Otterton Reindeer Run is a Family Affair
Last Saturday saw more than 450 runners gather in Otterton for the village’s annual charity Reindeer Run. Runners aged from three to 73 donned festive outfits and set out from the churchyard for some seasonal outdoor fun. The 3k fun run is a family favourite for younger runners whilst the 10k multi terrain run takes in the stunning scenery of the Otter Valley including some tricky hills and beautiful banks of the River Otter.
Further photos can be found at http://www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk/2017/12/05/reindeer-run-2/
This event has been going for just over 10 years and is a popular start to the festive season for local runners. 19 seniors and 4 juniors from the Sidmouth Running Club dusted off their antlers and got their bells jingling in a good humoured race round the valley.
Father and daughter duo David and Katie Wright were all smiles as they ran the 10k together, while Janice and Alecia Ranson had excellent runs in the 10k and 3k respectively. Grandmother and Sidmouth Running Club stalwart, Sarah Watkins couldn’t have looked happier completing the fun run with her grandchildren Zach and India Raynor.
Meanwhile an epic ‘catch the twin’ pursuit was underway as Debbie Marriott and Cathy Keast set their sights on njppy duo Christine and Karen Farnham. All four charged home in well under the hour with Deb first lady home from Sidmouth Running Club knocking nearly seven minutes off her 2016 time. ’The photos look like I was strolling along, but I remember it being much pacier than that’ grinned jubilant Deb.
The Reindeer Run is the principle fundraising event for the local school, Otterton Church of England School and is supported by local businesses with many volunteers acting as race marshalls and serving post race food and drink to muddy runners. The run raised around £3,000 for school projects.
All runners enjoyed the atmosphere as they finished on the village green and were rewarded with commemorative mugs and mulled wine in the village hall.
Sidmouth Running Club welcomes new members and is currently finalising details of its Beginners Course which will start in the New Year. www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk
Reindeer results:
Ladies: Deb Marriott 55:46 22nd o/all, Christine Farnham 56:09, Cathy Keast 56:11, Karen Farnham 56:12, Jane Hemsworth 56:17, Janice Ranson 58:59, Jo Earlam 1:01:02, Freddie the dog same time first dog to finish, Katie Wright (Junior)1:07:09, Els Laureys 1:10:33.
135 women finished.
Men: Danny Painter 44:27 27th o/all, John Keast 47:25, Alan Colwell 49:55, Rocker Shepard 53:42, Simon Hollyer 54:32, Don Cawthera 57:45, Jon Ball 57:48,Terry Bewes 59:47, Paul Wright 1:02:44, David Wright 1:07:11, John Sharples 1:08:5.
92 men finished
Fun Run: Alecia Ranson 19:06 10th o/all, Zach Raynor 28:29, India Raynor 30:17