Sidmouth Runners take on Dartmoor Vale

In a weekend of glorious running weather there were some impressive performances from Sidmouth Runners. Danny Painter completed his second marathon in a week in Snowdonia, whilst closer to home SRC members competed in the 13th Dartmoor Vale races. Starting and finishing at East Gold Works in Newton Abbot runners had the option of a marathon, a half marathon or a 10kilometre race. David Wright and Jane Hemsworth from Sidmouth Running Club took part in the marathon and half marathon distances, and David was joined by Jessica Raynor and husband Simon in the Marathon.

Experienced competitor Jessica Raynor ran an impressive race, coming in as second fastest woman and 16th overall in 3h 23m 56s . Husband Simon completed the course in 5h 25m 49s.

Meanwhile, SRC stalwart, Jane Hemsworth, continuing her return to competition after some time off running, delivered a fantastic 3rd in age group in the half marathon, completing in just under 2 hours.

But for David this was his first marathon and he admitted that he had felt apprehensive before the race. ‘Although I completed the Grizzly last year I had never run over 20 miles before. Fortunately I picked up many words of wisdom from experienced runners at Sidmouth Running Club. This ranged from simple encouragement (I was promised a personal best in my first marathon!) to how much porridge to eat on the morning of race day.’

David embarked on the 26.2 mile course with 113 other runners intent on completing a double loop race out on the roads of the Teign Valley to Chudleigh and back down leafy country lanes. The course is relatively flat but has quite a hill at mile 6 which is repeated at mile 18.
David set off at a steady pace, allowing himself to complete his first marathon in 4hr 44m 46s, feeling pleased with his result and contemplating the next long distance event. ‘I’m going to concentrate on Sidmouth Running Club events next, I’m looking forward to The Four Trigs in February. In the meantime I’m really pleased with my first marathon. I don’t think I would have been able to complete 26.2 miles without the support of the Club – I would urge anyone to join, it does make a tremendous difference’.