Bridging communities, forming connections - my 55th and final parkrun of the year Severn Bridge parkrun #293 - 27/12/25
- aqasanu
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
We set out from Bath, in England, the sky holding a soft pink hue, promising a beautiful day ahead. I was excited, anticipating completing my 55th and last parkrun of the year. This event would take me to another country and the promise of something unique. An event that takes place on the iconic Severn Bridge, starting in Wales taking us into England and then back to Wales. One event, two countries. Hello Severn Bridge parkrun.
The Severn Bridge opened by Queen Elizabeth II in September 1966, is an elegant suspension design with towering masts. It was built to enhance transport links between England and Wales to stimulate economic development in both countries. Severn Bridge parkrun started in September 2018.
It felt fitting that my final parkrun of the year would take place on such a significant landmark, a celebration of not just movement but deeper togetherness and awe. Today’s Run Director, Corinna, one of the 39 volunteers, welcomed us to the event. She addressed everyone in both English and Welsh, highlighting the significance of the bilingual culture in this region. The ideas of identity are wonderfully explored in the BBC series Union - the making of Britain, presented by the historian David Olusoga. It explores the history of Britain, forged from the Nations of Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its diverse identities, and the project to create an identity that both celebrates and transcends borders.
Today, all 424 of us were parkruners. We left the tunnel, walking 200m up a tree-lined path to the bridge. The event takes place on the left side of the bridge, with traffic coming towards us, but of course separated by the suspension design. The wind was strong, I didn’t hear the start, but with people accelerating in front of me, I pressed start on my Garmin watch and leapt forward to join them.
The run had a gradual gradient, and with the crosswind, I was buffeted about; however, I felt determined and dug in. Running is an opportunity to battle inner demons and howl into the wind (well, it is for me). The wind was both brutal and exhilarating, and of course, the breathtaking views. The beauty of the river and the surrounding landscapes offering a serene backdrop, contrasting with the tumultuous year of marches and protests. At 2.5k there’s a turnaround point sending us back to Wales, the striking silhouette of the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains came into view, majestic sights. I embraced the grandeur of the bridge and the scenery, and, gritting my teeth, pushed on for my fastest 5k of the year.
The final 200m of the run is downhill with a short sharp rise, and as I approached the tunnel, I was cheered in by lots of cheerers and volunteers. After getting scanned, I joined the ‘cheering squad’. Amongst their number were Nigel, the South East Wales Regional Ambassador, and Lisa the Event Support Ambassador in South East Wales. Of course, their support isn’t limited to events in Wales, and I learned they were at the inaugural event for Brickfields parkrun, which I’d been at on Christmas Day: different countries, but parkrun togetherness.
This has been a phenomenal parkrun year. I completed the Southwark Slam, retained my LonDone status, joined the 500 club and picked up two new flags—all whilst meeting great people and making incredible memories.
This event encapsulated everything I wanted to take into the New Year, a reminder that, even in challenging times, the bridges we build together can lead to brighter pathways ahead.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. May it be filled with running, walking, and volunteering opportunities, whether at your home event or touring in the UK or abroad.
You can read about how parkrun was created by the founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, a care leaver, in his book ‘One Small Step’ The Definitive Account of how a run became a Global Movement by clicking here.
What a way to end your Parkrun year. It was a pleasure to do this with you. ParkWalking amongst and mostly behind runners, creates a need for me to pull harder on my own motivations to ensure I complete and try to improve. No idea what 26 holds but your Parkrun posts will always keep me motivated. Thank you.
Well done team! Sounds like a hard run.
What a memorable year!! Looking forward to reading about your 2026 adventures.