One Hull-timate time was had by all this weekend

Over 2000+ participants took part in water and flood themed obstacles from swimming in Princes Quay, Tarzan Swings around the tidal barrier, crawling through water pipes and over sandbags to the Humbergeddon Water Slide outside Hull Minster.

Reactions were amazing with even one child saying it was “the best day of my life!”

Teams from ABP, Wyke College, Gemma’s Angels and Hull University to name but a few tackled the exhilarating course all with smiles on their faces and determination to complete.

The race and fair were the brainchild of the Living with Water partnership, comprising of Yorkshire Water, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Environment Agency.

Living with Water aims to raise awareness about flooding in and around Hull and East Riding and putting on both a fair and obstacle course gave every generation a chance to enjoy.

The younger participants had the chance to complete a 1km course in Queens Gardens along with design a rain gardens and even a Living with Water Mascot.

Race Director and former SAS soldier Rob Edmond of Urban Attack, said “Although it was a challenge to put such a mammoth event through the streets of Hull, the reaction and friendliness of the city made it a pleasure to create.”

Thanks go out to all sponsors, supporters and of course the wonderful City of Culture Volunteers, who were on hand to direct, assist and cheer on the runners throughout the day. Some even found the time to race.

Lee Pitcher, Head of Resilience for Yorkshire Water and General Manager for Living with Water, said: “We are thrilled to have hosted this event, and pleased to see so many families, teams and supporters get behind it. There is a real spirit of making a difference in Hull and this is the start of something very exciting for the Team at Living with Water, who will work hard to continue the legacy of flood awareness for years to come”

Hull and flooding

Hull’s level of flood risk is second only to London. In 2007 more than 11,000 residents and 1,300 businesses were affected. Although significant progress has been made the risk remains high. Flood protection and resilience is therefore important to anyone living and working in the area.

Since the 2007 floods the partners have made significant investment in Hull and Haltemprice to improve flood resilience. In September 2017 they met with local organisations, business and charities to develop a future vision for Hull and Haltemprice, as thriving communities Living with Water, which would support a step change in progress towards their mission:

Working together on flood risk management the Living with Water Partnership will become an international exemplar for living in harmony with water, supporting the area on its journey to become destination city, adapted to climate change, with a 21st century economy.

One of the key steps towards this was a successful application to be part of a global resilience study. Hull was selected, as one of only five cities, to take part in a project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, to help develop a global framework for water resilience. They have been selected alongside Amman (Jordan), Cape Town (South Africa), Mexico City and Greater Miami and the Beaches (United States).

For further information contact:
Lynnsey Pilmer,
Communications and Engagement Lead,
Living with Water
Lynnsey.pilmer@yorkshirewater.co.uk
07791 817731