Kev Sipling 103.27, Keith Wilson 107.55, Mark Thompson (also injured) 111.00, Patsy Fenelon 112.41, Alison Hoggarth 116.01, Greg Hipkiss 140.35.