FKT: Dirk Schlueter - London Bridges 50k (United Kingdom) - 2023-05-27

I had been eyeing this one for a while (I sometimes enjoy running a “bridges slalom” in central London) and saw Julien’s run back in March. I decided to give this a go at short notice - would have liked to start earlier but the earliest train got me to Hampton Court after 7am. The forecast was for a warm and sunny day - I don’t do particularly well in the sun, so decided to start faster than my target pace before the sun was too high - and also since the first half is more runnable, with longer gaps between the bridges and less traffic on the paths - I was expecting to slow down for the second half. Having said that, I am not a huge fan of the terrain between Richmond and Putney - repeated sections of stony tow path / loose gravel (esp on the southern river bank), but fortunately some relief on paved sections on the northern side.

I ran unsupported, taking Maurten 320 CAF (had about 400ml of it), one SiS gel, one caffeine bullet and water (no affiliation with any of these brands), all of which I had carried with me. I fuelled well for the first half, but my stomach wasn’t keen on more from halfway (a common problem in the heat for me). Unsurprisingly, I ended up bonking somewhat from 35km onwards.

I had slightly better conditions than Julien in March (no rowing regetta spectators and crews on the path today!) and there were no major diversions, but the pavement was crowded especially around Battersea (lots of visitors heading to Chelsea Flower Show) and throughout central London - and it was hot in the sun.

A faster/fitter marathoner will easily slice more time off this. My watch came up a bit short on 50K - but I did start and finish at the ‘official’ points (outside Hampton Court Station and outside City Hall / at the foot of Tower Bridge) and cross all 26 bridges. I suspect the route will become a bit shorter over time (esp once construction work is finished around Chelsea Creek, there may be a slightly more direct route), and maybe you can also cut a little distance just before Tower Bridge by running along the river (if you don’t mind the cobblestones outside the Tower). Be prepared for a lot of stairs, especially in the second half - if you don’t want to push for an FKT, I would recommend running a longer route with step-free access to the bridges (from roads rather than the river promenade).

Overall, a great route celebrating the river Thames, its bridges and plenty of London sights!